The wish to give back is one of the sterling offerings written into the spirits of humanity. One individual with the heart to give back to the community is a South African TB activist, Thabo Pelesane.
Born in the Jouberton township of Matlosane, Thabo, through his organisation, the TP Foundation, has touched many lives through his philanthropic work.His work includes donating blankets, clothes, school uniforms, and sanitary pads, building houses for people in need, and handing out bursaries to learners for their fields of study.
Thabo says his passion for philanthropic work started in 2012 while he was hosting a radio show at a local community station. "As a presenter, I gained popularity and used that to organise my first charity birthday at a local nightclub in Klerksdorp. The entrance fee for the event was for blankets, food, and clothes. The event became a great success, and in 2013 and 2014, we received more support at an event held at the Rio Casino. We collected over 100 blankets and school uniforms as an alternative to the entrance fee. I registered an NPO the same year," said Thabo.
More philanthropic work done by the TP Foundation
In partnership with other stakeholders, his foundation has built homes for two families. One of these families lost their 15-year-old daughter because of GBV. As a foundation, through their stance to fight GBV, they supported the family's living conditions, from a two-room structure to a fully furnished 3-bedroom house.
As we grappled with the pandemic in 2020, the foundation partnered with the World Cup-winning Rugby Captain Siya Kolisi Foundation, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and Imbumba Foundation to give over 1000 hampers to less fortunate families on the farms in Matlosana.
In 2016, the foundation launched a 5km fun walk, and after the excursion, they hosted a dialogue for teenage girls to guide them on dealing with some of life's challenges.
A TB ambassador and activist
Pelasane is also a TB activist and survivor. He has been diagnosed and treated for TB 5 times in his life. His first diagnosis of the disease was when he was 13 years old. Currently, the cured activist uses his experience to warn others about the dangers of stopping their TB treatment.
He was requested in 2014 by the Department of Health and USAID to be their TB Ambassador since he had survived many times. As the face of the organisations, he appeared on Billboards, taxis, buses, and posters promoting the appropriate coughing etiquette for TB.
As a TB activist, Pelesane works to educate the public about the disease and combat the stigma and discrimination that often accompanies it. In addition, he works with healthcare professionals and policymakers to improve the quality of TB treatment and care in South Africa, which has one of the highest rates of TB cases globally.
Thabo says he has dedicated his life to raising awareness about the disease, advocating for better treatment and support for those affected.
"I usually share my experience living with TB. It helps others understand the challenges faced by people with the disease. I also advocate for more resources and funding for TB research and prevention efforts in South Africa and globally," said Thabo.
Community development recognition
In 2015 Mr Pelesane was among the top 10 National community developer awards under the Gauteng Social Development. He also received awards from Dr Kenneth Kaunda Municipality for community work, from Matlosana youth churches, from Wesvaal Business Chamber, and from Orkney Rotary Club.
Besides his philanthropic work and busy schedule, the activist is a committed family man, a father to his biological children and many kids in Joubeton.
