Khethis Foundation
What does your company do?
Our organisation is a grassroots, survivor-centered nonprofit committed to breaking the cycle of gender-based violence (GBV) through economic empowerment and trauma-informed support. We work directly with women who have experienced GBV, offering them access to safe shelter, counselling, practical skills training, and long-term mentorship. Our flagship initiative, the Educare Program, equips survivors with entrepreneurial and vocational skills, helping them become financially independent and less vulnerable to returning to abusive environments. By addressing the root causes of second victimisation—particularly economic dependency—we provide realistic pathways for women to reclaim their dignity, rebuild their lives, and create stable futures for themselves and their children. Through partnerships with shelters, community organisations, and local institutions, we ensure our services are accessible, culturally sensitive, and rooted in real community need.
What is your biggest success?
My greatest accomplishment began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when I launched the hashtag #HelpingGBVSurvivors to mobilise youth to use their own resources to support women and children affected by the rising tide of gender-based violence. What began as a simple act of creativity and compassion quickly grew into a grassroots movement. During that year, I successfully raised over R450,000, which resulted in the packing and distribution of more than 4,000 comfort bags to survivors across the country. This initiative led to the founding of Khethi’s Foundation, now in its fifth year of empowering survivors through economic support, skills development, and trauma-informed care. Turning a moment of urgency into a lasting vehicle for change is something I hold with deep pride. It reminds me that meaningful impact often begins with a bold idea, a clear purpose, and the courage to act—even in the face of adversity.
What has been your biggest hurdle?
My biggest hurdle has been navigating the emotional and operational challenges of running a grassroots organisation with limited resources while supporting women who have experienced deep trauma. As a founder, I carry the weight of their stories, their pain, and their hopes—which can be emotionally taxing. At the same time, building credibility, securing consistent funding, and managing program delivery without a large team has required immense resilience. There were moments when I questioned whether we were doing enough or reaching far enough. But each breakthrough—each woman who finds safety, healing, and independence—has reminded me why we started. This journey has taught me the power of perseverance, the value of community partnerships, and the importance of self-care in sustaining impact.
