PHALABORWA – A story of love and community upliftment unfolded on Nelson Mandela Day, Friday, July 18, when a long-overdue dream finally came true for a woman who has dedicated her life to raising and nurturing children she did not give birth to, with nothing but care.

After 12 years of selflessly taking care of toddlers with limited resources, Merriam Ramogale (66), the founder of Onkarabile Day Care Centre, stood with tears of joy as her once-dilapidated crèche was officially reopened, newly renovated, brightly painted, and full of promise.

Ramogale, a retired grandmother from Namakgale, began her journey by caring for her four great-grandchildren. As her love and care spread, more parents brought their children to her.

Despite her limited resources, many children were raised in her care. However, the daycare centre was initially not in good condition for teaching and learning. For years, she appealed for help until her prayers were finally answered on Friday. The centre received a life-changing intervention from the newly launched Molopa Foundation, a community-focused initiative founded under Sekwala Mining and Logistics.

In honour of the global Mandela Day campaign, the Molopa Foundation chose to dedicate its 67 minutes of service by officially launching the foundation and unveiling the newly revamped Onkarabile Day Care Centre.

Aldecia Mafokwane, a representative of the foundation, said the decision to support Onkarabile was inspired by the story of a woman who gave everything to help others.

“The conditions of the day care centre were not conducive to learning. However, Ramogale’s love for children and her perseverance moved us. It aligned with our vision of building better futures through education and sustainability,” she said.

Mafokwane explained that the Molopa Foundation, described as a “baby” born from the heart of Sekwala Mining and Logistics, was created to focus purely on community development, education, and sustainability.

“The founder knows what poverty feels like. That is why this foundation was formed, and it will always reach out wherever there is a need,” said Mafokwane.

Moreover, the partnership between Onkarabile and Molopa Foundation is a long-term investment.

The foundation has committed to providing monthly essentials and is already planning to bring in professionals like Makungu Valoyi, an occupational therapist who deals with the body and mind, to ensure that the children receive comprehensive care mentally, emotionally, and physically.

“We want to ensure that the children’s mental health is good from an early age, and we will carry that through. We are a permanent sponsor of the daycare centre and will provide them with essentials every month to help them sustain themselves. Onkarabile was a blessing to us, and it was the right way to launch our foundation,” added Mafokwane.

She also stated that their goal is to make a lasting impact by equipping the unskilled with valuable skills, creating employment opportunities, and uplifting families with no breadwinners.

“We believe that meaningful change begins at the grassroots level, and we are committed to partnering with various stakeholders who are willing to lend a helping hand to make a lasting difference in Phalaborwa,” Mafokwane concluded.

Furthermore, Ramogale expressed her deep appreciation to the Molopa Foundation.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Molopa Foundation for answering my call for help. Your support has not only restored hope in my life but has brought renewed joy and opportunity to every child who walks through the doors of Onkarabile Day Care Centre. May God continue to bless your efforts as you uplift and empower communities in need. Your generosity has truly made a lasting impact,” she said.

Since its establishment just a month ago, the foundation has already completed over ten projects that have positively impacted the community.

Meanwhile, as part of their outreach, Sekwala Mining and Logistics also donated 200 blankets and 200 KFC hampers to the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality. These were distributed to families at Impala Park Sports Hall during an event hosted by Mayor Merriam Malatji on Mandela Day.