Meet the UJ Student Help Johannesburg’s Homeless Community

Inspired by her grandmother’s compassion, UJ student Athina Shezi has built a student-led outreach initiative helping homeless individuals across Johannesburg.

Johannesburg, South Africa (15 May 2026) – Third-year UJ student Athina Shezi, known on social media as “Miss Pretty Face”, is proving that kindness does not need wealth, status or a massive organisation behind it, just heart.

The Public Relations student has quietly been building a homeless outreach initiative called Seeds of Kindness, using whatever resources she can find to cook meals, collect clothing and support vulnerable people on the streets of Johannesburg. For Athina, the initiative is deeply personal.

“I’ve always wanted to help people on the streets.”

She explained that watching her grandmother struggle while still trying to help others planted the seed for the work she does today.

“I’ve seen my grandmother suffering, trying by all means to raise me, but at the end of the day she was still trying to help people on the streets. I’ve always wanted to give back to the community and help people realise that they are appreciated.”

Athina also hopes her work reminds people about ubuntu and the importance of treating homeless individuals with compassion and dignity.

“Most people think they are there because they want to be there, but it’s not like that. They are being forced into situations.”

Balancing student life and outreach work has not been easy. Athina revealed that she initially used part of her NSFAS allowance to support the initiative before deciding to take on additional responsibilities at residence to help fund it.

“Sometimes it’s hard. But I’ve always told myself that if I want something, I have to push.”

Despite the challenges, Athina says the work brings her a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Together with a team of volunteers, she physically carries food and clothing to those in need. These are moments she describes as emotional, inspiring and deeply rewarding.

“I feel like I’m slowly changing the world and becoming the woman I’ve always wanted to become. The woman my grandmother wished me to become.”

While many know Athina from her growing TikTok presence under the name “Miss Pretty Face”, social media has also helped expand the reach of Seeds of Kindness. After she began posting more about the initiative online, people started donating money and clothes, helping the organisation support both homeless individuals and struggling students.

Still, Athina believes kindness is not always about money or grand gestures.

“You don’t even have to give food or money. Just greeting someone kindly and asking them how they are can make a difference.”

And through every meal handed out and every bag of clothes carried through Johannesburg’s streets, Athina and her team are doing exactly that.

@missprettyface1 I started this journey in 2024 without fully understanding how much it would heal parts of me I never spoke about. What began as simply cooking for people on the street slowly became something deeper..a space of love, purpose, healing, gratitude, and human connection. There were days I felt emotionally drained, overwhelmed, and unsure of myself, but somehow showing up for others reminded me that kindness still exists and that even the smallest acts can change someone’s day. The smiles, conversations, hugs, and prayers I receive in return have fed my soul more than words can explain. I’m truly grateful to Nedbank IMC Ceo for believing in my vision, donating to my organisation, and making such a meaningful impact. Your support reminded me that this dream is bigger than me and that there are people willing to stand beside young people trying to create change in their communities. Thank you to everyone who has supported, donated, encouraged me, reposted my work, or simply believed in what I’m building. This is more than just giving out food, it is love in action, healing in motion, and proof that humanity still exists. . #foryoupage #givingback #homeless #nedbankimc #sharing ♬ som original – Aninhaaa_Music

Sources: GTG Interview 

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