The African Footprint of Hope Organisation (AFOHO) commits itself to changing people’s lives for the better. Founder and CEO Nolitha Nkomana shares insights.
“AFOHO is a multifaceted organisation committed to holistic community upliftment in the Eastern Cape.”
Where are you from and what is your profession?
I am originally from Alice in the Eastern Cape, though I was born in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth. At heart, I am a development practitioner, passionate about community empowerment. I hold a Bachelor of Arts and an Honours degree from the University of Fort Hare, as well as a Master in Policy Studies a joint programme from University of Fort Hare and University of Zimbabwe. After working for over 20 years—initially at the University of Fort Hare and later within government, in 2008 I founded a non-profit company, African Footprint of Hope Organisation and I later resigned in 2009 to follow my passion.
What inspired you to start an NPO and when did you start it?
My inspiration came from a deeply personal place. My mother, who dedicated her time to running an NPO in Alice supporting the elderly, planted the first seeds of compassion and community service in me. I have always had a strong sense of justice and a desire to stand up for others. From a young age, I have spoken out and stood for what’s right—and I wanted to channel that boldness into something greater. That led to the birth of African Footprints of Hope Organisation in 2008.
What does the African Footprint of Hope Organisation focus on?
AFOHO is a multifaceted organisation committed to holistic community upliftment in the Eastern Cape. Over the years, we have implemented a range of impactful programmes, including:
- Sports Programmes: We provide inclusive platforms for youth to engage in athletics, develop discipline, and grow their talents through training, competitions, and awards in partnership with local clubs.
- Arts, Culture & Heritage: We celebrate and preserve cultural identity through projects like the Raymond Mhlaba Legacy Project and Archie “ZZ” Sibeko Memorial Lecture, sparking meaningful dialogue and pride in our heritage.
- Skills Development & Job Creation: We empower youth through practical training, internships, and cooperative programmes. In partnership with SETAs and institutions, we equip individuals for sustainable employment and entrepreneurship.
- Environmental Education: We promote environmental education and awareness through community clean-up campaigns. Currently we are running an Adopt a River Programme funded by National Lotteries Commission South Africa the Lottery Foundation and this has expanded to cleaning public spaces and Alice Town as a whole.
- Food Security: Through our partnership with the Kolisi Foundation, since COVID19 we have been distributing food parcels to destitute families, groceries to community kitchens addressing hunger and poverty.
What motivates you to consistently help those in need?
I am constantly reminded of how deep the need is in our communities. Every day, individuals and organisations approach me seeking assistance—and knowing that even small acts can make a big difference fuels me. Seeing the transformation in people’s lives, the hope restored, and the dignity regained through our work keeps me going.
How would you describe your journey of running an NPO thus far?
It has been a deeply fulfilling yet challenging journey as we are not a funded entity. We, however, generate our funds through the administration fees we receive from our funded SETA programmes.
There have been many hurdles—especially when it comes to fundraising, where closed doors often outnumber the open ones. But the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. Seeing lives change, communities strengthened, and young people empowered makes it all worthwhile. I always encourage those who are passionate about making a difference to pursue it—starting an NPO is not easy, but every action matters. There is still so much work to be done, and every helping hand makes a difference.
Provide an approximate number of beneficiaries the African Footprint of Hope Organisation has had
- We have distributed 5196 food parcels to destitute families supported by Kolisi Foundation.
- We have fed over 200 000 children and elderly through our community Kitchen supported by Kolisi Foundation.
- We have renovated a Community Hall, school and homes working with private sector.
- Distributed over 3000 sanitary towels to various schools.
- Distributed over 500 school shoes to destitute learners in various schools.
- For 3 years in succession we distributed 500 school shirts to various schools per album.
- Built a toilet for a creche at Eluphaphasi Village in Cala.
- We have placed unemployed graduates on Internship Programmes funded by CETA and Services Seta.
