By Saul Molobi
In a mission driven by a vision of empowerment and resilience, Sithembile S’the Masia, a dedicated advocate for the social and economic advancement of Africans, embarked on a tour this week to meet grassroots champions driving transformation in underserved communities. She is the CEO of Eight Red Apples whose strategic objective is to foster an ecosystem that supports entrepreneurial development, focusing especially on women and youth, whose potential remains untapped in many African societies.
S’the’s journey this week began in Jane Furse, a rural town in Limpopo’s hinterland, where she connected with Elvis Seroka, a visionary deeply committed to uplifting children with disabilities and their families. Seroka’s organisation, Maretlagadi Welfare Centre (MWC), a non-profit founded in 2016, was born out of his personal experience caring for his sister, who was born with autism. Faced with limited resources and a single unemployed parent, the Seroka family struggled. These challenges galvanised Elvis to create a safe haven for children with disabilities from disadvantaged families, an initiative that has since transformed countless lives.
S’the’s support and connection to MWC represent her commitment to driving collaborative partnerships that empower community-based organisations. She recognises that for social change to be meaningful, local champions like Elvis Seroka must be supported and equipped to expand their impact sustainably.
Continuing her journey, S’the visited New Eersterus, a village in Hammanskraal, where she met with Matilda Phala. Known affectionately as the “Mother Theresa” of New Eersterus, Phala has dedicated her life to the welfare of children with disabilities, founding the Lesedi Self Help Association. Phala’s organisation has become a sanctuary where marginalised children find love, care, and education. With tireless dedication, she has built a community of inclusion, challenging societal prejudices and fostering belonging for children who had been forgotten.
Lesedi Self Help Association serves as more than just a care centre – it is a symbol of hope and resilience, teaching the children of New Eersterus that they are valued and that they belong. For S’the, Phala’s work underscores the importance of community-driven initiatives and the power of individuals to make a lasting difference.
S’the’s initiative represents a movement to bridge gaps in support for local development leaders. Her crusade to foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa, targeting women and youth, is deeply intertwined with her respect for community-driven change-makers. By championing their work, she seeks to galvanise broader support and resources to empower Africans at the grassroots level, paving the way for a self-sustaining future for generations to come.
