13/07/2026
She has the beauty of an international model, the voice of a president, the restless brain of a serial entrepreneur, and a smile as bright as a winter rainbow in Paarl.
She is Mbekweni’s very own Mama Mirriam Toni. A pillar in the community since 1994 when she founded Mirriam’s house, a refuge for abandoned children.
And founder of Ncedisizwe Centre (meaning “to help the nation”), an employment training centre for the youth. Mama Mirriam mentors and employs 43 people in her community, who work in a catering project, a hair salon, arts and crafts centre and bakery.
Her house looks like a mad scientist’s laboratory, a type of W***y Wonka factory. A pizza oven stands here, a popcorn machine there, deep fryers in the kitchen for making her delicious “amagwinya” (Xhosa vetkoek).
An eclectic array of artwork covers her walls, gorgeous handmade dresses are draped over a table, large mosaic chairs crafted with her own hands. Several trophies on display prove the success of her own soccer team, the All Stars. There is no space here for nothingness, no time for idleness.
A mother to the vulnerable. A mentor to the youth. Inspiration to a community. Her motto of hope that she passionately coaches her proteges with is: "Out of nothing, you can create something".
Be Part has since 2007 pursued innovative ways to treat the vulnerable in the community of Mbekweni. Creating hope out of hopelessness.
We salute you, Mama Mirriam Toni.
