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In a world where countless children face the harsh realities of broken homes or growing up without parents, one Johannesburg woman is turning love into action through her initiative, 'Love on a Plate'.
For Unity Kgongoana, the founder of The Finishing Touch Group, helping orphans and abandoned children has always been close to her heart. For many years, Unity has been supporting the less fortunate, but in 2025, that passion deepened into something more intentional. She envisioned giving children from disadvantaged homes an experience they would rarely, if ever, encounter: a fine-dining evening designed to remind them of their worth.
What began as a heartfelt idea has now grown into a meaningful annual initiative.
Through her art and design company, The Finishing Touch Group, Unity sourced sponsors across Johannesburg and partnered with a local fine-dining restaurant to host children from various homes and charities. This year, she collaborated with Fountain of Love Orphanage to host a dozen children at The Old Oak Restaurant and Family Centre in Linksfield on 28 February.
The setting was intentional and symbolic - a beautifully prepared communal table filled with meals prepared with love. The Old Oak chefs served a carefully curated three-course meal. But the evening was about far more than food; it was about restoring dignity, inspiring dreams, and affirming that each child is seen, valued, and deeply loved.
Unity teamed up with local artists to create pieces that spoke to the day's purpose.
With sponsors and organisations supporting the initiative, the night became a powerful reminder that the community can come together to create a lasting impact.
For the second consecutive year, Unity invited renowned South African artist Thabiso Dakamela, whose work is celebrated internationally, and Mncedisi Simelane to collaborate on purpose-driven pieces.
The artworks were unveiled during the event, with each artist sharing the inspiration behind their creations. Proceeds from every piece sold are directed to charities around Johannesburg, ensuring that the impact of the evening extends far beyond one night.
The children not only witnessed creativity in motion but were also encouraged to see themselves as capable of greatness. Unity inspired the children with words reaffirming them that their current circumstances do not define their future.
" What began as a vision to ignite hope has now grown into a movement," said Unity Kgongoana.
The night ended with children enjoying cake and other delicious treats. They were also given special presents to remind them of the power of education. Each child received a school pack filled with goodies that would help them thrive in their studies.
“With each year, we are reminded that love expressed through art and community has the power to restore dignity and inspire possibility.”
Unity believes a meal prepared with intention becomes more than nourishment; it becomes affirmation.
Her initiative “Love on a Plate” proves that kindness can be experienced, tasted, shared, and remembered.
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