Wagging Winter Shoebox Drive: Bringing Warmth to Khayelitsha’s Pets

 This morning on The Morning Cruise, we turned our spotlight to some of Cape Town’s most vulnerable residents — the pets of Khayelitsha. Our guest was Marcelle Plessis from the Mdzananda Animal Clinic, who joined us to talk about their heartwarming campaign: the Wagging Winter Shoebox Drive.

What’s the Shoebox Drive About?

The idea is simple: fill a shoebox with essential items to help keep township pets warm and healthy this winter. This can include blankets, food (dry or soft), pet jackets, toys, and even washing powder for cleaning donated blankets.

"We want to make it easy for the public to get involved," Marcelle shared. "Even one small box can make a big difference to a dog or cat in need."

These boxes go to homeless animals in the shelter as well as pets in the community whose families may be struggling during the colder months.

 How Can You Help?

If you can’t drop off a box in person, you can donate online and the Mdzananda team will pack and deliver a box on your behalf. Donations go mainly towards food and blankets, which are crucial to keeping the animals healthy until they find forever homes.

You can also sponsor a specific dog or cat, or help promote the drive by spreading the word.

Teaching the Next Generation

The clinic doesn’t just treat animals — it also works to educate children in local schools. Marcelle explained how they run lessons on how to hold an animal properly, understand its emotions, and treat it with kindness. It’s all about building a more compassionate community from a young age.

A Message of Hope

Marcelle left us with a gentle reminder:

“If you have a small dog or cat at home, please try to let them sleep indoors this winter. They’ll be so grateful — and they’ll show you so much love in return.”

So, what’s the first step you can take today?
Visit www.mdzananda.co.za 

Let’s Spread Warmth This Winter 

Whether it’s by filling a shoebox or making a small donation, every action counts.
Together, we can make this winter a little warmer for Khayelitsha’s beloved pets.

 Stay tuned to Bush Radio 89.5 FM – The Morning Cruise for more stories that matter to our communities.

writting by ida

From Lesotho to the World: SaveHXPE’s Journey of Hope, Hip-Hop, and Authenticity

From Lesotho to the World: SaveHXPE’s Journey of Hope, Hip-Hop, and Authenticity 

From the heart of Lesotho to the global stage, SaveHXPE is making waves as one of South Africa’s most promising young talents. Rapper, producer, and storyteller, his journey is a testament to creativity, resilience, and the power of staying true to oneself.

Early Beginnings: Music as a Calling

SaveHXPE’s musical journey began at just nine years old, inspired by his older brother’s rap group and the sounds of hip-hop echoing through his home. By the age of seven, he was already rapping, and soon after, he started making his own beats determined to create the perfect backdrop for his lyrics. “I grew up around music. My uncles and my mom listened to hip-hop, so I gravitated towards artists like Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and the rap of the ‘90s and early 2000s,” he recalls.

Breakthrough Projects and Global Recognition

His first serious project, Kings 2A (2021), marked a turning point, showing him that music was more than a hobby it was his path. The follow-up, Still Deciding, brought even greater success, with the lead single “Breathe” amassing 1.9 billion streams on Spotify. “It started around me first, and then it went globally,” SaveHXPE shares, reflecting on the overwhelming response from his hometown of Maseru to the world.

A major milestone came when Erykah Badu, a childhood idol and his mother’s favorite artist, publicly endorsed his work. “It was a full circle moment for me,” he says. This recognition opened new doors, connecting him with a team in Los Angeles and propelling his career to new heights.

Staying Authentic in a Changing Industry

Amidst the rise of “bubblegum music,” SaveHXPE’s gritty, original hip-hop stands out. His EP Still Deciding resonated with fans for its authenticity and relatable stories. “People tell me their girlfriends listen to my music, or their little brothers wake up to it every day. That’s the impact I’m proud of,” he explains.

For SaveHXPE, the creative process is everything. He stays inspired by making music daily, embracing the journey rather than focusing solely on the outcome. Social media has played a crucial role, with tracks like “Breathe” blowing up on TikTok and Instagram, reaching hundreds of thousands of new listeners.

New Music and Creative Directions

His latest single, “80’s Baby” featuring Baby Days, is all about fun and artistic expression. The collaboration came about through mutual connections in Lesotho and Cape Town, leading to an instant creative spark. “It’s a playful record. I want listeners to have fun and enjoy it,” he says.

Looking ahead, SaveHXPE is excited to explore new genres, blending pop and R&B with his hip-hop roots. His upcoming single, “It Ain’t So,” drops July 11th, promising even more evolution in his sound.

Music as Storytelling and Activism

SaveHXPE’s lyrics often delve into identity, relationships, and social commentary. “I put all my emotions in the music so listeners can resonate with how I’m feeling,” he says. The song “Distance” from his EP stands out as a powerful example, helping fans navigate their own relationships and emotions.

Advice for Young Creatives

For aspiring artists, especially those from small towns like Lesotho, SaveHXPE’s advice is simple: “Use what you have and keep going. I started making music on an old Windows XP computer and recorded on my phone. The only fuel you need is creative fuel, and that will take you places you never imagined”.

A Message to Fans

Grateful for the support he’s received, SaveHXPE encourages fans to stay tuned for what’s next: “There’s so much to come this year, and I’m happy you’ve stuck with me on this journey”.

You can follow SaveHXPE on all social platforms @SaveHXPE (pronounced “Hope”) and stream his new single “80’s Baby” featuring Baby Days on all major platforms now.

Writing by Laure 

Your Brand, Your Community: How Tafelsig’s Youth Are Becoming Agents of Change

Your Brand, Your Community: How Tafelsig’s Youth Are Becoming Agents of Change

On June 30th, the Tafelsig Community Center will come alive with the energy and creativity of its youth. The event "Your Brand, Your Community," a collaboration between the Department of Social Development and the Q-Rock Foundation, promises to be a highlight for inspiring and supporting young people in the neighborhood.

A Project Born from Necessity

Tafelsig is full of talented young people, but many struggle to find opportunities to express themselves and thrive. This reality motivated Faith, an artist and project spokesperson, to get involved: “There are so many talented young people here, but opportunities often slip through their fingers. We want to show them they can achieve their dreams, far from the dangers of the street.

A Program Designed to Unleash Potential

On June 30th, young people aged 14 to 25 will be able to participate in workshops on music, dance, visual arts, and much more. The goal? To help them discover their talents, draw inspiration from local artists’ journeys, and leave with a renewed desire to get involved in their community.

Faith, himself an internationally recognized artist, emphasizes the power of resilience: “If I succeeded, it’s thanks to perseverance and faith in my abilities. Today, I want to share that message with young people: anything is possible, no matter where you start.”

An Impact Beyond a Single Event

For the organizers, "Your Brand, Your Community" is not a one-off initiative. It’s a movement meant to last, grow, and expand to other neighborhoods in the Cape Flats. “If we can reach even 10 out of 300 young people, and they in turn inspire others, then our mission is accomplished. That’s how you build an army for change.”

A Call to Action

Faith appeals to businesses, partners, and residents: “Don’t see these young people as statistics, but as humans full of potential. Come see what we’re doing, support us, invest in the future of our community.”

A Message of Hope

The interview ends on a hopeful note: “No matter where you come from, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. You just have to believe in yourself and reach out there will always be someone to help you.”

Join us on June 30th from 10am to 2pm at the Tafelsig Community Center for this inspiring day and maybe even become part of the movement!

To get involved or donate:
Contact DaRank at 062-777-38776 or the QRock Foundation at 074-459-4680.

Writing by Laure