A total of 1,000 Soweto residents received blankets and bread this past weekend as Moti Cares brought its 2026 Winter Drive to Orlando West, offering practical support to families facing the cold winter months.
The handover took place on Saturday, 13 June 2026, with elderly residents, parents, children and community members gathering to receive assistance at a time when many households are under pressure from rising living costs and harsh winter conditions.
For many families, the support meant more than receiving a blanket and a loaf of bread. It was a moment of relief and comfort, especially for those who are struggling to keep warm at night.
The Soweto handover forms part of Moti Cares’ broader winter outreach programme, which will see 20,000 blankets distributed to vulnerable communities across South Africa this winter.
The distribution was coordinated with the support of local community and religious leaders, who helped identify areas of need and assisted with the handover on the day. These leaders work closely with families, elderly residents, children and vulnerable groups in their communities, helping ensure that the support reached people who needed it most.
Zunaid Moti, founder of Moti Cares, said the handover was a reminder that even simple acts of care can make a real difference.
“A blanket may seem like a small thing, but for someone who is cold at night, it means warmth. It also reminds people that they have not been forgotten,” said Moti.
He added that the Winter Drive is about helping where possible.
“We know that we cannot assist every person or solve every challenge faced by communities. But where we can do something practical, we believe we should. Sometimes doing something small is still better than doing nothing at all,” he said.
Moti Cares has been running its annual Winter Drive for the past few years, supporting under-resourced communities, shelters, religious organisations, care facilities and families in need. Previous winter drives have reached more than 60,000 people.
This year’s campaign also carries a Youth Month message, with Moti Cares encouraging South Africans, especially young people, to help identify communities, charities, families and organisations that may need winter support.
Members of the public can nominate areas of need by commenting on Zunaid Moti’s official social media platforms and sending a direct message with their contact details and further information. The Moti Cares team will review and verify nominations where possible as the campaign continues.
Following the Soweto handover, Moti Cares will continue distributing blankets and bread every weekend until the end of winter.
