Young Entrepreneur Raises R35,000 for Home of Joy Renovations
Joanna du Toit, a Grade 12 pupil at Kingswood College, has raised an impressive R35,000 through her flower business to renovate the Home of Joy, a care centre for orphaned and vulnerable children in Joza township, Makhanda. Her remarkable efforts have not only transformed the lives of the children at the centre but also earned her the prestigious Neil Aggett Award this year.
Du Toit first visited Home of Joy at the age of 14, an experience that left her profoundly moved. “I knew South Africa had underprivileged areas, but I didn’t realise how bad things were until I visited,” she said. “Seeing how the children lived, many without parents, touched me deeply.” This visit ignited a passion in her to act and contribute to the well-being of the children in the community.
Four years later, Du Toit has turned that initial spark into a sustained community initiative. This year, she has raised more than R35,000 through a small flower business she operates from her family farm outside Queenstown. The funds are earmarked for critical renovations at Home of Joy, including new ceilings, replacement doors and windows, and fresh paint. Furthermore, she plans to purchase Christmas gifts for every child at the centre.
Last week, she delivered the gifts alongside her younger brother, Charl, who donned a Santa suit for the occasion. “The children absolutely loved him,” she remarked, highlighting the joy her efforts bring to others.
Kingswood College places a strong emphasis on community engagement, encouraging pupils to volunteer at local projects. Home of Joy has been a longstanding partner, with Kingswood students participating in various activities, such as painting murals, cooking meals, and tutoring children. Headmaster Leon Grové praised Du Toit’s commitment, saying, “Joanna has taken this to heart. Her selflessness and entrepreneurial spirit have helped change the lives of the children at Home of Joy.”
Du Toit’s commitment to helping others has been recognised with the Neil Aggett Award, named after the esteemed anti-apartheid activist and Kingswood Old Boy. The award was presented by Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers. “I honestly didn’t expect it,” Du Toit commented, reflecting on how being recognised for her efforts made her feel supported in her mission.
Her flower business has roots in her upbringing on a farm outside Komani, where she was always surrounded by blooms. Her mother, Rose du Toit, manages a successful flower-growing venture supplying weddings and florists across the Eastern Cape. “I’ve always enjoyed growing things,” Rose shared. With encouragement from her mother, Joanna launched her flower business as a way to raise funds for Home of Joy.
Operating the business, Joanna sends out weekly advertisements and emails to potential customers, including teachers and parents. Her family assists by delivering fresh flowers to Makhanda every Friday, and local buyer Ten Cross helps distribute the flowers while reducing their commission as a form of support.
Accomplishing this while juggling her studies and sports is no small feat. Her mother admires Joanna’s dedication, noting that she only orders flowers based on what has already been sold, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. “She did all the hard work, from the organisation and communication to the deliveries. It’s not something teenagers usually make time for,” Rose explained.
This year, Du Toit raised an exceptional R35,000, with 70% allocated for Home of Joy and the remaining 30% supporting “Lebone,” the after-school programme she led. “Lebone has about 35 children, so I’m getting Christmas presents for all the children and staff,” she said. Her focus this year has been on structural improvements for Home of Joy, responding to a request from the home’s director, Mama Margaret Ngcangca, for necessary renovations.
“My focus last year was delivering a bakkie load of food, toys, bikes, and balls; this year I wanted to do something more meaningful. They need new doors and windows, ceilings in all the bedrooms, and paint,” Du Toit stated, committed to continuing her fundraising efforts in the new year.
Though the project began with her vision, her siblings have also joined in to offer their support. “My youngest sister is in Grade 4, and she loves helping me deliver flowers,” she shared, adding that her brother has also actively participated. “Charl has the heart for it. He played rugby and soccer with the kids, but maybe not the organisational side,” Rose laughed.
With her matriculation on the horizon, Du Toit will soon head to Stellenbosch University to study foundation-phase teaching. However, she is determined to keep supporting Home of Joy. “My parents come to Grahamstown often because my siblings are still at Kingswood, so my mom will keep bringing the flowers,” she explained. “I’ll do the adverts and communication from Stellenbosch. We’ll also rely more on Ten Cross since I won’t be here.”
Joanna du Toit’s commitment to making a difference extends far beyond her school years, showcasing a powerful dedication to community service and the well-being of vulnerable children. Her journey is a testament to young people’s ability to effect real change, ensuring that Home of Joy will continue to thrive even after she graduates. “It motivates me to continue, even next year when I’m no longer in Grahamstown,” she said, as she looks forward to a future of ongoing charitable efforts.
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