South Africa orphanage persists without its founder

After Mabaso's death, hundreds came to her funeral; her orphans held hands in a circle around her coffin.

Today, 60 orphans still live here, and the day-care rooms – converted shipping containers – are still packed with giggling, scrambling children.

One recent day found Wandile Mlung­wana in the kitchen, mixing a huge, steaming vat of samp and beans – lunch for more than 150 kids. Mabaso hired him three years ago, Mr. Mlungwana says, and he is still volunteering.

"Before, maybe I thought this project would close down [after Mabaso died]," he says. "But now everything is OK."

At first, Ms. Louw takes the same, positive attitude. She gives a tour of the orphanage, pointing out the girls' room with the new bedspreads, and the room that holds the double bed she shares with three orphans.

"Here they can read, they can watch television, they can go on the computer," Louw says. "I bought a stereo speaker so they can dance."

But as she walks into the kitchen, her mood seems to shift. The metal shelving – stocked with supplies when Mabaso was alive – is completely bare. "We are trying hard to keep it going," Louw says. "But we don't have enough meat or vegetables."

That's why today's lunch will be nothing but starch, she says.

Family members get involved

Money is tight at Zenzele. Mabaso's sister, Linda Tukula, has taken over Mabaso's position, and has told many of the staffers that there is nothing left in the orphanage's account. That means no meat, toys, or other items Mabaso bought regularly for her children.

The staffers say they understand why funds are scarce. After Mabaso died, many donors became uneasy about giving to the orphanage, unsure whether money would get to the children. Moreover, local companies and neighbors who had volunteered their time to fix up the Zenzele buildings have stopped their work. Before they continue, they want to know that the property will remain as an orphanage.

Many are waiting for assurances from Mabaso's son, Sipho, that he will not sell the place.

Sipho Mabaso has pledged to not sell his mother's house, saying that he wants the orphanage to continue. He says that he has been trying to straighten out title deeds and other documents and wants to ensure that the orphanage is properly registered.

"It's her wish that the project continues," he says. "She told me, 'The kids must have a place to stay.' "

While many in the community are still waiting for proof, children such as nine-year-old Kgomotso Sithole still find refuge at Zenzele. Kgomotso and his younger brother were orphaned and homeless when Mabaso found them last year. Now they live in the Zenzele house.

"I miss her," Kgomotso says softly as he plays with a rubber top in the soft dirt. "She was my caregiver."

He wraps the end of the top in a string, and then flicks the toy back onto the ground, grinning as it swirls upright. "But I still like it here," he says.

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