Ordinary People, Extraordinary Change

Across South Africa’s rural and township communities, everyday heroes are quietly transforming lives — not for fame or fortune, but out of compassion, conviction, and courage. On a journey guided by a vision of empowerment and resilience, I have had the privilege of meeting some of these remarkable individuals whose work reminds us that true leadership often begins far from the spotlight.

As CEO of Eight Red Apples (ERA), my mission is to foster an ecosystem that supports entrepreneurial development — especially among women and youth, whose potential remains untapped in many African societies. But this mission would be incomplete without recognising those already driving impact on the ground, often with little more than heart, hope, and perseverance.

Elvis Seroka – Maretlagadi Welfare Centre, Jane Furse (Limpopo)

In the quiet village of Ngwanamatlang near Jane Furse, Elvis Seroka has turned his family home into a sanctuary for children with disabilities. Inspired by his own experience caring for his autistic sister, he founded the Maretlagadi Welfare Centre (MWC) in 2016 to support children from disadvantaged families.

Today, 37 children receive full-time care, while over 100 community members benefit from the centre’s clean water project, which has already supplied more than 14,000 litres of purified water. For parents who once had nowhere to turn, Maretlagadi is more than a centre — it’s a beacon of dignity, opportunity, and love.

Matilda Phala – Lesedi Self Help Association, New Eersterus (Hammanskraal)

In Hammanskraal’s New Eersterus village, Matilda Phala, fondly known as the Mother Theresa of her community, has dedicated her life to children with disabilities. Through her Lesedi Self Help Association, she provides care, education, and belonging for children too often forgotten by society.

Lesedi is not just a place of refuge — it is a powerful reminder that inclusion begins with compassion. In every child’s smile and every lesson taught, Matilda is building a future where all children are seen, valued, and loved.

Jennet and Anastacia Lefoka – Mmabana Day Care & Pre-School Centre, New Eersterus (Hammanskraal)

Also in New Eersterus, Jennet and Anastacia Lefoka founded the Mmabana Day Care and Pre-School Centre, a safe and stimulating environment for 52 children aged 0 to 6. Their work embodies South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) vision that the first 10,000 hours of a child’s life are critical to lifelong learning and growth.

But like many rural initiatives, Mmabana faces daily struggles — limited funding, high unemployment among parents, and scarce resources. Despite these challenges, the Lefoka family and their small team remain steadfast, nurturing young minds and proving that early childhood development is the cornerstone of community transformation.

A Call to Recognise and Support Our Unsung Heroes

Each of these community champions — Elvis, Matilda, Jennet, and Anastacia — represents the soul of our nation: selfless, determined, and endlessly hopeful.

Their impact ripples far beyond their villages, teaching us that meaningful progress is born from local leadership and community trust.

At Eight Red Apples, we believe in championing such stories — not just to celebrate them, but to connect them with the support they need to grow. Their journeys remind us that Africa’s greatness lies in its people, and that behind every thriving community stands someone brave enough to start.

These are our Unsung Heroes. Let’s honour them. Let’s support them. And let’s build with them.

Look them up or email us for their details.