New Jerusalem founder laid to rest at the age of 63
She invested in improving the lives of ordinary people in her community wherever she lived, creating, and adding value to society.
The New Jerusalem Children’s Home mourns the death of the centre’s co-founder Phina Mojapelo, who died on July 9 following post-operation complications.
Phina is the fifth child of the 11 children of Naniki Miriam and Johannes Mojapelo. She was born with her twin Dr Maggie Mojapelo Mokotedi on April 28, 1959 in Lady Selbourne Hospital in Pretoria.
She was laid to rest on July 15. Phina grew up in a humble Catholic family in Atteridgeville and attended St Anne’s Primary School and matriculated at Motse Maria in Polokwane.
At Turfloop University in Limpopo, she earned her BA degree in social work before beginning her passionate career.
She worked at Atteridgeville City Council as a dedicated social worker where she served for 18 years changing and touching the lives of all those around her.
According to Anna Mojapelo-Difo, her sister and co-founder of New Jerusalem, Phina was extremely passionate about travelling and educating children on the environment.
In 1998, she left Atteridgeville to assist Difo in running Afra Crime Busters security company, and once it closed, she and Difo founded New Jerusalem.
The duo formed strong relationships with Midrand police, Midrand Child Welfare, the Department of Social Development, Kempton Park Home Affairs, Tembisa Hospital, Midrand Reporter, and the community of Midrand as a whole.
Moreover, she was also a trustee of Omega Collaboration experts, a long-time sponsor of New Jerusalem.
Phina invested in improving the lives of ordinary people in her community wherever she lived, creating, and adding value to society. It was in her genes to help others.
According to Difo, she has continuously shown tenacity, strength, and passion at the helm of community-based projects at New Jerusalem, where she rendered her professional service that is highly needed in the country. “We celebrate the life of someone who lived courageously and credibly. She has been like a mirror of a crystal – shining and bright, illuminating radiance through her positive influence.”
Phina has always understood the plight of destitute families from her experience as a social worker, to appreciate the sacrifices of those at the coalface saving lives, and fighting for their rights and their well-being.
Difo concluded, “As we honour her, we also use this opportunity to reflect on her values. She touched the lives of the needy and vulnerable and made them part of her family, shaping all aspects of lives and of ordinary South Africans.”
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/296076/new-jerusalem-childrens-home-looks-at-how-far-they-have-come/
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/307564/successful-mandela-day-for-new-jerusalem/
