Two friends saw a need and decided to act. Now their volunteer-driven NPO, HuggingHandsZA, is connecting communities.
Johannesburg, South Africa (24 July 2025) – In the heart of the city, in the middle of a taxi ride through Johannesburg’s CBD, two friends, Bonolo Pule and Tinotenda Ndudzo, saw a moment that would change their lives.
“We were just coming from a friend’s birthday,” recalls Tinotenda. “And as we looked around, the harsh realities hit us. People living on the streets, kids out of school, others without proper access to medicine. It made us ask, where is the change? And more importantly how can we be part of it?”
That conversation became the birthplace of HuggingHandsZA, a volunteer-led initiative aimed at meeting people where they are, with warmth, love, and practical support.
Both Bonolo and Tinotenda acknowledge the privilege they grew up with, supportive families, emotional and financial stability, and access to opportunities. But rather than taking that for granted, they turned it into fuel for action.
At its core, the name HuggingHands captures their approach. “To hug is to show love, to see someone. And hands are what turn love into action.” It is a blend of compassion and doing. Bonolo simply calls it Ubuntu “I am because you are” is deeply embedded in their work. As they put it, “hands that hug each other” are a symbol of connection, community, and humanity.
While the NPO does not focus on one specific cause, its strength lies in volunteer mobilisation. HuggingHandsZA works with various non-profits and responds to needs as they arise. From supporting orphanages and soup kitchens to helping raise awareness for childhood cancer.
“There are so many people who want to give their time, but they do not know where to start,” says Bonolo. “That’s where we come in. We connect willing hands with those who need them most.”
One of the most touching moments came during a visit to Hotel Hope, a children’s sanctuary in Auckland Park. A first-time volunteer formed a rare bond with a baby there. The emotional farewell between them reminded the founders of the ripple effect small acts of kindness can have.
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What started as a conversation between two friends is now a growing force of hope powered by hugs, guided by hands, and rooted in love.
Sources: GTG Interview
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