Charity begins at home

From the rural Eastern Cape to co-founding his own investment firm, Unathi Mkiva has never forgotten the values of sharing with others, discipline, respect and embracing one's blessings instilled in him by the extended family that raised him.

Unathi Mkiva, CEO, Vintage Capital

"As a means of giving back, I am actively involved in the Johannesburg and Keiskammahoek communities. In Johannesburg I have a bi-annual Helping the Homeless drive which takes place in June for winter and in December for Christmas. This drive collects clothes, blankets, food, and other necessities from friends, family and clients for the homeless living in the streets or homeless shelters.

"As charity begins at home, I also support more than 15 families back home in Keiskammahoek by providing Christmas food packs, so these families also enjoy Christmas like others in the neighbourhood,” says Mkiva, a chartered accountant, registered auditor, and CEO of Vintage Capital.

South Africa continues to experience a lot of challenges including negative/low economic growth, high unemployment rates, and legacy/leadership issues which impact the development of the country socially and economically.

The challenges we face have created social and psychological issues in our society at a national and individual level. The concept of equality is becoming a far-fetched dream for most individuals and families as they must fend for themselves for survival, resulting from limited economic opportunities. Despite all these challenges, I still believe that helping others is a sign of patriotism, good citizenship, accountability, and selflessness. I often challenge people to get involved in shaping our country’s future by improving the lives of ordinary people - 'In unity, we shall thrive'.

The Helping the Homeless drive aims to be the wheels in motion for people by igniting ubuntu and selfless leadership. The objective is to show, encourage and motivate others to share the little they have with those less fortunate than them. “As responsible leaders, we need to start looking at our country’s challenges as mini-projects that we can resolve ourselves. Those with resources and opportunities should strive to do more. I am aware that many want to help but individually feel that they can’t do much. Therefore, I started this initiative so that individuals can contribute towards making a difference. I thank those that have actively helped from last year – ‘Umntu ngumntu ngabantu’,".

“My next projects will be in December for both Johannesburg and Keiskammahoek. With Helping the Homeless in Johannesburg I am encouraging people to donate clothes, blankets, tinned food, toiletries and other necessities. The drop-off is scheduled for 16 December. Alternatively, I also ask people to consider contributing to the Christmas food packs initiative where I hand out food parcels on 23 December in Keiskammahoek. Food parcels per family are R650, and more contributions will mean we reach more families or include more food items in the parcels we already provide. The more families we support, the more we improve Christmas for those who wouldn’t normally celebrate. The financial contribution (of any amount) for the Christmas food parcels can be made directly to a local supermarket where the goods are purchased from.”

To contribute, complete this contact form and Mkiva will get in touch, alternatively email umkiva@gmail.com.