Gabriella's can collection: KZN teen helps fund her school needs

WHEN 13-year-old Gabriella Mahabeer began collecting cans to help with her school stationery costs, she never expected to inspire thousands.

Living with her aunt after her mother's stroke, this determined teen's small initiative has captured hearts across South Africa and shown that age is no barrier to making a difference.

Gabriella was inspired by an unlikely source - homeless people collecting cans.

It all started when Nirashnee Govender, 46, owner of NGO called Rescued Paw Friends in Tugela, shared a video on TikTok showing her teenage niece Gabriella, collecting cans to raise money for school stationery.

She never imagined the video would go viral.

Govender took in Gabriella in 2024 after her mother suffered a stroke and her grandmother was unable to care for both of them. 

“She was 11 years old at the time. We did not mind taking her in and we love having her with us, and she is happy to be with us,” Govender said.

However, the family faced financial challenges last year, as both of Govender’s sons were in matric. Her husband supplemented their income by running a scholar transport service following his retirement from the SAPS. 

Govender, who has a history of supporting extended family members, also took in her sister’s baby, Kadin, due to his family’s financial struggles.

“I just wanted the best for my niece and nephew. Now I have a beautiful family with three children who are all equal to us. Kadin wants to study chemical engineering while Jadin wants to study nursing,” Govender said.

Gabriella’s initiative to collect cans surprised the family. 

“I am not sure where Gabriella got the idea to collect cans for cash. She just said she would recycle the cans and give us money to help with school expenses. We thought it was humorous, but I felt proud seeing her determination and excitement to help us,” Govender said.

Gabriella began collecting cans in September 2025. While the family assisted her occasionally, the bulk of the work was hers alone. 

“We all got together and started crushing the cans to take in for recycling which we have not done as yet. We told her to collect more, and then it would be better. So every day she still collects cans. So far she has three bin bags full,” she said.

Despite managing to pay for Gabriella’s stationery themselves, Govender said it warmed her heart to see the young girl’s drive. 

“I felt bad for her. It is not good for a child to worry about money. It is sad, but her maturity made me proud. I run an NGO called Rescued Paw Friends. I feed strays. I also feed those who are unemployed and pensioners. My children all help me with my work. We are a family that works together to help achieve our goals,” said Govender. 

Gabriella, who recently started high school at Stanger Secondary, said she was inspired by an unlikely source. 

“I would see homeless people collecting cans, and I was curious as to why. So one day I asked, and they told me that they collect for recycling and get money. That is when I decided that the way I could help my family was to collect cans. It was not too hard; my grandmother helped me as well,” Gabriella said.

She collected cans from friends, family, school, and even her father’s scholar transport vehicle, ultimately amassing 400 cans. 

“I remember the day I started crushing the cans to take them for recycling; my whole family got involved, and we had fun. I told my family what I wanted to do with the money, and they were touched. They told me not to rush and collect more, they did not want the money, but I wanted to help. I heard them speaking about needing to buy stationery and knew I needed to help. I hope I get to help in the future, to thank them for the life they have given me,” she said.

She said she looked forward to seeing where her can collecting journey took her. 

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