Johannesburg, 15 April 2025 | Jacaranda FM‘s Good Morning Angels has once again transformed a life through the power of kindness, community, and innovation. On Breakfast with Martin Bester this week, 33-year-old Philadelphia Mkhondwane from Soweto received a powerful boost to her journey of recovery: a R50,000 donation towards a pair of Ray-Ban Meta AI smart glasses that could help her regain a sense of freedom, dignity, and connection.
A few years ago, Philadelphia’s life changed dramatically after she contracted central nervous system tuberculosis, leaving her blind and severely mobility impaired. Housebound and dependent on her family for nearly everything, her condition has deeply affected her mental health and sense of purpose.
Philadelphia is under the care of Dr. Samantha Arnold and the team at Greendale House (formerly Hospice Wits)—a compassionate, multidisciplinary team that provides essential medical and psychosocial support to individuals facing profound health challenges. Dr. Sam reached out to Good Morning Angels after identifying a breakthrough solution that could restore some independence for Philadelphia: Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, powered by AI.
“These glasses could change the entire course of Philadelphia’s journey—helping her reconnect, rebuild confidence, and reclaim a sense of meaning in her life,” says Dr. Arnold.
Responding to the call, Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels Fund stepped in with a R50,000 donation to cover the cost of the glasses and help with some additional household expenses—marking a moment of joy, hope, and renewed possibility for Philadelphia and her family.
The Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses offer more than just style—they include voice control, real-time information delivery, and assistive features that can help visually impaired users navigate the world around them with greater ease and confidence.
“This is the kind of story that reminds us why Good Morning Angels exists,” says Martin Bester, host of Breakfast with Martin Bester. “Philadelphia’s strength and courage are incredibly moving. Being able to provide a piece of technology that gives her even a fraction of her independence back—it’s truly life-changing. Our listeners and supporters make moments like this possible, and together, we continue to uplift and restore dignity where it’s needed most.”
This donation is yet another example of how Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels segment goes beyond traditional radio to make meaningful impact, using its platform to shine a light on those in need and rally support from the broader Jacaranda FM community.
Listen to Good Morning Angels every Wednesday morning on Jacaranda FM’s Breakfast With Martin Bester.