ABOUT TSHEPANG
Susan Rammekwa worked as a Social Worker for 17 years, working with and seeing many abused, abandoned, and neglected children. Due to her dedication and deep love for children she was quickly promoted to Chief Social Worker at the Department of Social Services. At age 35 she reached Assistant Director of Johannesburg Child Welfare.
Though these jobs were changing children's lives Susan wasn’t happy because she wasn’t interacting with the children enough. This is where the vision of Tshepang began. Susan was encouraged to work at Princess Crossing where little help was being provided.
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In 2006 there were about 7,000 residents with only 120 taps and toilets. Now, Princess Crossing has more than tripled in size. She walked through the community talking to every resident to find out what their needs were. She discovered about 50 kids who were living with relatives or running their own households from a young age.
In 2006 Susan established Tshepang OVC on the edge of the settlement. Tshepang means ‘to have hope.’ Susan believes that it’s essential to cultivate hope and optimism in children who have lost their parents and with that a sense of stability or belonging.
Susan's dream is to put an end to the poverty cycle. Her plan for this is to make sure her children are educated and have hope that they can achieve their dreams.
Tshepang has grown to over 400 children and 39 paid staff members.