A family that gives wholeheartedly

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After the tragic loss of her husband on Mandela Day, last year Mmathepe Rinah Sebolai and her children made it their mission to ensure that their father’s giving spirit lived on. 

“My husband, Simon “Oupa”  Sebolai, was completely selfless and was always concerned about giving back to those in need because of his work as a manager at the Dr KK district where he was able to identify those who needed help,” she explained.  

Mmathepe says every year for Mandela Day, her late husband would identify schools and supply them with things they needed “Regardless of whether funds were enough or not he would always reach his target even if it meant having to dig into his own pockets- even without my consent,” she recalls fondly. 

For this year, he had aimed to supply Jane Letsapa Primary School with school shoes but his life was unfortunately cut short which is why it was important for his family to fulfil his wishes. “ In December last year, my children came up with the idea of creating an NPO in honour of him and by God’s Grace we were able to launch the Oupa Sebolai Foundation on this year’s Mandela Day,” Mmathepe shared. 

Without the help of sponsors, the foundation was able to donate 73 pairs of school shoes to those in need as well as a Jojo tank as the water was identified as another crisis at the school. “ The highlight of the day was seeing the excitement we brought on the learner’s faces,” Mmathepe said. 

Mmathepe says she and her husband were inseparable and she still gets very emotional whenever she remembers him and his good deeds. “ The foundation will give back to the community annually on Mandela day the same way he did,” she said.  She also extended a huge thank you to all those who attended and contributed to making the day possible. To find out more about the foundation contact Mmathepe on 084 518 8380.