By News South Africa:
In the heart of Soshanguve, under the warm gaze of the morning sun, you’ll find a mobile fruits and vegetables trailer bursting with colour, nutrition and purpose. It’s clean, bright, and neatly stocked with immune-boosting goodness. But more than that, it’s a symbol of perseverance, hope and what happens when compassion meets opportunity.
This story is about more than a fruit and veggie stall. It is a story of community, compassion and the power of believing in small beginnings. It is the story of Mr. Godfrey Shiranda, a local vendor whose entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to healthy living caught the attention of Dr. Jacky Rampedi, the visionary behind Botshilu Private Hospital, and the heartbeat behind a community-driven initiative that’s changing lives from the ground up.
“My journey of selling fruits and vegetables started during COVID-19,” shares Shiranda. “I realised there was a shortage of what doctors were advising people to eat in order to boost their immune systems. So, I picked a spot next to Botshilu Private Hospital, knowing that patients, especially those who had tested positive, would pass by where I was selling.”
From humble beginnings, laying his produce on a net on the ground, Godfrey built his business one day at a time. He made it a point to keep the area clean – a value he adopted after Dr. Rampedi himself encouraged him to maintain tidiness.
“After some time, Dr. Rampedi stopped by again. He said to me, ‘If I ever win the lottery, I’ll donate a mobile trailer to you because this net doesn’t look healthy for selling food. He also believed it would help attract more customers.”
Three years later, in February 2025, that promise became a reality. Godfrey was invited to the hospital, where Dr. Rampedi told him the good news – a fully equipped mobile trailer would be donated to support his business. Well, the lotto win never happened, but what did happen was a promise kept by a leader who truly cares. This was not luck, but pure, genuine love. On 08 April 2025, the trailer was officially handed over.
“I’m very grateful for what Botshilu Private Hospital has done for my business,” Godfrey says. “I wish them all the best, and I hope they continue doing more for others and the organisations that serve the people of Soshanguve. Thank you once more, Botshilu Family.”
More than a doctor: Because not all heroes wear capes
Godfrey’s story is just one of many transformed by Dr. Jacky Rampedi, a man celebrated not only for building one of the region’s leading healthcare institutions, but for being a true township hero. As covered in previous articles, Dr. Rampedi believes deeply that healthcare goes beyond hospital walls.
Under his leadership, Botshilu Private Hospital has extended its impact into the dusty streets of the community, schools, and informal businesses of Soshanguve, through initiatives like BotshiluCares – a movement dedicated to economic upliftment, wellness education, and environmental responsibility.
“When people share similar dreams and goals, teamwork happens naturally. Each one contributes to the other’s success and together, we move further, faster, and inspire even more to get involved,” says Hospital General Manager, Mr. Gerrit van den Berg, reflecting on the spirit behind Botshilu’s community efforts.
Keeping Soshanguve Clean: The campaign that calls us all
The sponsorship of the trailer is one of several efforts under the upcoming Keeping Soshanguve Clean campaign, a powerful, long-term movement that will be officially launched on World Environment Day, 05 June 2025. The campaign’s heartbeat lies in the adage that “cleanliness is next to godliness” and seeks to restore pride, ownership and dignity to the people of Soshanguve. The campaign aims to instill pride and promote good citizenship through responsible waste management and environmental education.
In partnership with local government, Tshwane Waste Management, schools, and community businesses, Botshilu Private Hospital is taking a stand for the environment and the people who live in it.
Initiatives already underway include:
• Bi-monthly community clean-up drives
• Educational programmes for primary schools
• Construction of walkways and awareness signage next to the hospital
• Support for sustainable small businesses
“This campaign is not just about picking up litter, it’s about picking up our values,” says Boitumelo Mphake, Stakeholder Relationship and Marketing Manager at Botshilu Private Hospital. “It’s about being good stewards of the places we call home and raising a generation that understands the power of a clean environment.”
A Community worth believing in
From one man’s fruit stand to a township-wide environmental initiative, the Keeping Soshanguve Clean campaign is a story of hope in action. It reminds us that real change begins with compassion, and that each of us has a role to play, whether it’s by picking up a piece of litter, planting a tree, or supporting our local vendors. To the people of Soshanguve: let us rise together, for our community, for our children, and for the environment we share. Let’s take pride in where we live. Let’s keep Soshanguve clean, and let’s all do it with heart.
About Botshilu Private Hospital:
Botshilu Private Hospital is dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare services while actively engaging in community development projects. Our BotshiluCares initiative embodies our commitment to being people-centric and making a positive impact beyond the walls of our hospital. To get involved or learn more about the campaign, please contact: Boitumelo Mphake, Stakeholder Relationship and Marketing Manager on 012 798 7000 or Cell 072 202 2601 or Email address: tumi.mphake@phelangbonolo.co.za – @NewsSA_Online
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