August is a reminder of the women whose strength quietly shapes South Africa. Their stories often unfold far from the spotlight, yet their impact is felt in homes, schools, and entire communities. At SA Harvest, we believe those stories matter. Through the Jewels of Change series, we share the journeys of women whose determination and care are transforming lives in powerful, everyday ways.
Latifah Jacobs | Scholar, Author, and Community Advocate
Latifah Jacobs is a scholar, an author, and a strong voice for community empowerment. She believes progress must be built by the people, for the people. Her mission is to make access to quality services the norm so that everyone has the chance to recognise their potential and worth.
Her work covers youth empowerment, gender-based violence awareness, nutritional support, peacebuilding, and healing through writing. In 2022, Latifah launched a community library that offers students more than just books. It gives them a safe place to dream and grow.
Through her writing, she gives voice to survivors of GBV and helps break cycles of generational trauma. One story at a time, she shows that healing and dignity can be reclaimed. Latifah is a Jewel of Change whose daily actions strengthen her community.
Antoinette Maluleke | From Survivor to Advocate
“My name is Antoinette Maluleke. I am a survivor of gender-based violence. I became a CEO after I conquered my victimhood.”
Antoinette’s journey is one of courage and determination. As a survivor of domestic violence, she understands how isolating trauma can feel. Out of that experience, she created the Basadi Ba Moshito Foundation, a space where women are welcomed with open arms and supported with counselling, skills training, and empowerment opportunities.
Antoinette also uses her love of cooking to serve women who visit the centre, often preparing meals with food donated by SA Harvest. Her healing has created a ripple effect, inspiring countless women to rebuild their lives with dignity and confidence.
By transforming her pain into a platform for change, Antoinette shows that it is possible to rise and thrive.
Makhosi Maliyavuza | Preserving Culture, Feeding Communities
Makhosi Maliyavuza is a cultural guardian and mentor whose work reaches more than 400 young girls through the Ubuhle Bengcugce Foundation. Established in 2014 and registered as an NPO in 2023, the foundation focuses on preserving culture and traditions, with a special emphasis on Ukuhlolwa Kwentombi. This practice encourages young women to value their health, hygiene, and personal growth while learning important life skills.
Her leadership does not end there. Makhosi Maliyavuza also runs Best Health, a soup kitchen in Meadowlands, Soweto, where she prepares meals for those in need. The girls she mentors often assist in the kitchen, turning lessons of empowerment into action by serving their community.
Through her efforts, Makhosi Maliyavuza helps prevent teenage pregnancy, reduce HIV infections, keep girls in school, and build pride in cultural heritage. Guided by the values of Ubuntu, integrity, selflessness, respect, and accountability, she teaches by example. Whether she is cooking, teaching, or mentoring, Makhosi reminds everyone around her that they matter.
She is a Jewel of Change who is shaping stronger futures for women and girls.
Dr. Nomvula Shale | Turning Pain into Power
In 1995, doctors gave Dr. Nomvula Shale six months to live. Thirty years later, she is alive, thriving, and dedicated to serving others. Her survival became her mission: to live with compassion and help others find dignity and belonging.
Through the Siphila Ngomusa Community Trust in Durban, Dr. Shale and her team, many of them survivors of gender-based violence, care for nearly 500 people each day. They provide hot meals, counselling, and support for those living with HIV, facing addiction, or experiencing homelessness. With food donated by SA Harvest, the centre nourishes both body and spirit.
As part of Jewels of Change, SA Harvest honoured Dr. Shale’s leadership alongside the Robin Hood Foundation and The Sharks Foundation. Sharks players and their families joined us to hand-pack essentials for her community, while Hollywood Bets contributed R10 000 raised through the annual FinCup, supporting her important work in Durban’s CBD.
Dr. Shale has turned her greatest challenge into a lifetime of service. She shows us that true jewels do more than shine. They lift others as they rise.
Why These Stories Matter
From Cape Town to Durban to Joburg, these women show us that hunger is not only about food. It is about dignity, safety, and the courage of women who carry entire communities on their shoulders. Their everyday acts of kindness and leadership are shaping stronger, fairer futures.
We celebrate Latifah, Antoinette, Makhosi Maliyavuza, and Dr. Shale, and we stand with every woman who is quietly transforming her community. Together with your support, SA Harvest will continue to rescue food, nourish communities, and walk alongside the women who are shaping South Africa one meal, one safe space, and one life at a time.
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