Charity Begins At Home

Growing up on a farm gave Lion du Plessis insight into the problems faced by farmworkers. But after studying human rights he gained an even deeper understanding of these issues, which spurred him on to create a charity that uplifts rural communities. Lindi Botha reports.

- Lindi Botha

Backed by a highly impressive array of qualifications in law, higher education, financial planning, human rights and project management, Lion du Plessis led a successful corporate career in Gauteng. But periodically returning to his family on the farm near Ermelo, Mpumalanga, where he grew up, he witnessed the plight of the rural communities and felt a need to do more to uplift these people.

“Studying human rights was a bit of a turning point and really gave me a different view of life. It helped give me insight into the less fortunate,” he says.

In 2009, Du Plessis launched the Children at Play (C@P) charity, initially with the aim of getting workers’ children living on the farm active and involved in sport.

“I believe sport can go a long way towards teaching discipline and therefore aiding in business, so it seemed like a good place to start,” he says.

The venture was then extended to provide stationery for the school children.

“Many families can’t provide stationery, and the schools usually have limited resources. We’re so often shocked that some of the children don’t even have one pen with which to write. Supplying them each with their own stationery pack not only gives them the ability to take part in schoolwork, it motivates them to work harder for success.”

In 2012, Du Plessis moved back to Ermelo to farm, and alongside his farming activities continued expanding C@P. Today, it comprises several focus areas to provide for a range of needs in rural and less fortunate communities. As a registered non-profit organisation, it relies on the support of volunteers, sponsors and donors. Du Plessis believes that through C@P, children from all backgrounds can acquire the tools to develop and grow up to be responsible, productive citizens. He takes his role as a farmer and his responsibility towards the greater farming community very seriously.