Charity literally begins at home

The old adage ‘charity begins at home’ is something that Angela Buthelezi took to heart and put into action.

ADB Obscura’s Barter for Better campaign is about helping the community. Credit: Ntsako Khosa

Her company, ADB Obscura, hosted a ‘Barter for Better’ charity event outside the Pimville, Grace Bible Church Community Gym

“We are allowing people to bring cars for washing in return for donating food and clothes,” says Buthelezi. People who will be donating will be free to nominate families that they think are deserving of the goods.

The event was birthed after she realised that big companies only target orphanages. “I’m a girl from the neighbourhood and I’ve seen that poor people aren’t only found in orphanages. They are also in the community. So we’re reaching out to them,” she explains.

Buthelezi believes that you’re not a business if you don’t have a community behind you.

“For you to have a community behind you, you must give out to the community to show that they are part of your company, they are what builds and succeeds your company because if they don’t succeed you don’t succeed. Giving back to the community is the way,” she reiterates.

Stalls advertising their companies and selling their products were present to show support. “We decided to come through as vendors after Buthelezi told us about it,” says Zama Nyaose from ZMT. They were selling fashion items for men and women as well as food hampers.

Cars being washed to raise funds for Pimville residents. Credit: Ntsako Khosa

“It’s a very good initiative. This goes beyond clothing and food. It is also an expression of love towards other people. Recipients won’t receive the clothes as material things, they’ll receive the love, and it brings hope to their lives. It’s also a fulfilment of scripture, to love your neighbour as yourself or to love one another. Its part of expressing love,” says ZMT partner, Ntebaleng Malope.

Buthelezi describes this time of the season as a family season, a season of giving, a season of having fun and enjoying ourselves. “How about this happens for everyone?” she asks.