Mitchell House mourns ‘Mother Theresa’ of the kitchen
Theresa Hanyani, known as 'Mother Theresa' at Mitchell House, served as a chef for over 30 years and sadly passed away on October 9 at age 67.
POLOKWANE – Mitchell House is mourning the passing of Theresa Hanyani (67), affectionately known as ‘Mother Theresa’ at the school and in the kitchen. She passed away on October 9 and was laid to rest on October 17.
Hanyani is survived by her son, Peter (55), six grandchildren and daughter-in-law, Tebogo Malebana.
A career spanning three decades
Originally from Moletjie Ga-Ramongwana and later Makotopong Ga-Mokoasheng, Hanyani joined Mitchell House as a chef in 1994, the school’s inception year, and served until her passing. At the time, the school occupied part of the Capricorn High School premises, where she worked alongside seven other kitchen staff members.
Her son, Peter, told Review that his mother was overjoyed to secure the job, as she needed to support her sons – his late brother Andrew and himself – who were 13 and 16 at the time.
“My mother was extremely passionate about cooking. She loved preparing food and trying new recipes, so I remember how excited she was when she received the job offer. She was the only one in our family who had found work. She was the breadwinner, and everyone relied on her to put bread on the table.”
When Mitchell House relocated to Tweefontein in 2005, Hanyani moved to the new kitchen and later worked at the nutrition centre, preparing meals for day scholars and boarding learners while leading and mentoring her colleagues.
A mentor in the kitchen
Peter said his mother worked well with the other women in the kitchen and often praised their ability to learn.
“She believed that by the time she left the school, they would be able to run the kitchen properly and maintain her standards. I truly trust and believe they do, and they will make her proud.”
The heart of the school kitchen
Mitchell House executive principal Renier van Eyssen said Hanyani was the heart of the school kitchen and a mother figure to generations of learners and staff.
“For over 30 years, she served Mitchell House with love, dedication and humility. She did not just prepare meals; she nourished our children, guided her colleagues and lived our values every single day. We will miss her warmth, her laughter and her food dearly.”
Opened in March 2018, the school’s nutrition centre serves three meals a day. It will remain a place where ‘Mother Theresa’s’ legacy lives on, through every meal served and every life she touched.
