MESsage from the CEO

A Call to Partnership – Holding Fast to the Rock in a Season of   Recovery

Dear Friend of MES,

I greet you in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour.

In December, I reflected on a quote that deeply resonated with me from Charles  Spurgeon:

“I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.” Over the past 39 years    at MES, each wave has carried us closer to the unshakable Rock of Ages, our Lord and Savior. Little did I know then how relevant that truth would become for MES in the months to follow.

Over the past five months, MES has weathered an unexpected storm. Anonymous, unsubstantiated allegations surfaced that called for an independent investigation. I’m thankful to confirm that the investigation has been concluded, and I have been reinstated with the full support of the Board. My heart remains fully committed to serving this organisation and its mission, just as I have faithfully done over the past 31 years in different roles. I will share some lessons learned on this journey over the coming months.

Yet, as with any storm, there has been an impact. Operational momentum was disrupted. Confidence was shaken. Critical decisions were delayed. Despite this, our teams continued to serve, driven by their calling and unwavering love for the vulnerable communities we walk alongside. I have never been prouder of the team. It is an honour to serve alongside them.

Now, we face the urgent task of stabilising MES. To restore systems, retain key staff, and ensure continuity of services, we need to raise R3 million in the weeks ahead.

These funds will be used to:

  • Rebuild organisational stability and capacity
  • Retain frontline workers and programme continuity
  • Strengthen financial compliance and audit readiness
  • Restore momentum after this period of turbulence

We believe God is still writing the story of MES — and He remains our Rock through it all. If you are able

to support us at this time, whether financially or by introducing us to others who can stand in the gap, we would be deeply grateful.

Thank you for walking this journey with us — for your prayers, your belief in the work we do, and your continued partnership in transforming lives. You are welcome to contact me directly if you have any questions.

With humility and hope,

Leona Pienaar

Chief Executive Officer
MES (Mould Empower Serve)

Ending a successful WinterHope Campaign 2025

WinterHope is an initiative that supports our most vulnerable communities during the harsh winter months.

For over two decades, this campaign has brought South Africans together through acts of compassion and generosity.

In a proud partnership with PEN (Pretoria), Tower of Hope (Bloemfontein), His Hands (Durban), and MES (Johannesburg, Kempton Park, Gqeberha, and Cape Town).

With over 150 collection points nationwide, the campaign ensures that every donation benefits a local community in need.

For more information or to find collection points, visit winterhoop.org.

Thank you to everyone who helped make WinterHope 2025 a true success.

Mandela Day 2025: Restoring Dignity

This July, the spirit of Madiba’s legacy was felt throughout MES, as staff, volunteers, and partners across all our branches came together in unity and service. From Johannesburg to Cape Town, Kempton Park to Gqeberha, our teams opened their doors and their hearts to welcome the many visitors who arrived to lend a hand.

Throughout the month, each centre became a hub of generosity and action. Donors and volunteers supported us in remarkable ways painting walls, cleaning and repairing outdoor spaces, and donating essential items including food, blankets, cleaning materials, and personal hygiene products. Their commitment extended well beyond the 67 minutes, as support continued throughout the entire month of July.

We are especially proud of how every MES staff member from outreach teams to programme coordinators came together nationally to host, guide, and connect with those who visited. Their dedication ensured every contribution was met with gratitude and every moment was meaningful.

Together, we honoured Mandela’s legacy not just in word, but in powerful acts of service.

Upcoming Events & Campaigns

Joburg’s Got Issues

World Homeless Day

MES will launch our annual World Homeless Day campaign under the theme “Break the Cycle.” This powerful campaign will shine a light on the underlying issues that make people homeless and the real stories of resilience, hope, and transformation made possible through your support.

For the duration of the campaign, we will be sharing inspiring journeys, insightful discussions, and practical ways for you to get involved from donating to our programs, sponsoring skills training, or helping someone take their next step toward independence.

Save the date and stand with us as we work to break the cycle – one life at a time.

Webinar on Counting the Homeless

National Homeless Network Quarterly Webinar

After successful webinars on addiction and fundraising, our next will be on Wed 13 August at 10am and entitled ‘The Homeless – who counts?’.

The collective experience of working with StatsSA in 2022 showed what not to do and led to a very unreliable result.

We will instead hear from experts who have led reliable counts in Durban, Cape Town and Tshwane.

Click below to pre-register for the webinar.

Until next time :-)