Pretoria law student turns grief into charity movement

21-year-old LLB student Mmatshepo Mphosi from Pretoria east has turned grief into a movement of inspiration to help improve the lives of the needy.

Inspired by her father’s death in 2023 was a call to inspire change, Mphosi founded the Ramokokono Charity Fund.

The NPO is dedicated to turning her father’s legacy into a movement of compassion and change to inspire vulnerable communities.

“When my father, Theo, passed away, the world lost a brilliant businessman, and one of the few black pioneers in the petroleum industry.

“But for us, his family, the loss was much greater. We lost a lover, a giver, a healer. He was our rock, our gentle giant, and the true embodiment of servant leadership,” Mphosi said.

Having grown up in Limpopo, Mphosi considers Pretoria her second home, but remains connected to her roots.

Speaking to Rekord, Mphosi said her love for people and her community inspired her to establish a foundation aimed at supporting vulnerable groups.

“The Ramokokono Charity Fund has already made a tangible impact across Tshwane.
“In Pretoria alone, the foundation has organised three annual flu shot drives for shelters, supported cancer awareness efforts at Steve Biko Hospital, and strengthened partnerships with local community leaders in Mamelodi,” she explained.

Despite the emotional and logistical challenges, Mphosi explained that the lack of consistent support, resources, and funding is the biggest challenge, but her love and compassion for people kept her going.

“Helping others is fulfilling, but it can also be deeply draining when you’re constantly exposed to pain, poverty, and the harsh realities so many people face daily.

I had to learn how to balance my desire to give with the need to protect my own emotional well-being,” she said.

She emphasised that the fund represents more than just a charitable initiative.

“It is my personal response to a world that often overlooks its most vulnerable individuals. The fund was created not only to provide aid but also to restore dignity.

“It allows us to meet people where they are, whether that means providing food, access to healthcare, warm clothing, or simply reminding someone that they are seen and valued.

“It’s about closing the gap between those who have, and those who go unnoticed.”

When asked about how she was able to strike a balance between her work and studies, Mphosi said, “Currently, what works best for me is not overcommitting myself.

It’s important to me that I make sure that I give from a place where I am comfortable and a place where I know I can apply myself fully.

It does get difficult but knowing what goals I have and a timeline that I have helps me stay streamlined on the outcome.”

She added that she takes on projects quarterly so that she can put her best foot forward in the initiatives that she engages in.

Mphosi explained that the foundation’s beneficiaries include the homeless, unemployed youth, single mothers, the elderly, and those battling chronic illnesses.

She said running the organisation has profoundly transformed her.

“It’s been quite difficult to be able to find shelters which are willing to take the help, but through the initiatives, I found one shelter that I plan on working with a bit more closely, Tateni community centre in Mamelodi,” said Mphosi.

Her organisation not only accommodate local communities but it reaches across provinces.

“In my hometown of Senwabarwana, we have donated educational toys to children with disabilities, contributed to the renovation of child-headed households, and provided essential items to inmates, all intending to affirm dignity and show people they are not forgotten.”

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