For Sinoxolo Mahintsho, 30, the first two days after giving birth to her baby were filled with anxiety instead of celebration. Unemployed and without access to basic baby supplies, she faced the prospect of taking her newborn home with no baby clothes, nappies or essentials. That changed when she received a maternity “bag of dignity” from Zenazi — Circle of Hope, an initiative founded by radio personality Nathi Ndamase, wife of Nkosi Mlimandlela Ndamase of the amaMpondo nation.
Ndamase, a member of the Ngqubusini Royal House, launched the programme after witnessing how many rural and impoverished mothers struggled to access basic post-natal necessities. “I am very grateful for this maternity bag,” Mahintsho said. “God heard my prayers because I did not even know what my baby would wear.
“Today was day two and my child had no clothes. I don’t know what I would have done.” The name Zenazi comes from the Biblical encouragement“Zenazi uThixo ukhona”, meaning “Be still and know God is here”. The initiative aims to respond to mothers in moments of need by offering practical support that allows them to care for their newborns with dignity and respect.
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Each maternity bag contains baby clothes, nappies, toiletries such as petroleum jelly, blankets, formula and bottles. Mothers also receive personal items including sanitary pads, bras and panties.
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