Bettie’s legacy will continue
Mandlazi (75), known to many children as both a mother and father figure throughout the years, died at Rob Ferreira Hospital on February 28.
Known far and wide for her warm smile and love for children, Bettie Mandlazi, the founder of the orphanage Bettie’s Haven, was laid to rest on March 3 following a short battle with illness.
The well-loved matriarch founded Bettie’s Haven in 1996, operating from her house in Elizabeth Street in Mbombela before the organisation was donated a property in Nelsville, where several children could be housed and looked after.
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Mandlazi had been a nurse before she left her job to start the orphanage. Sonto Mahlangu (32), Mandlazi’s youngest daughter, said Bettie’s Haven is still running, with Mahlangu taking the reins in the hopes of continuing her mother’s legacy.
“We are all still shattered,” said a visibly emotional Mahlangu. “Every now and then, I turn around and expect to see her standing in the door, smiling. It has been very difficult for those who knew her. Especially the children,” she said.
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Mahlangu said the children living at the orphanage were all shocked and heartbroken following Mandlazi’s death.
“It was sudden for them and they took it very hard. They had to say goodbye to the person who was their mother, their father and their nurse.”
She said she was busy arranging trauma counselling for the children in the home, in the hopes of helping them cope with Mandlazi’s death.
“My mom’s death was sudden, but I knew I had to help continue her legacy and help the children at the home. At the end of the day, it is all about the children,” she said.
“Even when my mother was on her deathbed, she would talk about the children and ask how they were coping.
She loved them all and was so dedicated to them.
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“She cleared the road and now it is up to me and the other people supporting the home to finish the race.
“The orphanage is still open and we are currently looking after 13 children, two of whom have special needs, with one child being unable to walk.
“We still need donations, especially stationery for the children at the home attending school. We want the children to carry on having the life my mom gave them. As a non-profit organisation, we really struggle and look to the community to help and support us.
“Bettie’s Haven will continue to be a safe haven for children needing a home. I will ensure this. It is what my mom wanted and I will continue her legacy.”
To donate or support Bettie’s Haven and its children, contact Mahlangu on 079-726-4042.
