18 July 2025 – By Christa Eybers

This Mandela Day, Hot Cares and Jet Ubunye are teaming up to make a real and lasting difference at St Mary’s Children’s Home — a place that has cared for vulnerable children for over 100 hundred years.

We’ll be giving four of their cottages a complete transformation — adding a colour and love to their home. Think brand new beds, fresh linen, kitchen appliances, beautiful décor, and refreshed bathrooms.

But our impact doesn’t stop there. In a step toward long-term sustainability, Thanks to the generosity of Jet and the Jet Ubunye foundation, we will also install a JoJo tank water system to stay resilient during water shortages and for rain harvesting as well as installing solar geysers to help the home save on utilities.

After nearly three decades at the helm of St Mary’s Children’s Home, CEO Sonja Harmse has seen thousands of lives transformed behind its gates. “The children are the reason we’re here – and they are the future,” she says.

Founded over 120 years ago after the Anglo-Boer War, the home has grown from housing six orphans to caring for dozens of vulnerable and abused children, many of whom arrive with nothing but trauma.

Financial strain and ageing infrastructure have made sustainability tough, but recent support – including JoJo tanks and energy-saving geysers from Hot 102.7FM and Jet – is expected to slash utility costs by up to 60%. For Harmse, it’s about more than numbers: “We’re breaking the cycle – and that’s our reward.”

Pictured: Lloyd Madurai, Sonja Harmse, Shona Madurai

“We cannot ask for more.” That’s the heartfelt sentiment from Johan Nel, Facilities Manager at St Mary’s Children’s School, who’s been grappling with soaring utility costs and ageing infrastructure since joining in April 2024. With over 40 geysers draining electricity and regular water outages forcing staff to rely on bottled water and swimming pool reserves, daily operations have been a challenge.

But thanks to Hot 102.7FM, the recent installation of solar geysers and large-capacity water storage tanks is a game changer. “The solar geysers took 10 traditional ones offline — that saves us on power and maintenance,” Johan says. “And with these new tanks being installed today, we’ll have enough water for at least a week and a half. It’s a huge relief.”

“What can make a parent happier than to see their children growing up?” That question sums up 15 years of dedication from Hilario Zimudzi, Social Worker and Assistant Director at St Mary’s Children’s Home. Raised in poverty and supported by Catholic priests,

Hilario now helps vulnerable children heal from severe abuse and neglect. “The ones who come to us are broken,” he says. His mission is to provide therapy, support, and structure — helping them recover and thrive. “When one is sick, I can’t sleep. When one fails at school, I worry. They are our children.” St Mary’s offers more than shelter; it’s a place of love and belonging. Four former residents recently graduated from university and landed good jobs — a point of deep pride for Hilario. “This is a place full of care and compassion,” he says. “I wish every children’s home could be like this.”

Hot Cares and Jet Ubunye — creating comfort, sparking joy, and building a better tomorrow.

Watch the magic of the day unfold: