About us : Our Story - Dr Themba Oscar Makhubele Foundation

 

Foundation History – Dr Themba Oscar Makhubele Foundation

 

 

The Dr Themba Oscar Makhubele Foundation is more than just a non-profit organisation. It is a legacy—a spiritual continuation of a life lived in service, compassion, and faith. It was founded in honour of a man who gave his life to healing others, not just through medicine, but through acts of kindness, encouragement, and unwavering support for those in need.

 

The Foundation was established by Rivoningo Gift Mtolo, son of the late Dr Themba Oscar Makhubele, following the painful loss of his father on 23 May 2022. Dr Makhubele had been a dedicated medical general practitioner and a beloved figure in his community. He was the kind of person who never turned away someone in need—whether they had money or not. He believed that helping people was a calling, not just a career, and he carried that calling with humility and grace. For Rivoningo, he wasn’t just a father—he was a hero, a teacher, a protector, and a mirror. He was his twin.

 

After the funeral, Rivoningo faced deep grief. But even in the darkness of loss, there was a flicker of purpose. One day, while sitting in silence and thinking about all the people who had shown up to pay tribute to Dr Makhubele, he realised something powerful: his father’s work could not end here. The lessons, the love, the laughter, and the legacy had to live on—not just in memory, but in action. From that seed of pain, the vision for the Dr Themba Oscar Makhubele Foundation was planted.

 

The journey began humbly. Before any formal structure was in place, a charity clothing drive was held in Tshiawelo at Rivoningo’s family home—1027 Moathla Street. There were no big sponsors, no media coverage, no office space—just the belief that even small acts of kindness could make a big difference. It was a heartfelt offering to the community and a quiet promise to his father: “I will continue what you started.”

 

Though the Foundation was officially registered in 2022, it remained in its formative stages for some time. Rivoningo spent the next few years laying the groundwork—building a team, establishing structures, writing proposals, studying other organisations, and seeking guidance from mentors and elders. It wasn’t about rushing. It was about doing it the right way—guided by the same principles of integrity, service, and faith that defined his father’s life.

 

In 2025, the Foundation became fully active. The official public launch was held on 23 May 2025, marking exactly three years since the passing of Dr Makhubele. This was no coincidence—it was a divine alignment. The launch symbolised more than just the beginning of a project; it was the birth of a movement. A movement rooted in love, loss, and legacy. A movement that says: “Even after death, goodness can multiply. Even after pain, purpose can rise.”

 

Since then, the Dr Themba Oscar Makhubele Foundation has grown steadily, powered by young people, volunteers, and leaders who share the vision of building a better South Africa—one life, one child, one family at a time. The Foundation’s core mission is to inspire and empower individuals to reach their full potential through innovative programs, education, community outreach, and access to quality resources.

 

It operates in schools, communities, and households—bringing hope to those who feel forgotten. It provides school supplies to learners, supports struggling families, hosts youth empowerment events, and responds to both short-term needs and long-term transformation. Whether it’s distributing food parcels, organising charity events, or planning future summits—the Foundation stays rooted in the belief that true legacy is found in how we serve others.

 

What makes this Foundation different is its heart. Every action, every outreach, and every program is done in remembrance of a man who quietly changed lives every day. And at the centre of it all is Rivoningo Gift Mtolo, who continues to walk in his father’s footsteps while carving his own path. He once said:

 

“My father taught me that when you help people with a clean heart, God will bless you. And I carry that with me in everything I do. His legacy lives in me—and in everything this Foundation touches.”

 

Today, the Foundation is not just a tribute to a man—it is a living testimony. A testimony of faith, of family, of resilience, and of purpose. It shows that when grief is turned into giving, and when pain is turned into purpose, something beautiful can be born.

 

The Dr Themba Oscar Makhubele Foundation will continue to grow, continue to serve, and continue to shine a light of love long into the future.

 

Because the legacy lives on.