By Palesa Ndinisa
Nthabiseng Totse, a 44-year-old woman residing in Tsakane helps children that come from social economic challenged backgrounds by providing them with food and possible opportunities to further their education or develop skills.
Thus far, Totse has helped over 200 children along with her sponsors. She had been assisting these children for just over 13 years. “My love for helping these children derive from the fact that I know how it feels to grow up poor. My mother came back from school one day, got raped by my late father and fell pregnant with me. It was not easy growing up as I had no one to talk to. Now I’m able to help these children. Thanks to my husband, sesi Dineo and Lehlogonolo from iMakamu Funerals, Sister Nqobile from Nokuthela Clinic who buys them clothes and shoes, Thembi from Labour Department, Mr. Moeketsi from Katlehong and Bishop S. Mkhawane from Umndeni Christian Fellowship Church based in Tsakane,” added Totse.
The compassionate woman shared enlightenment on how she seeks sponsorship. She asks that she receives books, clothes, food and blankets. Totse expressed that she offers food like samp, rice and potato chips to the children. Not only does she play games with them but she celebrates their birthdays as well as their achievements. “We recently found out about Thuto Adult Learning Centre in Katlehong for high schoolers who dropped out or want to pursue skilled work. Three of my older children are studying there, including my biological son. They offer grade 12 re-writing, upholstery and carpentry skills. It’s actually a lot more. As long as one passed grade 10 in all terms, they can continue until grade 12. After, the school offers them jobs. We emphasise that they should be educated or even skilled. The school is free and so is transport if there are more than at least five students willing to attend school there. There are also job opportunities at iMakamu Funerals which involve driving, finance and other opportunities depending on one’s CV to work there. I’m so grateful on their behalf because they feed their families,” uttered Totse.
She further shared how she goes all her way to make make them happy by not cooking normal meals and instead would make them hotdogs, kota sandwiches, or fried chips for the little ones. Totse also mentioned how she has the SAPS helping her by regularly visiting her home. “Constable Mnisi from Duduza and her colleagues come to guide our matriculants on how they can apply to be police officers. I help out by providing my phone because most of them don’t have phones,” revealed the caring woman.
Totse was advised to register as an official NPO/NGO to be recognised by SARS and receive funding from Ithuba National Lottery. “I look forward to registering my company because I trust that my family, community members and people who have been supporting us will continue to do so since I’m leaving for Australia as my son got a job there. I’m hopeful that nothing will change and we will still continue to give these children hope,” concluded Totse.
