We first heard of MAMA MARY a couple of years ago. We could not believe what we heard until we saw for ourselves at a fun run that was held.

This lady of a rural area in Mabopane, already nearing her sixties and completely illiterate, were taking in street children. It became a flood, with orphans, abused kids, babies, teenagers and everything in between, landing on her doorstep.

(Click on image for more pictures)

She absolutely rose to the occasion, and as private individuals and organisations started to lend a helping hand, and needy children kept pouring in, her house quickly became a very crowded haven. At night mattresses were put out on the floors until every inch was covered, and then she slept in the middle, between the boys and girls! 

Last year she won a Woman of the Year contest with a prize money of
R30 000. This went towards payment on some land where they can build suitable accommodation. As she currently has 130 children, the boys are now sleeping in containers on the property. Second-hand building material has been coming in, and in time their dream may come true.

Feeding all those mouths are bringing “Give us this day our daily bread” into sharp focus, but as they are worth more than many sparrows, provision comes from strange and diverse places. Some private persons have become involved and are helping with administration and secretarial services. Others keep the old dilapidated vehicle running. Other support events, etc. You too can become involved! Please contact Moncel at:

email: moncelvb@jcgroup.co.za or Cell: 082 218 8518.

 

Another very special lady is Marlise Kenmuir. She started the KOPANO Women’s Project. She is training women from the informal settlement at Olievenhoutbosh to manufacture various products. At the moment they are making decorative rucksacks, for which she has a number of orders, some as far as the Kruger National Park. However, the project is still in its baby shoes and she desperately needs finances to keep the momentum and build the project up to independence. Please call her at 072 391 6676. She needs moral as well as financial support.