Homelessness in South Africa has a familiar face. In a country where youth unemployment stands at 45.5%, and an estimated 15% of the population suffers from drug addiction, many are left vulnerable to a life on the streets. In fact, across the world today, studies are showing that many people are just one salary, or one crisis away from homelessness. Today it could be a stranger; tomorrow a friend, neighbour, or family member facing the perils of being without shelter – let alone a place to call home.

Amid this harsh reality, organisations like MES are working tirelessly to bring about change and restore dignity to the lives of hundreds of South Africans grappling with destitution.

In commemoration of Nelson Mandela Day, Med-Lemon joined forces with MES at its Impilo Shelter in Jeppestown, Johannesburg, to spread warmth and care to young adults housed at the shelter.

At the heart of this initiative is the brand’s “Hero Blanket,” made from knitted squares lovingly created by Med-Lemon and Haleon staff. As a global leader in consumer health, Haleon delivers everyday health with humanity through its portfolio of brands, including Med-Lemon. Combining deep human understanding and trusted science, Haleon SA aims to serve the needs of local communities through self-care products, continuing a trusted legacy of empowering millions of people toward effective self-care practices.

50 of the handmade blankets were gifted to beneficiaries, along with a warm bowl of soup and bread. This collective creation symbolises the compassion, care and togetherness that Haleon espouses.

More than just a meal

Founded in 1986 in the heart of Hillbrow by the Dutch Reformed Church, MES initially focused on meal provision through its evangelical roots. However, as needs evolved, so did its mission – now centred on “Mould Empower Serve.”

“This shelter provides overnight and short-term accommodation for people in desperate need. For just R20, we offer a bed and three meals a day,” said Thabiso Ramasike, Acting CEO at MES. “But we realised early on that a providing a meal alone isn’t enough. Homelessness strips people of their dignity. Our mission is to restore that dignity through structured programmes that equip individuals with life skills, psychosocial support, and ultimately, a path to reintegration.”

MES runs shelters in Johannesburg, Kempton Park, Gqeberha, and Cape Town, with outreach programmes designed to bring people in from the streets. Once engaged, social workers assess their needs and place them into structured six-week programmes, with the ultimate goal to help them exit the system and regain independence.

“At any given time, our shelters are housing 300-400 people overnight collectively. The idea is not to house more, but to house fewer because they are exiting the system stronger and better off,” Ramasike added.

Warmth in every stitch

“At Med-Lemon, we’ve long been trusted to bring warmth and relief to those battling colds and flu across the country,” said Bronwyn Hughes, Brand Manager for Med-Lemon at Haleon. “Through this heartfelt initiative, we’re honoured to extend that comfort in a more tangible way – by providing warm, specially knitted blankets to the beneficiaries at Impilo. Beyond warmth, this effort also supported skills development, with our knitting partners leading a meaningful educational session that empowered participants with both knowledge and connection.”

Hughes added that Med-Lemon looks forward to expanding the initiative across the country – reaching more communities and reminding people experiencing homelessness that they are seen, valued, and supported.

Nonhlanhla Zulu, Unit Leader for Outreach and Social Relief at Impilo Shelter emphasised the pivotal role external support played. “When brands like Med-Lemon reach out, it means the world. Remember, we are a non-profit organisation, we can’t do this alone, and every bit of support goes a long way. And for our beneficiaries, it affirms that they haven’t been forgotten.”

As South Africans honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy this July, initiatives like Med-Lemon’s act of service at Impilo Shelter serve as powerful reminders that restoring hope and dignity is a collective effort. Every stitch in a blanket, every meal served, and every hand extended reaffirms that change is possible – when we choose to see and uplift one another.

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