Empowering Communities, Transforming Futures
The villages surrounding the Sabi Sand face significant challenges, including high unemployment, limited access to quality healthcare, and scarce opportunities to break the cycle of poverty. Savanna has always stood by its neighbouring communities, employing 90% of its staff from these areas and working to create sustainable, lasting change.
To deepen this commitment, we established The Savanna Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting community-led projects and partnerships. By collaborating with local stakeholders, we focus on initiatives that uplift the region’s most vulnerable — including children, the elderly, and even domestic and livestock animals.
Our mission is to build resilient, self-sufficient communities where every individual can thrive. From access to healthcare and education to livelihood support and animal welfare, we aim to meet essential needs while empowering people to create brighter futures.
With every partnership formed, every project launched, and every person supported, The Savanna Trust takes one step closer to a stronger, more compassionate community for all.
👉 See details of our individual projects below.
Join us in driving change, building resilience, and creating opportunity where it is needed most. 🌍❤️💪
Find out more at savannalodge.com/community-projects
Empowers Africa has partnered with The Savanna Trust in order to provide a cost-effective solution to fundraising in the United States by acting as their fiscal sponsor. Any donations made here will be granted to The Savanna Trust.
Empowers Africa uses Stripe to process credit card donations. Stripe has very stringent security rules which may lead to declined credit card transactions. If you are experiencing trouble processing your donation, kindly contact Nadia Derelieva at (917) 328-1611 or via email: nadia@empowersafrica.org
The Savanna Trust Campaigns
Tiyimiseleni Home-Based Care Centre: Nurturing Hope, Health, and Opportunity
In the heart of Mabarhule village, Tiyimiseleni Home-Based Care Centre stands as a lifeline for 300 orphans and vulnerable children (aged 2-18) affected by HIV and AIDS. Each day, a devoted team of 15 compassionate women provides essential care, ensuring every child receives the support they need to thrive.
At Tiyimiseleni, children are welcomed with warmth, care, and opportunity. They are served a nutritious meal, receive homework assistance, and engage in recreational activities that foster learning and growth. Through vital HIV education, the children gain awareness, while the women — trained as health caregivers — conduct home visits to ensure each child is safe, healthy, and well-nourished. In times of need, they provide food parcels, school uniforms, and transport to local health clinics.
With the support of Savanna’s generous guests, we have been able to build a modern, multi-functional hall at the centre. This space allows the children to enjoy their daily meals in comfort, while staff prepare food in a clean, safe kitchen environment.
Sustainability and empowerment are at the heart of our vision. Savanna proudly funds Tiyimiseleni’s operating costs and is helping to strengthen its future by supporting income-generating initiatives. From an on-site vegetable garden to beadwork and sewing projects, these efforts provide a path to lasting self-sufficiency.
At Tiyimiseleni, every meal served, every lesson taught, and every visit made is a step toward a brighter future for vulnerable children. Together, we are creating a space where hope grows, one child at a time. 🌱❤️👶👧👦
Join us in supporting the incredible work of Tiyimiseleni Home-Based Care Centre — because every child deserves a chance to thrive.
Hlayisekani Nursing Home: A Beacon of Hope and Care for the Elderly
In the heart of Huntington, where vulnerable elderly residents are often overlooked, one young nurse is making a profound difference. Nyiko Mokoena, a professionally trained nurse, is driven by a powerful mission: to “restore hope to the hopeless.”
Recognizing the urgent need for elderly care, the Savanna Trust partnered with Nyiko and his dedicated team in 2015 to establish the first permanent nursing home in the area. Fully equipped with water, electricity, and essential facilities, Hlayisekani Nursing Home now provides 24/7 care for its residents. The centre is staffed with compassionate caregivers and a professional nurse always on-site, ensuring every resident receives the attention and dignity they deserve.
With the invaluable support of our donors, we recently expanded the facility to accommodate all 70 residents comfortably. The upgraded space provides a safe, caring, and homely environment where elderly residents can live with dignity.
The Savanna Trust remains deeply committed to supporting Nyiko and his team as they continue to develop Hlayisekani Nursing Home into a model of excellence for elderly care in Huntington. Together, we are building a brighter, more compassionate future — one resident at a time. 🌿❤️👵
Experience the Heart of Compassion with Khumba Ncila Animal Welfare Society
Khumba Ncila, meaning “Touching Tales” in Shangaan, is dedicated to uplifting neighbouring communities and their animals through compassionate support, education, and care. Our mission extends to both livestock and pets, as well as homeless animals in need.
Operating across eight local villages, we provide essential veterinary services, including sterilization and vaccination campaigns. Our skilled team also treats health issues affecting livestock and domestic animals, from injuries and illnesses to the prevention and management of diseases.
By nurturing the well-being of animals and empowering communities with knowledge, Khumba Ncila creates lasting, positive change — one life, one story, one touch at a time.
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @khumba_ncila
Join us in our mission to make every tale a touching one. 🌍❤️🐾
General Donations
If you do not have any specific project in mind and wish the organization to use their own discretion, please click here.
Donations can also be made by check or wire transfer:
Checks should be made out to “Empowers Africa” and should be mailed to:
Empowers Africa
2 Beekman Place, Ste. 18B
New York, NY 10022
www.empowersafrica.org
(917) 328-1611
Kindly note in the memo section of the check that funds are for The Savanna Trust. Or email us at info@empowersafrica.org.
For wire transfer details or more information, please email us at info@empowersafrica.org.
Empowers Africa has been approved as a U.S. public charity, contributions to which are tax deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Section 501(c)(3) [EIN: 32-0403737] of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
Thank you for your support!