Christmas – a time of joy for families, but loneliness for some

Christmas is traditionally a day for families to get together but for many who don’t have family or have strained relationships, it can be a very lonely time.

South African DJ and music producer Ashley Raphala, popularly known as Dj Shimza, believes that giving gifts to children brings hope and joy to the little ones.

Shimza hosted an annual Christmas party for over 30 orphanages, benefiting more than 1 500 children across Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.

The event has been running for over a decade now, where children are treated to breakfast and lunch, gifts, and loads of fun activities. Shimza says Christmas is a time for giving and having fun.

“We’ve been working with carers from all around the area in Tembisa and as far as Auckland Park, and some of these kids came as toddlers and now they’re going to school and it’s always amazing to see them smile on Christmas day and I feel like I always have to come back to my community and show them that we still care for them; we’re just here to have fun.”

‘No one is alone’

Local churches and organisations in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, have stepped in to ensure that no one is alone.

Pastor Charl du Toit of the Living Word in Hartenbos says they’ve organised a Christmas lunch for those who can’t be with loved ones.

“Christmas is a time that should be spent with family. But in Mossel Bay, we’ve got a lot of people working overseas, a lot of retirees. So we organised a Christmas lunch, everybody can come to church. we’ve got the desire to spend Christmas with someone, which you should have hopefully. and then we braai together and we have lunch. we joke and say if you don’t have a family we’ll give you one, because that’s what church is, church is family.”

Party for orphanages

Food vouchers

In East Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza reports that over 300 food vouchers have been distributed to needy families this festive season.

With many families unable to afford a proper meal during this time, the mayor visited areas including Tembisa, Katlehong, and Wadeville, urging local businesses to support struggling families.

“If you know that you’re a businessman and you’ve got a little profit please as part of social upliftment you can contribute food vouchers because it actually goes a long way. But most importantly our message is that let’s enjoy responsibly, please there is strong law enforcement, don’t drink and drive and don’t do something that will compromise the happiness of another person even if you’re happy don’t be violent on the kids.”