South Africa: Mother of the community and driver of change

Limpopo, 22 August: “I am walking tall as a woman leader, fighting for the survival of the children in my community,” says Emma Malehu Mamabolo who established the Hlatlaganya orphanage centre in 2002. It is located in the eastern side of Polokwane and falls within the Capricorn Municipality. The centre assists the needy and vulnerable, helping raise the orphans from in and around the villages of Mankweng.

Mamabolo was motivated by the sufferings she saw in the community. She helps the orphans with their homework and teaches them traditional dance, sewing, baking and gardening. Mamabolo taught at Sefamola Primary School for four years and then at Motholo Primary School for 28 years. Mamabolo also sends her employee Regina Maponya to the local schools to identify needy learners, and with the help of the teachers she pays visits to their families to help improve their living conditions. She says as we commemorate Women’s Month, we must join hands to better our communities and bring freedom for all.

Listen to Mamabolo’s inspiring words here.