MANDY Pearson is this week’s Unsung Hero.
Pearson from Durban North is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the ReStory Foundation.
The non-profit organisation (NPO) has been operational since 2007 and initially functioned as the Bhambayi Project, prior to being re-branded in November 2023.
In a world where charity often leans on handouts, Pearson’s ReStory Foundation was looking to rewrite the narrative to one of dignity, agency and long-term transformative giving.
“So often it is the ‘powerful’ who are viewed as making the world a better place. Our vision is to empower the most marginalised to be courageous agents of change,” she said.
Pearson holds a Business Degree and a Masters in Economics of Developing Countries from Cambridge, United Kingdom, as well as theological training. She has occupied the position of Senior Management in the corporate financial world and has led a church as an Anglican Minister.
Her vision for the organisation was to inspire a culture of giving in South Africa, which drove lasting transformation.
“Our work in Bhambayi embodies this mission, demonstrating the real impact of sustainable change. I aspire for Bhambayi—a marginalised and shunned community—to become a shining example of hope, sparking a movement of dignity and empowerment that spreads across the nation,” said Pearson.
ReStory holds various programmes and activities which includes:
-Shining Stars (School-going orphans and vulnerable children)-includes psycho-social support (counselling and play therapy, home visits etc) and practical support (includes uniform, stationery, transport, social services and nutrition where needed).
-Rising Stars (School leavers)-comprises ongoing interventions, learnership and employment linkages, ad-hoc training programmes, and the Phakama course which consists of life skills, business skills and practical skills.
-Guiding Stars (Caregivers)-includes ongoing interventions such as counselling and support groups, monthly workshops on GBV, substance abuse, parenting etc.
-Child Justice.
-Workshops around the country on transformative giving.
The team consists of 14 staff and more than 200 volunteers from within and outside Bhambayi.
“At ReStory Foundation, we believe that how we give is more important than what we do. Our ‘eye2eye approach is central to our work. There is no giver or receiver. Instead, we recognise that everyone has something valuable to offer, and true transformation happens through mutual exchange.
“It is unjust to measure a person’s worth by the contents of their wallet. Many of those labelled as ‘needy’ possess an incredible wealth of resilience, wisdom and generosity. The world needs a shift in perspective and I am committed to being a part of that change,” said Pearson.
ReStory is funded by other organisations and individuals.
Pearson said that some of the current challenges included a need for more buildings, and that they continuously faced cases of child rape, neglect and abuse and that their work in trauma was expanding.
Balungile Mhlongo who has been assisted by the organisation with counselling since 2022, said that it has greatly impacted her life.
“I am glad to have come to know them as they have assisted me a lot. They were able to change me from the person I was before because I did not know what I should do with my life because I had lost hope.
“They also helped me and my siblings to repair our relationship. When I have an issue I am able to talk to them and get it resolved. I really appreciate them,” said Mhlongo.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE