My name is Makhabane Ntlama, and I am writing this on behalf of my mother — Alice Mamathe Ntlama — a woman whose dedication, kindness, and sacrifice have gone unseen for far too long.

Born in Dikathole on March 17, 1947, and raised in Katlehong from 1957, she has lived a life of service to her community. In 1997, she became a volunteer Caretaker at Alafang Secondary School in Katlehong. She opened classrooms every morning, locked them every evening, and guarded the school gate faithfully. On top of that, she started a feeding scheme for underprivileged learners — often buying cooking oil and basic food from her pocket when donations ran out.

For nearly 30 years, she has never received a salary or pension. Repeated requests to be formally registered by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) were ignored, including messages sent to the former MEC, Mr. Panyaza Lesufi.

Now, at 78 years old, she is being told to leave the school property — the same grounds she’s protected and cared for — and to pay R3,500 in rent, without any compensation. During Women’s Month, when the nation celebrates strong women, she sits heartbroken, unseen, and disrespected.

We call on the Gauteng Department of Education, the Office of the Presidency, and all South Africans to:

Recognise and compensate Ms. Alice Ntlama for her years of unpaid service.
Stop the eviction and assist in providing her with dignified housing.
Issue a formal public acknowledgement of her contribution to education and society.
This petition is not just about one woman — it’s about how we treat the people who give the most and expect the least. If you believe in justice, dignity, and compassion — please sign and share this petition.