"Coming from Mamelodi myself, and as a mother, this was an immediate choice for me," notes Joan confidently. "Mandela Day symbolises a much bigger picture, but importantly it enables individuals to make an effort and contribute a small amount of their time. Many small actions can make a difference," she adds.
Joan will be joined by her brand management team where she has permanently adopted one of the houses to make-over and maintain. The house needs extensive repair and will be done in phases, with the first phase starting on Mandela Day. The end goal is to create a new home-living environment for the children of the house. Joan's upgrading activities on Mandela Day have been made possible by Builders Warehouse, who have made a generous contribution allowing all materials necessary for upgrade and revamp to be sourced. RBJ Marketing will provide cake and drinks for the day whilst Debonairs Pizza will kindly sponsor lunch for the entire home.
Established in 1985, The SOS Mamelodi Village is situated in Pretoria and is home to 162 children. There are also three youth houses on or near the premises, which cater for the older children as they grow towards independence. An SOS Kindergarten serves the community and Village children as they prepare for "big school", and the SOS Social Centre provides support and training to community families in need. The Village has a strong Family Strengthening Programme which operates through its Social Centre. This programme offers support to the wider community through a community-based partner - support includes emergency food parcels, skills training for caregivers and assistance with establishing income generating activities.
Joan recently left Mamelodi Sundowns in June 2011, and had moved full time into operating 'The Dynamic School of Grooming'. The School teaches a young person about the importance of grooming and etiquette. The curriculum allows people to learn about themselves and enables them to communicate effectively in business. Key focus is on the importance of image and self-esteem, necessary elements both in a personal or corporate life. The school is targeted at all ages and races focusing on people who want to change their lives and attitudes for the positive.
In addition to her School of Grooming, Joan is also a co-owner of marketing and events company RBJ Marketing. She is also a motivational speaker giving lectures on how to "Unleash the Power in You."
