The Winnie Mabaso Foundation

The Winnie Mabaso Foundation (WMF) is a registered non-profit organisation established in 2004 in honour of Mama Winnie Mabaso, whose compassion and dedication to orphaned and vulnerable children inspired the Foundation’s creation. Founded by Lisa Ashton, the Foundation was established to continue Winnie’s legacy of love, care and support for children in need. Over the years, its work has expanded beyond child care to support vulnerable individuals and families across different stages of life.   The Foundation operates in Mid-Ennerdale and surrounding communities, including Meriting informal settlement, south of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. Its work focuses on protecting vulnerable children, strengthening families, promoting community development, and improving access to essential services and opportunities for disadvantaged communities.   Through Ilamula House, the Foundation provides residential care and protection for vulnerable girls. Its community-based initiatives address a range of social needs through early childhood development, educational support, health and wellness activities, food security, skills development, women’s empowerment and support for older persons.   Key initiatives include Mabaso Tiny Tots Preschool, the Homework Club, the community library, the Friday Feeding Station, the community gardening programme, Sew Amazing, Granny Club, Dance club, Sports club, Sbonelo Youth programme. Through these initiatives, the Foundation works with community members, service providers, educational institutions and partners to respond to local needs and promote sustainable development.   Guided by the values of love, dignity, compassion and social responsibility, the Winnie Mabaso Foundation remains committed to creating safer environments, strengthening community resilience and expanding opportunities for vulnerable children, young people, women, families and older persons. Its work continues to uphold Mama Winnie Mabaso’s legacy by translating care into practical action and lasting community impact.  

Vision

A society in which all vulnerable and marginalised individuals and communities have equal opportunities to live with dignity, reach their full potential and enjoy a better quality of life.

Mission

To protect and empower vulnerable children, young people, women, families and older persons through quality care, education, health and wellness initiatives, food security, skills development and community-based support, while fostering partnerships that promote dignity, self-reliance and sustainable community development.

Core values

• Love and compassion: Treating every person with care, kindness and understanding.
• Dignity and respect: Upholding the rights, worth and individuality of every person.
• Accountability and integrity: Using resources responsibly and acting transparently.
• Empowerment: Strengthening people’s capacity to make informed decisions and improve their circumstances.
• Community participation: Working alongside communities to identify needs and develop meaningful solutions.
• Inclusion and equality: Promoting fair access to services, opportunities, and support.
• Sustainability: Developing initiatives that contribute to long-term individual and community well-being.