South Africa – Gqeberha
Caring for abused, abandoned babies at a local safe home
Aspen SA Operations’ Gqeberha team supported more than 20 babies at Thand’usana Baby Safe Home in celebration of Mandela Day.
Thand’usana, based in Newton Park, offers short-term care while nurturing and restoring abandoned and abused vulnerable babies from birth to three years of age. Part of their offering also includes collaborating with social workers as they seek adoptive families who will forever change the lives of these infants.
In preparation for the event, employees identified the Safe Home as a potential beneficiary, gathered supplies, and helped prepare for the visit. The team provided baby care items, food and other essentials to help ease some of the daily pressures faced by the home. Support was deeply appreciated and made possible through a combination of allocated resources and contributions from employees. For Caroline Stander, who helps manage the baby safe home, Aspen’s timing couldn’t have been better.
“We had just run out of diapers. We didn’t know where or how we would get more, but something told me to hang in there. Then Aspen came along. The support exceeded our expectations. God’s grace has carried us for the past 16 years, and the team from Aspen truly showed their good hearts.”
Caroline Stander, Manager: Thand’usana Baby Safe Home
Reflecting on the day, Roslyn Raelly, task team project lead, said this year felt particularly meaningful.
“This was our 14th year participating in Mandela Day, and it reminded us how powerful small acts of care can be."
"I’m proud of our team for showing up the way they did and we extend our gratitude for every act of kindness. From collecting items to giving of their time and energy, they made this happen. It’s inspiring to see hearts extended beyond the work we do every day.”
Aspen SA Operations remains committed to supporting our communities with care, compassion and purpose, and we look forward to engaging in Mandela Day again in 2026.
