From poverty to purpose: How a young woman is feeding 60 children in Limpopo

In the rural village of Ga-Mohokoni, nestled in the Limpopo Province, a 25-year-old woman named Thuto Selomo has transformed her personal experience of poverty into a life-changing initiative. Using funds from her NSFAS book allowance, Selomo established the Thuto Selomo Organisation, a drop-in centre that provides daily meals to approximately 60 children from impoverished backgrounds.

Selomo's journey began with her struggles growing up in a home where hunger was a constant challenge, her father working temporary construction jobs and her mother unemployed. Her mother's relentless efforts to feed the family often meant going to bed after consuming just pap and milk. Selomo's vision of helping others, inspired by the work of the late Nigerian televangelist TB Joshua, led her to create the centre.

Initially, Selomo's outreach efforts included providing sanitary towels, school uniforms, and shoes to those in need. However, it was her observation of children attending school on cold days wearing inadequate footwear that sparked the idea for the Thuto Selomo Organisation. She decided to open the centre in 2025 and registered it with the relevant authorities.

The centre operates from Monday to Friday, offering one meal a day to the children between 3PM and 5PM. Beyond providing sustenance, the centre serves as a safe haven where children can play, receive assistance with their studies, and avoid the dangers of the streets. Currently, Selomo runs the operation with her mother and one other individual. Her personal sacrifices, including her NSFAS allowance, have fueled the initiative's growth.

Despite facing numerous challenges, Selomo remains undeterred by the obstacles. Her community has warmly embraced the centre, and the donations from the public demonstrate the impact of her work. Selomo's faith in her mission, born from her own experiences, drives her to expand her vision beyond mere meal provision. She aspires to provide a home for these children, recognizing that many come from families dealing with mental health issues.

Selomo's message to aspiring change-makers is clear: "Don't wait until you have everything. Start with what you have, like I did with my NSFAS book allowance." Her story exemplifies how personal adversity can fuel a purpose-driven initiative, transforming lives and communities.