The descendants of the late Makhulu Vho-Molatelo Machaba gathered at Madabani village early in December for a family event aimed at keeping the love-and-unity legacy of the old lady alive. The annual event is themed 'Molatelo Family Day'.
The old lady, who passed away on 23 February 2010, was a matriarch who raised all her children and grandchildren with the utmost care and love, the very characteristics her children inherited from her.
"Our mother loved us equally, and she made each one of us feel very special," said the daughter of Machaba, Ms Sewela Ndwakhulu. "Today, as grown-ups who are mothers and fathers and grandmothers and grandfathers in our own right, we would like to see all our children and grandchildren emulating our mother, who showed us that love conquers all."
The event also aims to motivate and encourage the youths within the family to pursue their educational and business dreams. As such, one youth, Smakaleng "Smaka" Sebola (23), who has just graduated from Damelin College with a three-year diploma in financial accounting, received the approval of all the people present.
"I would first like to thank God for giving me a heart to face all the trials and challenges I came across while obtaining my qualification," Smaka said. "I am quite proud of myself for not giving up in my years of studying but persevering until the end. Trust me when I say the sky is the limit; nothing is impossible if you have the will to accomplish all of your goals."
She added that she was indebted to her guardian and uncle, Mr Collins Sebola. "To my uncle Mr Tshamano Collins Sebola, who took on a fatherly role from my early childhood, I am truly grateful and humbled by the heart you have, an inspiration in living form," she said. During her speech, Smaka took off her academic robe and dressed her uncle in it, saying that that was a symbol of gratitude for his paying for her education.
In response, Mr Sebola said: "When we send our children to school, we pray day and night for them to never get swayed from the right path of education. The care that we give them from the moment they arrive in this world, and through crèche, primary and secondary school, is the same care that we provide them with even when they are at university."