It is often said that people should receive their flowers while they are still alive. However, preserving their legacy and ensuring that their life’s work continues to inspire others is one of the greatest honours that can be bestowed upon them.

This November, the family of the late Mrs Eunice Nokhomsi “MaDlomo” Mthembu will do exactly that when they unveil a documentary celebrating her extraordinary contribution to early childhood development and community upliftment.

Born in Vryheid, Mama Eunice founded Nomkhosi Crèche in the Nkande area of Nquthu in 1992. More than three decades later, the school continues to provide quality early childhood education, standing as a testament to her vision, compassion and unwavering commitment to children.

The documentary will chronicle her life, the challenges she overcame while establishing the crèche and the lasting impact she has had on generations of children, educators and families. Through personal memories shared by relatives, colleagues, former learners and community members, it aims to preserve her remarkable story for future generations.

A vision born from compassion

Mama Eunice’s love for children and her desire to support working mothers inspired her to establish the crèche from her own home. At the time, many mothers had nowhere safe to leave their children while they worked or attended to their daily responsibilities.

She opened the doors of Nomkhosi Crèche to just 27 children, personally preparing and providing meals for them at her own expense.

As word spread about the care and education offered at the crèche, enrolment steadily increased. By 1993, the number of learners had grown to 35. Parents, recognising the sacrifices Mama Eunice was making, suggested contributing R5 per child towards meals. Despite the growing number of children, educators continued to work voluntarily without receiving any remuneration.

Building a lasting foundation

The turning point came on February 10, 1996, when Mrs Sizakele Zuma from Operation Jump Start Association visited the crèche to evaluate it for possible infrastructure funding.

Following the assessment, the organisation awarded Nomkhosi Crèche a grant of R125 068 to construct permanent facilities.

Shabangu Construction built a school comprising two classrooms, a kitchen, an office, a storeroom, a sleeping room, toilets and three water tanks. The premises were also secured with fencing, burglar guards and electricity, creating a safe and nurturing environment for young learners.

Today, those buildings continue to serve generations of children, reflecting the solid foundation Mama Eunice laid for the community.

A daughter inspired by her mother’s dedication

Mama Eunice’s daughter, Happiness Jabulile Mthembu, said her mother’s love for children and commitment to the community inspired her own involvement at the school.

“My first impression of her work was her unique management style. She communicated exceptionally well, built strong relationships with donors and never hesitated to go the extra mile for the children.

“She would travel almost seven kilometres to Gevers (KwaTshelentaba) to collect donated fruit and vegetables. She truly was a jack of all trades. As chairperson, she established strong relationships with Department of Education officials, stakeholders, funders, neighbours and parents.”

A leader who inspired others

Former colleague and Nquthu CEO for ECD Forum Nothisiwe Mbatha said she was immediately struck by Mama Eunice’s warm personality.

“I was immediately impressed by Ma Eunice Mthembu’s warm smile and sociability when we first met. I was even more impressed when she shared that she was a church leader who also provided spiritual healing to others.

“When I explained that I was a crèche teacher running my own facility, she became eager to learn how she could establish a crèche herself. Her vision and willingness to serve inspired me to become involved.

“One memory that stands out is when a local farmer donated eggs and milk for the children’s feeding programme, while another company pledged to build the crèche. Those acts of generosity reflected how her work was transforming both children’s lives and the wider community.”

A mentor to educators

Nonhlanhla Mthembu, who joined Nomkhosi Crèche as a Grade R teacher in 2004, described Mama Eunice as a thoughtful and visionary leader.

“Ma Eunice approached everything critically, from negotiations and resource allocation to motivation and team building. I was warmly welcomed by her and the entire team.

“I enjoyed working with the learners, especially storytelling sessions. She completely changed my understanding of Early Childhood Development. Through her guidance, I learnt how children develop and became a more honest and dedicated educator.”

A lasting partnership

Project Officer for Assupol Community Trust in Nquthu, Sibahle Khumalo, said the organisation began supporting Nomkhosi Crèche in 2021 as part of its commitment to strengthening Early Childhood Development centres.

“I had the privilege of working closely with Nomkhosi Crèche and witnessing the remarkable impact Ma Eunice had on children, families and the broader community.

“What impressed me most was the professionalism of the staff and the dedication of the supervisor. It was immediately clear that everyone at the centre was committed to giving every child the best possible start in life.

“Parents trusted the centre because they knew their children would receive quality care and education.”

Khumalo recalled one of her fondest memories while coordinating Assupol Community Trust’s Parent Support Programme at the crèche.

“The programme equipped parents with practical skills to become active participants in their children’s education. What stood out was that Ma Eunice did not simply leave the programme to the facilitators. She attended the sessions herself, observed the discussions, participated and showed her support.

“Her presence demonstrated the type of leader she was. She believed meaningful partnerships are built through active participation, collaboration and shared responsibility.”

A legacy remembered by former learners

Former Nomkhosi Crèche learner Nondumiso Mhlongo remembers Mama Eunice both as an educator and as a woman of faith.

“I mostly remember Gogo Eunice from church because I was baptised in her congregation. She was also very close to my great-grandmother, uKhokho.

“I remember her as a loving, prayerful and dedicated woman. To me, Nomkhosi Crèche and Pre-School is a home for all children. Even today, people continue to speak highly of it because of the many children it has nurtured over the years.

“uGogo Eunice played a significant role in our community, and the continued existence of the crèche is a testimony to her vision, love and dedication.”

Keeping her legacy alive

Although Mama Eunice is no longer physically present, her influence continues to shape the lives of hundreds of children and families through the institution she established more than 30 years ago.

Scheduled for release in November, the documentary will be more than a tribute to one remarkable woman. It will celebrate selfless leadership, community service and the enduring power of education, ensuring that Mama Eunice Nokhomsi “MaDlomo” Mthembu’s story continues to inspire future generations while preserving the legacy of a woman whose vision changed countless lives.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.