From humble beginnings to leading a grassroots movement, Surentha Govender left behind a corporate career to follow a calling rooted in compassion. As the founder of Being Helping Hands (BHH), she’s become a quiet force in her community—feeding the hungry, supporting the vulnerable, and bringing hope where it’s needed most. Her story is one of faith, resilience, and the belief that real change begins with a willing heart.
Surentha Govender
Merebank and Chatsworth Tabloid (MCT): Where did your journey into community work begin?
Govender: It started when I was a child. My family didn’t have much, but I always had this deep desire to give—whether it was helping someone in school or feeding a hungry dog on the street. It gave me peace. That never left me. As I grew older and found myself with more to give, I knew I could do more. That’s when I started sharing what we do at BHH.
MCT: Is it true that you left your full time job to pursue this initiative?
Govender: I did. I was in management, but I felt this strong calling—like this was who God created me to be. I left my job and started BHH with a heart full of faith and purpose. I was 30 when I found that clarity, and I’m so grateful. Some people search their whole lives for that. Once we started, everything just took off—our posters, our initiatives—everything has been blessed since.
MCT: How did the name Being Helping Hands come about?
Govender: It came through prayer. I didn’t sit and brainstorm it—it was more like a feeling. I kept thinking about how small acts can change so much, and how our hands are tools to help. So we said, We are helping hands. And just like that, the name stuck. It’s who we are.
MCT: What kinds of projects have you been involved in?
Govender: So many! I’ve worked with CANSA, raising funds and supporting their annual initiatives. I assist Sparrows Trust and Merlene Matthew with school outreach on cyberbullying and awareness programs. I’ve supported the Isipingo Martial Arts Club and the Junior Soccer Academy. And I’ve helped victims of rape and physical abuse with guidance and support. During the looting, during the floods, even during vaccine rollouts—I was there, side by side with the MVG team. If there’s a need, I try to be present.
MCT: Have you faced challenges in your work?
Govender: Many. A few years ago, we tried to start a learnership for over 300 matriculants to create job opportunities. But due to political interference, we lost our land. It was heartbreaking. Some leaders are more interested in money and fame than real change. Our youth are falling into drugs and alcohol because there’s no real opportunity. It’s devastating to watch potential waste away.
MCT: Is there an initiative that’s stood out to you most?
Govender: The learnership was powerful, even if it was cut short. And during Covid, we committed fully—feeding the elderly, delivering essentials. We even cooked daily during the looting and floods. Our unplanned clothing drives? Incredible. The response from the community blew us away. People showed up—for each other.
MCT: How do you balance BHH with family life?
Govender: There’s no real balance. My 8-year-old is homeschooled, and he’s part of everything—we pack stationery, we make sandwiches, he’s in it with me. My whole family supports BHH. We’ve spent Christmases out doing community work before coming home, showering, and resting. It’s our life. At one point, I lost myself in the work—it consumed me. But with help from my pastor, I’ve found more balance and perspective.
MCT: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Govender: My entire family. My in-laws, siblings, even my neighbours—they give so selflessly. My pastors, Leon and Sharline Naidoo, have poured wisdom into me. Merlene Matthew has mentored me deeply. Joey Deoraj and the MVG team, Sunil Kalicharan, Estelle from Sparrows Trust—so many have shown me what it means to serve with no expectation of gain. I’m surrounded by love and kindness.
MCT: And your motivation to do good, where do you draw that from?
Govender: From the Word of God. We’ve achieved so much through BHH, but we stay grounded. Our strength comes from God, and we’re just His hands. I don’t see myself as better than the person asking for bread. Everyone deserves love and respect—human and animal alike. Be the same person at home that you are out in the world.
MCT: What’s your dream for the future?
Govender: A rehabilitation centre. A safe space for suicidal teens, rape victims, the orphaned—the broken. Our community needs it. We see kids turn to drugs, prostitution, even suicide, and we have nowhere to send them. My dream is to create that sanctuary. A place of healing and hope.
MCT: Lastly, what would you say to someone who wants to help, but doesn’t know where to start?
Govender: Start small. You don’t need an NPO number to make a difference. Giving a hungry child a sandwich or donating clothes—that’s already a step. We can’t all feed a nation, but we can help someone. Just imagine if that someone was your child. What would you want someone to do? Give, love, and stay committed. The doors will open. And remember: what we sow today, our children will reap tomorrow.
