In early 2016 we visited Mpumalanga, a province in the northeastern region of South Africa to volunteer in the beautiful village of Bodlayabongolo. It is a quiet place where you can see the imprint your footstep leaves behind when walking on the rich sandy land a place where both the birds and the children are so free, joyful and happy. It is impossible as a human being not to feel an immediate connection with an atmosphere so pure and real.

 

Everywhere you look, children smile and run with an indescribable strength and beauty.

It is here we met 5-year old Mahlatse, with her big beautiful brown eyes. Mahlatse’s constant challenge, and the challenge of so many children in her community, was the lack of consistent access to nutritious food. We saw the dire need facing the community and saw children like Mahlatse facing the challenge with strength, resilience and even joy -- we were inspired by their spirit to create Ubuntu Mundo.

Our greatest joy in this work is spending time with these beautiful children. As we pass our days on Ubuntu Mundo’s land, our footprints crisscross the land and mingle with the prints of the many children who come to eat and learn at Ubuntu Mundo. Our lives are forever connected to the children of Bodlayabongolo, and we smile at the sight of our footprints dancing with theirs.

 

Ke a leboga,

 

Cecilya and Roland

 

Formed in 2016 in South Africa

Ubuntu Mundo South Africa runs small-scale, high-impact programs that nourish children and strengthen communities.

In the villages of Bodlayabongolo and Bolla Tau, we operate a community garden, kitchens, daily feeding program, and after-school activities that offer children more than just food—a space to learn, play, and grow.

Beyond this, we run a commercial farm as a social enterprise, creating jobs and generating income that supports our programs and drives long-term sustainability.