Daphne Tshabalala was principal of the Nichols Primary School in Edendale, Pietermaritzburg. One day during the children’s break she tossed away a crust of bread to a dog lying outside her office and was horrified to see a ravenous little boy rushing to retrieve it. This led her to found the Bonginkosi children’s feeding project, along with African Enterprise South Africa Board Member Barbara Davies.
African Enterprise took over this programme which spread like wildfire in Pietermaritzburg schools and beyond. Daphne’s infectious spiritual enthusiasm and huge compassion for the poor and marginalised mightily influenced Michael and all in African Enterprise. Daphne’s untimely death did not stop the programme which flourished for many years thereafter under the impetus of her legacy and the many memories she left behind.