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BEING an orphan doesn’t limit you from achieving your goals!
These were the words of Thando Ngonyama (24) who is among the 56 orphans housed at the Fountain of Love Orphanage in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni.
Thando lost her parents at age eight and came to the centre when she was nine years old. She was welcomed by the founder of the orphanage, gogo Rosy Mthembu.
Thando said gogo Rosy raised her along with other orphans and kids at the orphanage.
“Mthembu is like a God-sent angel who turned her house into an orphanage. She treated us equally and is always available to listen to our problems,” she said.
Thando said through gogo’s teachings and guidance, she managed to study a business management course at Eta College, and will graduate in April.
“I’d like to thank gogo for being a mother figure to me since my mum passed away in 2008.”
Rosy Mthembu says she’s delighted to make a difference in young people’s lives. Photo by Happy Mnguni
She said she would like to encourage other kids at the orphanage to follow in her footsteps by studying further and obtaining qualifications.
“My plan going forward is to establish a soup kitchen and open my own sports academy. The sports academy will offer various sporting codes including netball, soccer, cricket, hockey, and baseball,” Thando said.
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She mentioned that she wants to clean a sports field near the centre, which is currently used as an illegal dumping site.
“My wish is to get a sponsor who will provide sporting equipment. The academy will help unearth talent in and around Katlehong,” she said.
Thando urged other orphans to study hard and follow their dreams, irrespective of challenges.
Another orphan Lindiwe Sekgolela (21) has been at the centre for the past 19 years. She completed matric in 2023 and obtained a diploma. Her dream is to study hospitality and tourism management.
“I’ve learned a lot from the centre through gogo’s teachings. She has a big heart, and loves kids,” said Lindiwe.
Left: Thando Ngonyama says gogo Rosy Mthembu has helped her, and other kids achieve their dreams. Photo by Happy Mnguni
Another orphan Benzi Masango (19) has been at the centre since 2005.
“I completed matric last year, and the centre was resourceful to me during my matric year. The matric year was tough, but gogo Rosy helped me throughout the year because she gave me counselling, and we prayed together a lot. I’m happy I managed to complete matric,” Benzi said.
He said he wants to pursue a career in business management or IT.
“My biggest challenge is I don’t have money to register at universities and colleges. I appeal to anyone who wishes to help pay for my tertiary studies,” said Benzi.
Lesedi Busane (19) said gogo Rosy encouraged him to study last year, and he managed to pass matric at Fumana Secondary School.
The founder of Fountain of Love Orphanage Centre Rosy Mthembu (front) with the children who live at her centre Lindiwe Sekgolela Benzi Masango and Lesedi Busane. Photo by Happy Mnguni.
“Gogo is a living angel who has dedicated her love to helping us. This year, I’ll be studying supply chain management, and gogo has offered to pay for my studies. My wish is to help the centre when I get a job to continue assisting other kids and give back to gogo,” said Lesedi.
Gogo Rosy is the mum of two daughters, Nozipho Masango and Ntombikayise Mngomezulu, who are between the ages of 32 and 38.
“When I opened the center, my daughters were young. They welcomed the orphans and made friends with them,” Rosy said.
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