This year, one of our proudest milestones has been the construction of a brand-new kitchen at Celani Primary School in Hazyview.

This project forms part of The Star Foundation’s five-year In-School Breakfast Programme in partnership with the 

 an ongoing campaign dedicated to improving nutrition, focus, and opportunity for learners across Mpumalanga.

The completed kitchen has created a safer, more efficient space for daily meal preparation — with a tiled interior, solid roofing, modern electrical fittings, and dedicated areas for cooking, cleaning, and storage.

Each morning, the kitchen comes alive with purpose, where breakfast is made with care and pride. For many learners, their first meal provides the support they need to begin each day with energy and focus.

Since the programme began in 2022, it has reached over 7,700 learners across eight primary schools in the Ehlanzeni District, serving more than 2.4 million meals to date.

New Kitchen, New Beginnings

Some days sparkle a little brighter and Tuesday, 30 September was one of them.

At the Conservatory in Rosebank, Market Day brought together three incredible organizations 

 for a celebration of creativity, courage, and community. The building buzzed with music, laughter, and the unmistakable energy of people doing what they love.

From the first dance steps and songs by Sally's workshop performers to a moving poetry reading, it was clear this day was something special. 

“From handwoven bags and original artwork to potted succulents, fresh vegetables, and sizzling hotdogs, every product reflected skill and pride. Through these micro-enterprises, Sally's workshop beneficiaries earn an income helping sustain the programme and support its daily operations. 

Little Eden and Bethany Home added their own magic, offering everything from homegrown pecan nuts to handmade laptop bags, salt scrubs. A reflection of the creativity and diversity of their beneficiaries.

Market Day gave participants the chance to put their skills into action selling their creations, building confidence, and gaining real-world experience in entrepreneurship. These Mico-enterprises will continue to grow beyond the day itself, marking a powerful beginning for sustainable opportunity. 

Stay tuned throughout November as we share more about each of these incredible organizations and the inspiring work they do.

At the Conservatory

R100,000 donation gives 14-year-old Felicity a chance at a pain-free, independent future

 contributed R100,000 towards the surgery of 14-year-old Felicity Ncube, who has been diagnosed with severe scoliosis – a painful curvature of the spine that threatens her mobility and independence.

Felicity’s journey is one of remarkable courage. Born without arms or legs and abandoned shortly after birth, she was taken in by 

, a place of safety and love for abandoned children. Despite her challenges, Felicity has learned to move around independently, hopping and using her wheelchair to navigate life with determination and joy.

Now facing a new obstacle, Felicity requires urgent spinal surgery to relieve pain and prevent her condition from worsening. Thanks to the generosity of compassionate doctors and medical professionals offering their services 

, and the support of caring partners, she will soon undergo a procedure that will transform her quality of life.

She dreams of becoming a motivational speaker one day, using her story to inspire others to rise above hardship and embrace hope. Her courage reminds us all that strength is not defined by circumstance, but by spirit.

Because every story of hope deserves a helping hand.

Empowering Felicity

 — a thrilling competition that gave fans the chance to win R1 million in cash every weekday, all while supporting a cause close to our hearts: helping children start their school day with a nutritious meal.

This was our final competition for the year, and thanks to the generosity and excitement of everyone who took part, it ended on a truly high note — raising an incredible R951,750 for the 

Tiger Brands Foundation’s In-School Breakfast Programme.

 in Saulsville, Pretoria, providing nutritious breakfasts for 1,561 learners every school day for an entire year.

For many children, this breakfast is more than just a meal it’s a foundation for success.

By removing one of the biggest barriers to education — hunger — we’re empowering the next generation, helping to unlock potential and open doors to opportunity.

To everyone who played, listened, shared, and supported #WozaWin, T

you. 💛
You’ve helped turn a radio competition into a movement for good one that nourishes young minds and strengthens communities.

Woza Win Wrap-Up

Emergency Surgery Project Delivers Life-Changing Care at Groote Schuur Hospital

 has made remarkable strides in delivering emergency orthopaedic surgeries to trauma patients who would otherwise face long delays.

 project set out to deliver 70 additional emergency theatre lists over 12 months. With R1.8 million in funding from LottoStar to the 

, the project is on track to support 60 lists.

From June to September, 16 emergency theatre lists were completed, resulting in 53 patients receiving surgery—exceeding the estimated average of three patients per list. A total of 56 procedures were performed, including multi-stage operations for 12 patients. The most common surgeries involved ankle and upper-limb fracture fixations, reflecting the high incidence of trauma-related injuries.

Despite scheduling and staffing constraints during the winter months, the surgical team is actively trailing additional weekend lists and doubling up weekly sessions to close the gap and accelerate delivery.

The patients treated during this period came from a wide range of communities across Cape Town – highlighting the importance of ensuring equal access to emergency care for all. 

“The Emergency Surgery lists have made a massive difference to our waiting times for orthopaedic trauma cases. We manage to process an additional 3+ patients every week thanks to the additional weekly list.” — 

Maritz Laubscher, Associate Professor, Trauma Limb Reconstruction

This initiative has not only helped more patients get the surgeries they need, but it’s also reduced waiting times and allowed the hospital to treat more trauma cases each week—transforming lives through timely care.

We are proud to partner with Groote Schuur Hospital and look forward to seeing the full impact of this project unfold in the months ahead.

Groote Schuur

Celebrating National Disability Month with the voices of three remarkable young people who remind us that courage isn’t about what holds us back it’s about how we move forward.

