Mathapelo's Story

Mathapelo. She lives with her grandmother. Mathepelo is an orphan and her parents died some few years ago. She now lives with her unemployed grandmother. They depend on grant money for survival.

Mathapelo is one of hundreds energetic children who live in the filthy squatter camp of Silahliwe. Inspite of all the hardships, Mathepelo is dreaming high. Her dream is to become a teacher. Her favourite subject is English.

“When I grow up I want to be a teacher” said a shy Mathapelo. On 18 July 2010 (Mandela Day), she received a surprise visitor. Ipeleng Nyakong from Benmore visited Mathapelo under the “Ipeleng’s Doing It for the Needy Kids” Competition. Ipeleng was linked to the child under the One Child Matters. Ipeleng and Mathapelo only knew one another through the exchange of letters and pictures.

As part of the Mandela Day’s 67 minutes of service, Ipeleng took sometime to drive all the way from Johannesburg to Silahliwe to see her linked child.

It was a touchy situation as she was told about the situation Mathapelo was living under. The little Mathepelo couldn’t believe herself as she drove in Ipeleng’s car on the front seat. “When I’m old I will drive mama’s car.” Said Mathapelo pointing at Ipeleng’s volvo car.

Mathapelo’s grandmother was so thankful to ipeleng and wished her all the best. Ipeleng promised to help little Mathapelo in future.