SPAR UK’s donation transforms lives in South Africa

SPAR UK today (17) shared the impact of its donation of over £30,000 that it made to It Belongs To Me, an organisation empowering vulnerable women, men, and children in Rustenburg, South Africa.

This contribution, alongside donations of books, toys, stationery, and toiletries, has enabled the organisation to deliver life-changing programmes and projects in its community.

The partnership began at the 2024 SPAR national conference in Sun City, where attendees were inspired by Khumo Phalatse, founder of It Belongs To Me NPC, and her story of resilience, determination, and passion for creating opportunities in her community.

Since its inception over a decade ago, the organisation has been dedicated to addressing challenges such as period poverty, HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and educational inequality.

SPAR UK’s donation has helped It Belongs To Me NPC by renovating a previously modest facility into a vibrant hub for learning and community engagement; creating a new library which now provides educational materials and career workshops and serving as a beacon of opportunity for local youth and women; and supporting volunteers who have undergone training in counselling and youth development, ensuring the organisation has the skilled support needed to sustain its programmes.

Khumo Phalatse, founder of It Belongs To Me, said, “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 now 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 that will last – a place that inspires and empowers those who need it most.”

The donation has also funded impactful programmes, including a career awareness campaign that introduces young learners to diverse career paths, 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, and a clothing drive providing essentials to families in need.

These initiatives have brought hope, education, and healing to the community, reinforcing It Belongs To Me NPC’s mission to uplift and empower.

Dominic Hall, Chair of the National Guild of SPAR, adds, “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 and for supporting It Belongs To Me.”