“It’s not our disabilities, but our abilities that count.” — 

 Nashe, Gerhardus, and Zaarah share the journeys of their year so far and how, through our campaign with 

, they’ve been able to achieve more than they ever imagined.

This year has been filled with excitement and self-discovery for 

. In her first term, she played netball and athletics and even tried long jump — eager to challenge herself to do something new. Her dedication paid off when she made her school’s first netball team, with the tour being one of her best memories. Away from the field, she’s happiest on the ice, teaching herself to skate and growing more confident each day.

“This year my goal was learning, asking people to teach me and being more social with others. I’m proud to say I’ve achieved my goals and I can’t wait to start high school and see what new adventures await me.”

 has spent his year focused on sport, determination, and chasing his dreams. Training with his school’s tennis A team is another step toward becoming a professional player. At his school’s 

 event, he shone in track and field, and outside of sport, he enjoys chess and keeps challenging himself to improve.

“Although I have a disability, I don’t feel like it,” he says. “I’m grateful for the chance to be a normal teenager and do everything with my friends and family.”

Starting Grade 8 was both exciting and nerve-wracking for 

, but she’s made new friends and earned third place in her class, an achievement that gave her a boost of confidence. She’s also found freedom in the water, discovering a love for surfing something she never thought she’d do.

“Swimming is my therapy. It makes me feel free.”

Her new prosthetic leg, with its cool, bouncy foot, has given her even more confidence.

All three inspiring stories prove that when children are given access, inclusion, and mobility, possibility has no limits.

 is proud to help children move forward with courage, confidence, and hope.

Empowering Possibility

At Vumuthando Primary School near Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, a remarkable transformation has taken place — one that goes far beyond construction. This change is about respect, safety, and giving every child a secure environment in which to learn and thrive.

For years, learners and teachers faced hazardous pit toilets — outdated facilities that posed serious health risks and often forced children to avoid using them, losing valuable learning time.

’s Toilet Campaign is so vital. Across South Africa, this initiative is replacing unsafe toilets with modern, sustainable sanitation facilities designed to protect wellbeing, support inclusivity, and foster equality. For Vumuthando Primary, this campaign — supported by The Star Foundation, 

 through the Fortune Frenzy has been life changing.

Together, generous listeners helped raise an incredible R859,500 — enough to replace the school’s toilets with clean, safe, and sustainable facilities for 259 learners and 15 staff members. Each unit features waterless and low-flush systems, designed for ease of use and environmental sustainability. Regular inspections and septic tank servicing are included for up to five years, ensuring lasting benefits for the school community.

Today, the new toilets are in use, giving learners the comfort and confidence to focus on their education without fear or discomfort. The facilities also promote gender equality and inclusivity, offering safe access for all learners — girls and children with disabilities alike.

Breadline Africa’s Toilet Campaign is about more than construction it’s about restoring dignity, protecting health, and creating environments where children can thrive. Across South Africa, the organisation continues its mission to ensure more schools receive the same care, giving every child a safe and dignified space to learn.

The official handover at Vumuthando Primary took place on 21 October, marking a brighter chapter for the school and demonstrating the impact of collective action.

Building Dignity

Dané’s Year So Far: Big Adventures and New Milestones 💖

“Courage, curiosity, and laughter — Dané, one of our youngest Jumping Kids beneficiaries, has already filled this year with exciting firsts and proud moments.”

“Her biggest step so far? Moving from her cot into her very own big-girl bed!”

And the milestones just kept coming, from dancing, running, climbing, and even kicking a ball with her prosthetic leg. She also completed her very first competition, proudly receiving a certificate to celebrate the achievement.

At home, Dané is surrounded by love, laughter, and plenty of fun. She’s learning to count, speak in full sentences, and play with her dolls, while her best friend Jacky the dog is never far from her side. Mealtimes are full of favourites like “slap chips” sprinkled with Aromat, playful veggie-eating games with Grandma, and even helping out in the kitchen (with the occasional broken plate!).

“People often tell her she’s brave and that her prosthetic leg is pretty cool too.”

Through it all, Jumping Kids has been by her side, supporting her every step of the way, from practical help that keeps her moving to the encouragement that cheers her on. Dané’s courage shows up in the sweetest ways. She’s even managed to get over her fear of visits with Oom Johan at Jumping Kids, something that once seemed scary but now feels like just another fun step along the way.

“It's been a year full of laughter, learning, and big adventures, with so many exciting moments, we’re loving every step of her journey so far!”

Dané’s Year So Far

 — three powerful weeks of big prizes, with entrants playing for a purpose. With R1 Million in cash up for grabs every weekday, this wasn’t just about winning — it was about making a life-changing difference.

In partnership with The Star Foundation, all proceeds from Big September are going directly towards surgical equipment and consumables for 

at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital — the largest hospital in the Southern Hemisphere, and a lifeline for thousands of children in need of life-saving operations.

Every month, a small team of just five paediatric surgeons performs over 200 operations — from delicate neonatal procedures to urgent life-saving interventions. These surgeries simply cannot happen without specialised equipment and consumables which, in many cases, are not available at public hospitals.

This is where Big September stepped in. Thanks to your support, the funds raised will contribute to

, touching the lives of hundreds of young children who now have hope for a brighter, healthier future.

💛 Big September wasn’t just about winning cash — it was about providing world-class medical care and saving little lives.

Saving Little Lives

A year of care and connection in Bonnievale

Community Keepers