![Mahlafore's Family]()
Mahlafore's Family
Mahlafore’s story, rising from the ashes
The Mahlafores family is a household of four, led by Magdeline, a resilient single mother and a survivor of gender-based violence (GBV). She actively participated in one of our GBV support groups in Mabopane, Phase 8, an informal settlement, seeking empowerment and healing. Her children have each taken different paths in life—one is married, another is pursuing higher education at the University of South Africa (UNISA), and the third is employed as a caregiver. Their story reflects strength, perseverance, and the importance of support systems in overcoming challenges.
Magdaline’s home was completely destroyed in a fire on 10 October 2024, leaving her and her family stranded without shelter, clothes, food and even important documents. Everything that Mahlafore’s family had owned burned into ashes.
The community of phase 8 came together to lend a hand to the Mahlafores family to build a temporary shelter using scraps of corrugated iron. When the rainy seasons approached the structure started to leak and eventually collapsed, putting the Mahlafore’s family once again without shelter.
With continuous home visits to support the family from their lose and trauma, it became evident that the family required a more secure and reliable home. Through the Lesedi a Batho’s Social Relief project the Mahlafore family received assistance that put ease on their lives. A low-cost home and toilet were built for the family. The family was assisted with reprinting of Identity documents and other important documents, clothes as well as furniture.
The story of the Mahlafore family and the community of Phase 8 is a true reflection of Ubuntu—the spirit of humanity and togetherness. It highlights the importance of supporting one another during difficult times, showing that even with limited resources, the community was still willing to share what they had. Their compassion and unity made a significant impact, proving that through collective effort and kindness, no one has to face hardships alone. This is the very motto that Lesedi la Batho lives by, empowering and uplifting communities through solidarity and care.
Selloane’s Journey to Independence
Selloane, a 23-year-old young woman with special needs, had spent most of her life feeling like an outsider in her own home. Living with her mother in a rented house in Mabopane Block A, she faced not only daily challenges but also a strained relationship with her mother. However, one of her greatest struggles was something many take for granted—having an official Identity Document. Without it, she felt trapped, unable to move forward with her life.
On 22 August 2024, after years of frustration, Selloane finally decided to seek help. She arrived at the Lesedi la Batho offices, hoping to get help. She explained her situation to the social worker, revealing that her mother had never taken the necessary steps to help her apply for an ID. This left her feeling invisible and without the means to access opportunities that could change her life.
Understanding the urgency of Selloane’s predicament, the social worker arranged a home visit to assess the situation firsthand. Upon speaking with her mother, the reality of the issue became clear. Selloane’s mother was a Lesotho national and, therefore, could not apply for a South African Identity Document on her daughter’s behalf. To make matters more complicated, Selloane’s father, who was a South African citizen, had passed away, leaving no direct parental figure able to assist her.
Determined to find a solution, the social worker dug deeper into Selloane’s family history and discovered that she had a half-sister from her father’s side, living in another province. Unlike her mother, the half-sister was a South African citizen and was willing to help with the application process. However, financial constraints meant she could not travel to Mabopane immediately. she needed time to save up for the trip.
Months passed as Selloane anxiously waited, hopeful that her sister would be able to make the journey. Finally, on 4 December 2024, the long-awaited day arrived. The social worker accompanied Selloane and her half-sister to the Department of Home Affairs, where they submitted her first-ever Identity Document application. The process went smoothly, and for the first time, Selloane could see a path opening up before her.
On 22 January 2025, Selloane held her official Identity Document in her hands. It was more than just a little card, it was a symbol of her resilience, determination, and the unwavering support of those who had helped her along the way. With this newfound independence, she wasted no time in taking the next step toward a brighter future.
Eager to build a sustainable livelihood, Selloane enrolled in the Sewing and Beading Skills program at Lesedi la Batho. For the first time in her life, she had the tools to shape her own destiny. Her journey was not easy, but it was a testament to the power of perseverance, support, and never giving up. Through the help of Lesedi la Batho and her half-sister, Selloane had finally stepped into a future filled with possibility and hope
Itireleng’s Story of Resilience
Itireleng, a survivor of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), participated in Lesedi la Batho’s GBV support group in Winterveldt area. She lived with her unemployed mother, and with no stable source of income, they depended on financial assistance from her uncle.
During one of the support group sessions, Itireleng revealed the challenges she and her mother faced due to her brother’s drug addiction. He frequently harassed them, issuing violent threats that left them fearing for their lives. Every night, they locked their bedroom doors, unsure of what might happen. Tragically, in July 2024, her brother passed away, but the trauma of living in constant fear still lingered.
Despite her difficult past, 2025 brought a new chapter for Itireleng. She was accepted into the Diploma in Language Practice at Tshwane University of Technology. Though excited about this new opportunity, she faced another obstacle, moving into the university residence without any means to sustain herself until she received her National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) bursary living allowance.
During one of our continuous support sessions, she shared her concerns, explaining that she was stressed about not having food for her first week at university. She requested a food parcel donation to help her transition smoothly into her new environment.
Understanding her situation, Lesedi la Batho provided the necessary support. Grateful for the ongoing assistance, Itireleng expressed her heartfelt appreciation. With the encouragement and help she received, she was able to focus on her education and take the first steps toward a promising future.
Masesi’s Story of hope
Masesi has been a beneficiary of Lesedi la Batho for the past three years. In 2023, she participated in the Ikemele Women Empowerment Program and the GBV Support Group in Mabopane. She successfully graduated from the Sewing and Beading Skills program on 8 December 2023. However, despite her achievements, Masesi remains unemployed and relies on support from neighbours and donations from Lesedi la Batho.
In January 2025, Masesi reached out to us with a request for school shoes for her child. And through Lesedi la Batho, a community member generously donated a new pair to assist her. During this visit, Masesi also shared another pressing concern, she was struggling to apply for her Identity Document. Upon visiting the Department of Home Affairs, she was informed that she had two conflicting Identity records: one indicating her status as single and another as married. The system only permitted her to reapply for the married Identity Document, with the option to later divorce and revert to her maiden surname, which she agreed to do.
However, due to various challenges, Masesi delayed her return to Home Affairs to complete the application process. On the 23 January 2025, she was finally accompanied by a social worker to finalize her re-application. We are currently awaiting updates on her application status from the Department of Home Affairs.
During a follow-up home visit, it became evident that Masesi and the children staying with her were experiencing severe food insecurity. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Lesedi La Batho donated a food parcel to her on 5 February 2025.
The stories of Selloane, Itireleng, and Masesi showcase the resilience of individuals who, despite facing significant hardships, refused to give up. Each of them encountered obstacles that seemed insurmountable, yet through perseverance, community support, and the interventions of Lesedi la Batho, they found new opportunities for growth and empowerment. Their journeys highlight the importance of a strong support system, the power of determination, and the role of organizations dedicated to uplifting vulnerable individuals. These stories serve as a reminder that, with the right help and unwavering spirit, no challenge is too great to overcome. Through their courage and perseverance, they have set an inspiring example for others facing similar struggles
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![Masesi Food parcel]()
Masesi Food parcel
![Masesi School shoes]()
Masesi School shoes
![Selloane's Identity Document]()
Selloane's Identity Document
![Itireleng's Food Parcel]()
Itireleng's Food Parcel
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