Qhubeka is an Nguni word that means “to carry on”, “to progress”, “to move forward”.I've always had a childlike excitement for my birthday, and a weakness for presents (Thanks, Mom xxx). This year, I'm challenging myself to look at my attachment to things and the ways in which gift-giving can serve a purpose different from what our consumerist culture has taught us. I first heard of and worked with Qhubeka as an intern at GivenGain in 2015, and I was amazed by their effectiveness, professionalism and unique goal. Access is a big issue in rural South Africa. Half a million South African rural kids (according to StatsSA) walk more than 60 minutes to school every day. A Qhubeka buffalo bicycle can make a massive difference in such a child's life and education. Whether or not you were planning on giving me anything for my birthday, I would like to ask you to join me in giving a gift that's actually needed, and has a long-term value. In stead of the habit we've formed to give and receive gifts that excite us momentarily, but are soon forgotten and rarely used. (Except books - I still love books)More on Qhubeka: http://qhubeka.org/2013/?page_id=962 (They're awesome!)

We are having a function at our school (Bloemhof Girls High in Stellenbosch) in aid of rhino conservation in South Africa on the 28th of August. (Three course meal, speaker, musical entertainment and auction) Tickets for the evening are on sale for R300 per person. Please support us! We started by launching a national competition, called Heels for Horns, through which studens from all over the country could design rhino-inspired stilletto's. The three winning pairs will be manufactured by the Footwear Design and Technology School of South Africa, and the winner will receive a R25 000 bursury to study shoe design. Please help us to raise awareness, and funds, for this very important cause!