Following the recent passing of our beloved Margaret on Saturday 27th June 2026, tributes have been pouring in from all corners of the world. Over the next few months, we will be sharing a series of posts to celebrate her profound impact and the beautiful reflections we have received.
In this first post, we feature a moving poem written by Pemla Mtshali from our sister NGO in South Africa, the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust SA. Working hand-in-hand with Margaret, Pemla ensured key projects like our annual Spirit of Adventure camp and classroom makeovers ran smoothy and delivered lasting impact.
We also share the full, inspiring tributes from two of our students — young individuals sponsored through high school and proudly watched thrive into university, with the help of Margaret and our supporters. These voices, filled with love, are a poignant testament to the wisdom, inspiration, and purposeful life that Margaret shared with us all.
From Pemla Mtshali, Education Manager, Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust SA in South Africa:
“My dearest Margaret
Where do I even start!!!
I am shattered by your passing
I am hurt
I am sad
I am scared
I am in disbelief
I know you suffered a lot, yet I still wish I would get your hug again just one more time
Your wise words live in my heart like a beat that I can dance too
I cannot believe you saw potential in me there many did not see
I cannot seem to thank you enough for all that you did for me
You were my guardian Angel
You were all the badges of strength
You were never afraid and always pushed anything to a place where you wanted it to be
I cannot help it but remember you as one who was
Full of smiles
Full of hugs
Full of passion
Full of light
And how can I forget our coffee and cake dates
Oh wow
Heaven has truly gained an Angel
You served
You loved
You fought
And now you rest
Thank you for giving me a chance to journey with you
Thank you for giving me a space to grow under you
May your wings fly high
May you keep soaring with Jesus
May you keep smiling at the pearly gates
You are now gone but not forgotten
You will always be in my heart
I will miss you so much
Thank you Margaret
For not only loving me but my family, the communities, the nations and the whole world
May your precious soul Rest in Eternal Peace
Love Pemla”
From Lebogang Xaba, Law Professional:
“If I trace back my life to where it changed, it starts with you and I just want to say thank you. Properly.
From high school, you made sure I was sponsored and that nothing about school became a barrier. You and your organizations covered everything and did it quietly, without ever making me feel like I owed you anything except my best effort. Thank you for not stopping there and walking with me all the way through varsity too.
Thank you for being a mentor I could look up to, an inspiration I wanted to make you proud. You were always happy to help and thank you for all those tea dates when you were in South Africa. I can still see you with your decaf coffee and a scone, smiling, happy to help, happy to listen.
I will never forget sending you my graduation pictures. Your message said, ” I bet mom and Mr. Shau are so proud.” But Margaret, I feel you should have added yourself to that sentence. Because you were there. You did the work. You are the reason I could send the photo at all.
I am who I am because you decided I was worth investing in. You made me believe I could do it. I am doing it now because you did. Thank you, forever.
With all my love, Lebo”
From Kwanele, University Student:
“Thank you for believing in my potential, for your wisdom, and for the opportunities you gave me. Your impact will continue to live on through the lives you changed, including mine. I will always carry your lessons, your support, and your memory with me.
May you rest in eternal peace.
Kwanele”
We are a registered UK charity raising funds to support children impacted by HIV and AIDS and rural township schools. All money raised goes directly to the projects.