The memory of seven-year-old Mamokgethi Malebana lives on five years after her abuser killed her the day before she was to testify against him in court.
The gruesome act mobilised the Katlehong community against child abuse. Now the Mamokgethi-Telkom Community Computer Centre has been opened in her memory at her old school, Kabelo Primary.
The centre will be equipped with 20 networked computers with dial-up Internet connectivity, says Telkom Foundation CEO Nkhetheleng Vokwana. She says the foundation has already launched 10 similar centres in eight provinces and 20 in the Northern Cape.
Vokwana says the R35-million programme focuses on education and training, specifically in mathematics, science and technology, and empowerment projects.
“When the school approached us they wanted us to make a once-off monetary contribution towards Mamokgethi’s fifth commemorative … activities. While in principle we were not opposed to the idea, we felt we needed to contribute something that would be tangible and have a durable impact. We wanted something that would serve as an eternal symbol and a gesture of goodwill for years to come. And what better way to commemorate the memory of the young Malebana than this?” asks Vokwana.
She says the foundation wanted to raise awareness of child abuse. “It is indeed disheartening that five years after the death of Mamokgethi, we still have our children, and especially babies, being sexually abused, raped and murdered by adults around them.
“With this centre we want to instil a sense of urgency in our children … to embrace education, particularly subjects such as mathematics, science and technology, which we as a foundation are passionate about,” says Vokwana.
Joyce Malebana, Mamokgethi’s mother, says she is excited and honoured because something is being done to immortalise the memory of her daughter. She says though it is very difficult to forget the tragedy, the gift will help ease things.
“When the foundation approached me to ask permission to name the centre after my daughter, I could not believe it. I am thrilled because it is something that will have a lasting impression on the community … As a parent I am also happy for the learners and trust they will benefit from this gesture.”
Johanna Moetsi, a teacher at the school, says the computer centre could not have come at a better time.
“We were lagging behind in the area of technology. We are very grateful that we can join other schools in learning and empowering ourselves with technological skills.”
Lerato Matolo, one of Mamokgethi’s classmates, was also thrilled. “I am very excited about this. Most of us were beginning to forget about her. This centre will serve as a constant reminder not only to us but also to those coming after us.”
Kabelo Primary has 887 students. The equipment will be accommodated in a staffroom until the school can find a sponsor for a computer laboratory.