SPAR UK’s donation transforms lives in South Africa
SPAR UK is proud to highlight the incredible impact of its £30,000 donation to It Belongs To Me NPC, an organisation dedicated to empowering vulnerable women, men, and children in Rustenburg, South Africa.
Alongside financial support, SPAR UK also donated books, toys, stationery, and toiletries—resources that have helped the organisation deliver life-changing programmes in its community.
The partnership was sparked at the 2024 SPAR National Conference in Sun City, where attendees were inspired by It Belongs To Me NPC founder Khumo Phalatse. Her story of resilience, determination, and passion for creating opportunities in her community resonated deeply, leading to this impactful collaboration.
Since its inception over a decade ago, It Belongs To Me NPC has tackled major social challenges, including period poverty, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and educational inequality.
SPAR UK’s donation has played a pivotal role in:
- Transforming a modest facility into a vibrant hub for learning and community engagement.
- Establishing a new library, providing educational materials and career workshops to inspire local youth and women.
- Training volunteers in counselling and youth development, ensuring sustainable support for the organisation’s vital programmes.
Khumo Phalatse, Founder of It Belongs To Me NPC, expressed her gratitude: “This donation has transformed not just our centre, but the lives of so many in our community. What began as a small spark of hope has grown into a vibrant space of safety, learning, and healing. Thanks to everyone who attended the SPAR UK conference in Sun City, we have created something lasting—a place that inspires and empowers those who need it most.”
The funding has also supported impactful initiatives, including:
- A career awareness campaign introducing young learners to diverse career opportunities.
- A Women’s Day event focused on empowerment and healing.
- An anti-bullying and substance abuse campaign for primary school students.
- Social media safety workshops for high school learners.
- A clothing drive providing essentials to families in need.
These initiatives have brought hope, education, and healing to the Rustenburg community, reinforcing It Belongs To Me NPC’s mission to uplift and empower.
Dominic Hall, Chair of the National Guild of SPAR, said: “At SPAR, we believe in making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve, both at home and abroad. Supporting It Belongs To Me NPC has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and we are inspired by Khumo’s dedication and resilience. This partnership highlights the power of collective effort and the profound impact it can have. Thank you to everyone who attended the SPAR 2024 National Conference in Sun City for supporting this life-changing cause.”
Through this partnership, SPAR UK has demonstrated its commitment to creating positive change, proving that corporate support can have a lasting impact far beyond borders.
