In the farming community of Lilyvale near Kidd’s Beach, 50-year-old Vathiswa Mazolwana is working to support children and families living with poverty, unemployment and limited educational support.
Mazolwana, who also works as a school garden facilitator with the Kidlinks Small Farm Incubator (KSFI), has been running an informal after-school programme since 2024.
The initiative supports about 50 pupils aged one to 17, many of whom are the children of domestic or farm workers.
Born in Butterworth and now based in the Christmas Rock area, she was moved to act after noticing how many children were left idle after school.
“Most people here are trapped in alcohol abuse and can’t help their children with homework,” Mazolwana said.
“There’s no entertainment or safe spaces for young ones, so I decided to do something.”
Mazolwana fetches children from school using a vehicle provided through KSFI and ensures they receive meals and tutoring support.
“I work with three tutors whose stipends are supported by Sakhimfundo, through Bafana Mohale, as well as three community members who volunteer. The rest of us are unpaid.”
She started the initiative with sports.
“The girls played netball, the boys played soccer. I encouraged them to try all types of sport — you never know where a child’s talent might be.”
Over time, she saw a deeper need.
“I realised education was just as important. Many weren’t getting any academic support at home.”
She launched a more structured after-school programme focused on maths, English and life skills.
“My biggest hope is to see graduates rise from this village and bring change to their families.”
In addition to her work with LilyStars — the name of her after-school programme — Mazolwana teaches pupils at rural schools how to start and maintain vegetable gardens.
These serve as practical tools for learning and help promote healthy eating and self-sufficiency.
Some of the produce is cooked for school meals, some is donated to families, and some is sold at local markets.
“It also teaches learners how to run small businesses,” she said.
She helps residents maintain home gardens and plays a leading role in managing 35 community gardens across the region.
Kanyisa Deliwe, 29, one of the tutors and a crop manager and facilitator with KSFI, said Mazolwana was a role model.
“We work with different age groups, but we’re united in the goal of youth empowerment. She always motivates us.”
Susan Keet, chair of the Sunshine Coast Women’s Group based in Kidd’s Beach, nominated Mazolwana for the Daily Dispatch Local Heroes accolade, praising her consistency and reliability.
“I met Vathiswa when we visited the Kidlinks Small Farm Incubator in 2024. I learnt that she had initiated eight school gardens in the Ncera area.”
Keet said Mazolwana visited each school once a week, working closely with three Expanded Public Works Programme assistants who were stationed at the schools three days a week.
“Learners take part in every step — preparing soil, planting, watering, composting and harvesting.”
Mazolwana also delivers seedlings from the Kidlinks farm, uses eco-friendly growing methods, and shares practical knowledge with schools and families.
“After her workday, she volunteers at the LilyStars programme, helps 50 children with schoolwork, prepares meals, monitors academic progress and organises transport.”
Keet said that with few resources, Mazolwana had started a lunch garden, introduced a choir and dance group, and collected books, stationery and board games for the children.
“She’s a selfless and generous woman making a valuable contribution in Ncera and Lilyvale. Her tireless work deserves recognition. I proudly nominate her as a local hero,” Keet said.
Daily Dispatch
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