Donations from the UK Bring Joy to Rural KZN Schools, Groups and Charities

Photo Credit: Supplied by Duncan Baines on behalf of David Geldart, Founder and CEO Bambisanani Partnership

Distance has been no match for kindness over the past few months as a wave of generosity travelled all the way from the UK to the heart of rural KZN to bring hope and smiles to some of the most isolated communities.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (22 April 2026) – Guided by the belief that so much more is achieved when we work together, The Bambisanani Partnership’s network of organisations, community groups and individuals from the UK and South Africa is continuously committed to delivering meaningful, needs-driven support to some of the most remote and challenging rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal.

In recent months, this spirit of togetherness has been beautifully demonstrated by a significant shipment of essential donations – including sports kit, clothing, books, and sanitary products generously given by supporters in the UK – that made its way across continents.

Together We Achieve More

Contained in over 80 large boxes and weighing over a ton, the goods were transported free of charge by long-term Bambisanani supporters, The Cardinal Group, who also donated 2,000 sports shirts to the cargo!

More than 2,000 football shirts were also provided by the charity Kit Aid, run by Derrick Williams. Sanitary products and reading books were also donated to schools, companies and individuals.

Photo Credit: Supplied by Duncan Baines on behalf of David Geldart, Founder and CEO Bambisanani Partnership

Bambisanani team members Barbara Pounder, Catherine Chattoe, Brogan O’Connor and David Farmer were responsible for the huge task of sourcing, storing and transporting the items in the UK. Thereafter, in South Africa, the logistics and distribution were organised by long-term Bambisanani friend, Nick Phillips from Eshowe Rotary Club and the nonprofit organisation of Zulufadder that focuses on education and sustainable projects for children and youth in South Africa.

Nick’s team then went into action, sorting all the items and distributing them to locally led initiatives where they would have the greatest impact. Part of the team sorting the boxes were three ladies from Norway who were volunteering at Zulufadder: Janne Skarpeid Hermansen, Helle Rohrt and Gunn Skarpeid.

The distribution team included Sivlia Hellesvik and Normvula Ngema from Zulufadder, Gugu Mhlongo from the Lutheran Mission in Ntumeni, Trevlyn Palframan, a local Eshowe man active in rural support and Siyabonga Ngubane, PK Zondi and Mazet Langa from Mnyakanya High School.

“This example of working together was responsible for the universal happiness among the recipients, especially the sports kit, which was very well received,” Nick Philips said.

Gugu Mhlongo, who works for an organisation called Uthando House, spoke of the amazing gratitude people had upon receiving from the unseen, unknown, unexpected hand.

“There is hope because people live in hope.”

Mrs Barbara Pounder, who coordinated this project, said that as a result of this huge international cooperation, thousands of children, young people and women have had their lives positively impacted.

“This large shipment of items will facilitate a range of community-led initiatives promoting sport, education and dignity. Locally delivered projects empower communities through shared ownership and capacity building. The 6,101 miles travelled, the volunteer hours needed, and the generosity of everyone involved is ‘practical greatness’ and a testament to the philosophy of the Bambisanani family, who continue to ‘work together’ to make the world a slightly better place. We can certainly all achieve more by working together.”