Projests – Thintane Foundation

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Road Show:

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound and unforeseen impact globally, with many nations facing limitations in their ability to adequately provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to all citizens, particularly in non-urban and underserved areas. In light of this, we undertook a collaborative initiative to complement governmental efforts by distributing PPE to Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDs) through a nationwide outreach programme across all nine provinces. This intervention facilitated the safe reopening of these centres in full compliance with regulatory requirements. We were honoured to collaborate with eSimphiwe Childhood Development Centre on this important endeavour and are sincerely grateful for their confidence in our ability to establish meaningful partnerships that advance the collective well-being and long-term development of our nation.

Winter Uniform Distribution:

The proverb "It takes a village to raise a child" has never been more evident than through the implementation of this project. In partnership with the All Saints Anglican Church, we successfully distributed over 5,000 winter school uniforms to underprivileged children across the country. Uniforms remain one of the most significant challenges for many learners, often resulting in feelings
of exclusion when they are unable to match the appearance of their peers. Team TF is committed to addressing such disparities, and we were honoured to collaborate with the All Saints Anglican Church in this important initiative. The uniforms were warmly received and delivered to the respective schools, with the support of school principals and School Governing Bodies (SGBs), who played a vital role in identifying deserving learners to benefit from this
contribution.

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Workshops:

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the global prevalence of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is estimated at approximately 1.5%. Alarmingly, South Africa reports the highest prevalence rate globally, with an average of 6%, and rates reaching as high as 28% in certain communities. This troubling condition occurs when alcohol consumed by a pregnant woman crosses the placenta, effectively poisoning the unborn child and causing irreversible damage to the brain, organs, and nervous system, among other
effects.

In response to this critical public health issue, we were privileged to partner with Heineken SA to implement FASD awareness programmes across multiple provinces. These initiatives aimed to educate and empower communities through the provision of information sessions, capacity-building workshops, training, and open dialogues. The programme engaged a diverse group of stakeholders, including tavern owners, healthcare professionals, social workers, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), and women within affected communities, thereby fostering a comprehensive understanding of FASD and its far-reaching consequences.

The workshop roadshow commenced with two sessions in the Amajuba District of KwaZulu-Natal, followed by four additional sessions in the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces. These activities were launched shortly after the conclusion of the 9-9-9 Campaign in September, further reinforcing our commitment to raising awareness and promoting preventative action around FASD in South Africa.

Drink Responsibly:

We had the privilege of contributing to a Drink Responsibly campaign focused on promoting safe and responsible driving behaviour, with a particular emphasis on directly engaging both drivers and passengers. Under the theme “Remember Your Loved Ones, Drink Responsibly – Don’t Make Me an Orphan, Don’t Drink and Drive,” the campaign called on individuals to pledge and accept accountability for their own safety and that of others on the road.
The initiative was strategically implemented at petrol stations, enabling direct community engagement at points of transit. We are sincerely grateful for the meaningful and effective partnerships formed with Heineken Beverages and Engen Kranskop, whose collaboration was instrumental in the success of this impactful campaign.

Drink Responsibly Workshops:

The Drink Responsibly initiative, implemented in partnership with Pernod
Ricard SA, focused on engaging and training Traditional Leaders (TL) on the
principles of responsible alcohol use and the risks associated with excessive
consumption. This collaboration was significantly enhanced by the use of
Pernod Ricard SA’s training manual, which was thoughtfully translated into the local languages of each participating region and enriched with communityspecific perspectives on alcohol safety.

The programme addressed critical issues, including the socio-economic
consequences of irresponsible alcohol consumption particularly those
exacerbated during the COVID-19 lockdown periods. Its primary objective was to equip Traditional Leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to
effectively address alcohol-related challenges and procedures within their
communities, with the broader goal of cultivating alcohol-literate and resilient populations.

This initiative clearly demonstrated the importance of sustained investment in social and behavioural change programmes. We are proud to contribute
meaningfully to initiatives that aim to improve

ChommY: ChommY (9-13 years old) and YOLO (14-24 years old) a social and behavioural change programme.

