This November, the family of the late Mrs Eunice Nomkhosi ‘MaDlomo’ Mthembu will release 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 early childhood education to children in the community.

Mama Eunice started the crèche at her own expense before Mrs Mhlongo, affectionately known as Gogo Hlunguza, joined her.

Walking miles to support the children

Mhlongo remembers Mama Eunice as a humble and caring woman who was deeply committed to helping others.

“When she started the pre-school, I was just assisting her by preparing meals for the children. She was a very intelligent woman and the children never lacked,” she recalled.

According to Mhlongo, Mama Eunice would approach donors for food and other necessities whenever the school needed assistance.

“As the number of children increased, the needs of the school also grew. She would walk for miles to continue asking for donations while I remained at home taking care of the little ones,” she said.

A proud moment for Nomkhosi Crèche

Mhlongo also remembers a special moment when Mama Eunice travelled by helicopter to collect a certificate after Nomkhosi Crèche was recognised as the best pre-school in the area at the time.

“She was so proud of her achievement, and we were proud of her too. Everyone in the community celebrated her hard work,” she said.

‘A true servant leader’

The Mayor of Nquthu Local Municipality, Councillor Shabalala, also reflected on the journey of Nomkhosi Crèche and its importance to the community.

“Nomkhosi Crèche & Pre-School is one of the most significant community institutions in our area. It was established at a time when access to early childhood development facilities was very limited, especially in rural and township communities,” he said.

Reflecting on Mama Eunice’s contribution, Shabalala described her as a true servant leader.

“I knew her to be a woman of deep compassion, discipline, and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of children. She nurtured families, she counselled parents, she fed children who had nothing, and she gave dignity to every child regardless of background,” he said.

Her influence lives on through her granddaughter

Mama Eunice’s granddaughter, Makhosi Mthembu, a magistrate, remembers her grandmother as a woman who strongly believed in education.

“She always told me that I was intelligent like a lawyer, and those words gave me confidence and inspired me to pursue my dreams. I carry her influence with me in the person I have become and in the way I serve others. Every time I serve in my profession, I carry with me the belief she had in me,” said Makhosi.

She said her grandmother cared deeply for her family but also treated children in the community as her own.

“She never allowed her responsibilities to stop her from being a mother to the whole community,” she said.

A legacy built on faith and service

Makhosi said her grandmother taught the family that faith should be demonstrated through kindness, compassion, humility, hard work and generosity.

“She may not be with us on earth, but we carry her in our hearts wherever we are, and future generations should remember that she used what she had to uplift others. She used her pension to establish Nomkhosi Crèche and Pre-School, ensured that her children received an education, fed children, and grew vegetables for the community,” she said.

Paying tribute to her grandmother, Makhosi concluded: “I salute ntombikaDlomo, Nqolomsila omabelemade ancelisa abantwana bezwe, Mvelaze.”

Support keeps her vision alive

Mama Eunice’s legacy continues to receive support from organisations that believe in the work started at Nomkhosi Crèche.

One of the school’s donors, Siyaphila Maize Meal – Roi Milling, has contributed maize meal to help ensure that learners and teachers have the support they need during the school day.

The upcoming documentary will tell the story of Mama Eunice’s life, her commitment to education and the lasting impact of the institution she built more than 30 years ago.

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.