Mandela Day: The Pretoria family who's changing the lives of orphaned children
“One small act of kindness can completely change someone’s life.” How Kgomotso Thebe is caring for vulnerable children through a charity her mother founded.
As millions of people around the world are preparing to dedicate 67 minutes to acts of kindness on Mandela Day this Saturday, for Kgomotso Thebe, serving others daily is something she's been doing for years.
The Pretoria resident is the managing director of the Jehovah Jireh Orphanage Centre and Thusa-Bana Elementary School, both founded by her late mother, Nelly Matjeke, who was affectionately known as “Dr. Nelly”.
Nelly’s journey of compassion began in 2003 after she spotted a young girl wandering the streets without a shirt. Deeply moved by the child’s situation, she took her into her care.
That once-neglected little girl is just one of the many lives transformed through Matjeke’s unwavering kindness.
A legacy of kindness
Reflecting on her mother’s legacy, Kgomotso recalls the day her mother gathered the family to share her vision of opening their home to vulnerable children.
Although the family didn't have much themselves and lived in a modest two-bedroom home, Nelly believed no child should go without food, clothing, shelter or love.
Kgomotso says she and her two siblings had to share their home with all the children in her mother's care, growing from seven to 35 kids.
"We were always surrounded by people whom our parents were helping out. So when we started, we had seven children at home, and mind you, it was a two-bedroom. So we had to share our bed. We had to share everything with them," she says.
What started with opening the family’s home soon became the Jehovah Jireh Orphanage Centre, where she cared for up to 35 children at a time until they reached adulthood.
It marked the beginning of a lifelong mission that continued until the final days of Nelly’s life.
Nelly tragically died in a car accident in April this year, leaving behind her family and hundreds of children and community members whose lives she had touched.
Following her passing, tributes poured in from people across South Africa and abroad, many sharing stories of how Nelly had changed their lives through her generosity and compassion.
Despite the devastating loss, Kgomotso says continuing her mother’s legacy was a task she was thoroughly prepared for.
Fortunately, the transition had already begun before Nelly’s passing.
After Kgomotso completed matric, her mother encouraged her to pursue her own dreams while also preparing her to help run the organisation.
She gradually took on more responsibilities until she became managing director, ensuring the charity’s work would continue.
Today, the organisation has cared for more than 1,000 children over the years.
Kgomotso says her mother’s compassion extended beyond children.
Recognising that many elderly people were living without adequate care and support, Nelly later established the Nkateko Old Age Home in Soshanguve.
She says the Soshanguve community has embraced the family’s work and continues to support both organisations.
One of the driving forces behind establishing the orphanage was to care for children affected by HIV and AIDS, many of whom faced stigma and lacked proper support.
Today, she says, access to treatment has improved significantly, and fewer children arriving at the orphanage are living with HIV, a reflection of the progress South Africa has made in combating the epidemic.
Beyond providing food, clothing and shelter, the organisation places a strong emphasis on education, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to build a brighter future by attending schools near the orphanage.
As Mandela Day approaches, South Africans are reminded of the importance of service. Kgomotso believes kindness remains one of the most powerful gifts a person can give.
“It takes a village to raise a child,” she says. “One small act of kindness can completely change someone’s life.”
Kgomotso encourages people to be intentional about supporting charity organisations by taking the time to understand their needs.
"We've been running for over 23 years, and we do not have any solid sponsors."
While donations of food and other essentials are always appreciated, Kgomotso believes volunteering one’s time, skills and expertise can be just as valuable in helping organisations continue their work.
She adds that after years of caring for hundreds of children, the Jehovah Jireh Orphanage Centre itself requires ongoing maintenance and improvements. From repairing doors and walls to carrying out general renovations, the organisation welcomes support from individuals and businesses willing to contribute their time and skills to help create a safe and nurturing environment for the children.
For anyone who would like to assist the orphanage.....
Website
- Phone: (+2712) 798 6681
- Cell: +2772 490 5407
- Address: 1186 Block GG, Soshanguve, 0152.
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