In the first quarter of 2021, the Thintane Foundation was introduced to the
ChommY and YOLO programmes during the early phases of the COVID-19
lockdown. ChommY, launched in 2020 as a complementary initiative to the
Department of Social Development’s YOLO programme, focuses on younger
children, while YOLO is designed to engage older adolescents and young
adults. Through our participation in both initiatives, we gained valuable
insights into their respective objectives, methodologies, and the broader vision
of empowering youth through social and behavioural development.

As part of the ChommY programme, we had the privilege of participating in
indigenous games such as diketo, ungusha, morabaraba, and hopscotch.

Each of these traditional games serves as a medium for imparting essential
life values to children, making the learning experience both enjoyable and
meaningful. This exposure to culturally rooted, play-based learning left a
lasting impact on our organisation and inspired a deeper commitment to
initiatives that merge education with life skills development.

Our enthusiasm for ChommY further manifested in our active participation at
the events, where we contributed by distributing educational resources such
as toys, journals, water bottles, and books. The programme’s guiding motto,
“Invest in my Future…Protect me Today,” resonates deeply with our mission.
The Thintane Foundation remains dedicated to supporting social, behavioural,
and structural prevention strategies that address the factors making youth
vulnerable to the HIV and AIDS pandemic.

Traditional Leaders Equipment Handover:

The handover of equipment for Traditional Leaders (TL), generously
sponsored by Pernod Ricard SA, was successfully conducted at the Royal House of iNkhosi Mkhatshwa of the Mawewe Traditional Council in Mgobodzi Village, Mpumalanga. This event marked a significant milestone in our ongoing partnership aimed at fostering responsible drinking and supporting community development through collaborative efforts with Amakhosi across various districts. The purpose of the handover was to formally deliver essential
equipment such as chairs, sound systems, tents, and tables intended to support Traditional Leaders in convening community dialogues and implementing local initiatives. This contribution is expected to significantly enhance their capacity to address critical social issues, particularly those related to alcohol abuse and the promotion of responsible drinking practices
within their communities.

Non-Perishable Food Packs Distribution

In response to rising food insecurity and the ongoing socio-economic
challenges faced by vulnerable communities, the Thintane Foundation in
partnership with Heineken Beverages launched a non-perishable food
distribution initiative aimed at providing immediate relief to households in
need. One of the primary distribution points for this initiative was a local
orphanage, where essential food items were provided to ensure the well-being
and nourishment of the young people in residence. The distributed food
parcels included long-lasting staples, enjoyable treats and other nutritional essentials. The initiative aimed to offer sustainable support to the orphanage
while alleviating the strain on limited resources during challenging socioeconomic
conditions.

Men’s Lounges:

The Men’s Lounge Initiative is a structured, community-based programme designed to create a safe, inclusive, and reflective space for men and boys to engage in open dialogue around critical social issues affecting their lives. Led by the Thintane Foundation in partnership with Heineken Beverages, this initiative seeks to challenge harmful norms, promote emotional well-being, and foster a culture of accountability, empathy, and positive masculinity.

Held in accessible community venues, the Men’s Lounge sessions bring together diverse groups of men to discuss topics such as gender-based violence and femicide, mental health, fatherhood, substance and alcohol abuse, HIV/AIDS care and support, family restoration, and healthy relationships but to mention a few. These conversations are guided in a respectful and non-judgmental environment, encouraging self-reflection, mutual learning, and behavioural change.

The initiative not only empowers men to become agents of change within their families and communities but also contributes to the broader efforts of addressing gender inequality and strengthening social cohesion. Through consistent engagement and community partnerships, the Men’s Lounge initiative is building a foundation for more responsible, self-aware, and supportive male leadership across generations.

Access to clean water:

Access to clean and reliable water remains a significant challenge for many rural and semi-rural communities across South Africa. In response to this
pressing need, the Thintane Foundation, in partnership with Heineken
Beverages, implemented a groundwater development project at the Maseke
Administration Hall, situated within the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality in
Limpopo Province.

This borehole initiative was designed to address the immediate scarcity of
water in the area while contributing to long-term community resilience. By
providing a sustainable source of clean water, the project supports improvedhealth outcomes, enhanced sanitation, and greater local capacity to manage water resources effectively. The intervention exemplifies a shared commitment to sustainable development and community upliftment. It stands as a testament to the positive outcomes that can be achieved through collaboration
between the private sector and grassroots organisations, demonstrating how
strategic partnerships can drive meaningful and lasting social impact.

Thintane Foundation

Projects Summary