• A Mossel Bay Bible study group raised funds to help a domestic worker travel from Cape Town to Johannesburg for her son’s graduation.
• The initiative covered transport, accommodation and clothing when the mother could not afford the trip.
• Her son, who will be graduating from the University of the Witwatersrand, is the first in the family to obtain a university degree.

What began as a simple WhatsApp message among a handful of Bible study women in Mossel Bay has turned into a milestone journey stretching from the shores of Cape Town to the heart of Johannesburg.

United by faith and compassion, the group has made it possible for a domestic worker to witness a moment she once thought she would miss – her son’s graduation.

For Belinda Ndukwana, a domestic worker and single mother, the news that her son, Lerato, would be graduating from the University of the Witwatersrand with a BCom in Accounting brought overwhelming joy – but also uncertainty.

While the milestone marked years of sacrifice and perseverance, one painful question hung over the celebration: how would she get there?

“She was just so super excited,” recalled her employer, Jakomien de Souza.

“But the reality quickly set in. She has never been to Joburg before, and there was simply no way for her to afford the trip.”

Ndukwana, who has spent years raising her children on her own, said the thought of missing such a defining moment in her son’s life was heartbreaking.

“It has not been easy raising my children alone as a domestic worker. When I heard he was graduating, I was so happy… but I didn’t know how I would get there,” she said.

Determined to help, de Souza turned to the one place she knew would respond with compassion – her Bible study group. She shared Ndukwana’s story on WhatsApp, asking if anyone could assist in any way, whether through transport, accommodation or even small contributions.

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What followed was an overwhelming outpouring of generosity.

“Everything was covered – transport, accommodation, even outfits,” said de Souza.

“I collected the money and deposited it into her account, and I told her to just use it wisely and go enjoy the moment with her son.”

For Ndukwana, the support has been nothing short of life-changing.

“I was not expecting this at all. The fact that my employer went out of her way and asked others to help me means so much. I will never forget this,” she said, still sounding amazed.

With the funds raised, she has been able to prepare for the journey – buying clothes for herself and her son, and securing everything needed for the trip.

She and Lerato are set to travel on Saturday and return on Tuesday, making the long journey across provinces for a moment that represents years of resilience.

“I am very excited. It will be my first time going to Joburg,” she said with a soft laugh.

Lerato’s journey has been marked by determination and academic excellence. In 2022, he was recognised as the best-performing National Senior Certificate candidate in the Eden and Central Karoo education district. During his second year at university, he ranked among the top 15% of students in the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management and was inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society.

“He is a hard worker. From a young age, he loved school. I always hoped he would make us proud – and he has,” Ndukwana said proudly.

De Souza said Ndukwana was left “dumbstruck” by the group’s kindness.

“She now calls me her mother. She says she has no words, only gratitude. You can hear it, all the glory to God,” she said.

She added that beyond the financial support, the experience has been a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through faith and unity.

“We all love Jesus and meet every week to grow in our faith. What happened here shows how much impact we can make, even in small ways,” she said.

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Lerato’s path was not without challenges.

He had to rewrite one subject before completing his studies, but with determination and the help of a bursary, he finished strong.

Now, he is already looking ahead, hoping to pursue a master’s degree.

For Ndukwana, however, the focus remains on the present, on a journey she never thought she would take, and a moment she once feared she would miss.

“I just hope everything goes well on the day. I want to thank my employer, she is a wonderful woman, and everyone who helped me. What they have done for me, I will always be thankful for,” she said.

As she prepares to travel hundreds of kilometres to stand beside her son on one of the proudest days of his life, her story stands as a testament to the quiet power of kindness – and how, sometimes, a single message can change everything.

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