#WomensMonth2025: Victoria Maluleka is the change she wants to see in the world
World-renowned humanitarian Mother Teresa once said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples,” a sentiment shared by many all over the world, including CSIRSHEro, Victoria Maluleka. At the organisation, she works as an e-HR administrator. After hours, she runs her own Non-Profit Organisation dedicated to uplifting the youth, supporting orphans and caring for the homeless. Victoria is recognised as a phenomenal CSIR woman and SHEro this Women’s Month and beyond.
 Victoria leads by example, teaching her children to be kind and empathetic towards others |
Compassion and kindness are Victoria’s components
As a Mamelodi native, Victoria felt called to make a difference in her community. In 2024, she started the Victoria Maluleka Foundation, inspired by a desire to teach her children the importance of compassion and kindness. “I wanted to instil that seed so that they know there are people out there who are less fortunate,” she says. One Christmas, she took her children to the SOS Children’s Village Mamelodi. As they walked around, she noticed that many children had nowhere to go during the holidays. “It broke my heart to know that while I was celebrating Christmas with my kids, giving them presents and lunch and all these nice things, there were children in the orphanage who had nothing,” Victoria recalls.
That moment planted the idea to host a Christmas party for the children. She began reaching out to others, forming a WhatsApp group and asking for support; help came pouring in. “People donated money, presents, food, and we even received a R1 000 donation from SPAR,” she says. “We got to make the event special for them. I was so happy I got to make their Christmas special.” Since then, the Christmas party has become an annual tradition.
 Victoria leads by example, teaching her children to be kind and empathetic towards others |
Bringing the Christmas spirit to others
Last year, Victoria and her team hosted a Christmas party at the SOS Children’s Village, which brought joy to more than 70 orphans. “There are a lot of orphans who have no one, and as a result, they wander around the orphanage with nothing to do,” she explains. “Because I always celebrate Christmas with my family, I wanted to bring that same spirit to those who have no one.”
Driven by her passion for helping those in need, Victoria continues to grow her foundation. Her plans include visiting schools to empower the youth and distributing food packs to the homeless during Christmas. “I started the NPO because I wanted to create a dedicated space to do the work of the Lord,” she says. “I love helping people.”
Victoria Maluleka’s story is one of faith, compassion and action. Her commitment to giving back makes the world a brighter place. We are inspired and are proud to celebrate her.
 With so much bad in the world, CSIRSHEro Victoria makes it her mission to spread kindness and be the good |