Support local girls at the third Thursday charity breakfast for Panties for Africa

Third Thursday False Bay is hosting a fundraising breakfast in support of Panties for Africa, a local charity helping girls in need.

Simon’s Town designer, entrepreneur, and founder of Panties for Africa, Tariro Ngwerume started the organisation after growing up without access to underwear herself.

Since its launch during lockdown, the project has handed out thousands of panties to girls in rural areas across South Africa.

Third Thursday False Bay, a group of eight women, was started by Simon’s Town resident Belinda Goddard.

The movement began 20 years ago in Johannesburg, when founder Helen Pounara brought together like-minded women to support community causes.

Inspired by that vision, Ms Goddard launched the False Bay group to do the same in her community, meeting monthly to champion local initiatives.

Earlier this year, they partnered with Panties for Africa for the first time, collecting more than 800 panties for girls in need.

“The Third Thursday organisations are registered non-profit companies,” said Ms Goddard.

“In False Bay, we are eight women strong, or eight strong women, whose core values are grace, humility, and compromise. We are all committed to making a difference within this community.”

Ms Goddard explains that all the women involved work part-time and voluntarily.

“We thrive on collaboration and connection, and we don’t mind getting our hands dirty. We work with one another’s strengths and networks and believe in a hands-up approach,” she said.

When it comes to choosing projects, the group prioritises local causes that create real community impact, particularly those involving children, education, the environment, or support for marginalised groups.

“We also look at the urgency and relevance of the need,” Ms Goddard explained, “and we’re happy to collaborate with organisations already doing the work.”

The upcoming breakfast event will offer more than just a meal.

Attendees can expect networking opportunities, project updates, guest speakers, and ways to get involved, including volunteering and donations.

“It’s also about creating a sense of purpose, and bringing people together in collective action," said Ms Goddard.

“Even small contributions - whether in time, skills or donations - can lead to significant change. This is about local solutions for local problems. No one should be left behind.”

The fundraising breakfast will take place on Friday June 27 at 10.30am at Kingsley’s at the Willets Hotel in Simon’s Town.

Tickets cost R200, and a portion of the money raised will be used to purchase new panty packs for girls aged 3 to 16.

Guests are also encouraged to bring new underwear donations, which will be collected at the event or can be dropped off at Tari Designs, located at 112 St George’s Street in Simon’s Town.

For more details, visit Panties for Africa on Facebook.