Olga Monkoe, a mother of three and a survivor of gender-based violence and homelessness, has found hew hope thanks to her mother and a local competition!
Tshwane, South Africa (26 March 2021) – A single mother from Soshanguve this week went from having to buy ice blocks to store her son’s medication and struggling to make ends meet, to owning enough furniture to fill a home.
Olga Monkoe, a mother of three and a survivor of gender-based violence and homelessness, was nominated by her mother, Emilia Mokoena in the Astra Furnishers Give-a-Wish competition. The winner was announced by celebrities, Hungani and Stephanie Ndlovu on 22 March at the Astra Furnishers Mams Mall store in Mamelodi.
The Give-a-Wish competition launched by the independent furniture retailer ran from 30 November 2020 to 16 February 2021 and allowed anyone in Mpumalanga and Gauteng to nominate a deserving family or community member to receive R80 000 worth of furniture.
“Last year, we ran a small competition for someone to win a bed, and we were blown away by the need,” says MD Derik van Greunen.
“So, as a company, we decided we can do more than just one bed, and even our suppliers got on board. We partnered with Hungani and Stephanie of “The Ndlovus Uncut” because they are professional and have such a genuine, humble attitude. Plus, our customers (and the whole of South Africa) love them!”
Sadly, Olga could not be accompanied by her mother, as Emilia received heart surgery on the same day, but she had one of her daughters by her side for the announcement.
In a comment on social media, she said, “I’m still speechless, really. Thank you, Mom 4 Nominating me. Thank you, Astra, for making my dreams come true. Thank you, Hungani and Stephanie, that I could finally meet you and for the warm welcome.”
The other finalists, Nomsomboloku Ndlela, a 65-year-old community stalwart from Embalenhle, and the other Lind-okuhle Lekoadi, an orphan and one of 10 siblings from Bushbuckridge, had equally devastating stories of loss, bravery, and survival.
“This year, we could only help one winner, but who knows how this could grow if other companies get on board,” van Greunen adds.
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