Maneli, 64, founded the Enkazimulweni Ncedanani Life Centre in the heart of Duncan Village after becoming a Christian nearly 30 years ago.
The centre is home to children who have been abandoned and abused, or live with HIV.
Masixole Kataza, 33, now co-ordinates the HIV programme at Buffalo City Metro, but not so long ago she was one of the waifs under that roof.
“ is a God-fearing woman who tries to make ends meet for the children in her care at all times. Due to various family issues, I also knocked on her door a few times, but when I was 28, things escalated at home and I moved into her home for a good three years.
“At the time I was the eldest of many children and I often used to assist her writing letters to organisations for sponsors for food and school uniforms, because social workers weren’t playing their part.”
The public management graduate said although the house was dilapidated, the care and inspiration he received from Maneli was priceless.
“Today I am who I am because she believed in me and taught me morals and values, and that I should fear God.”
When the Daily Dispatch visited the centre earlier this week, children were seen playing outside while the eldest resident, a 22-year-old, was sweeping inside the house.
A broken bed and scattered planks were seen in a tin shack at the back of the main house.
There were broken gutters, and nearby the drains were overflowing.
Maneli said she was merely fulfilling her duties as a woman of God and living her life according to his instruction.
“We don’t have enough money to take the toddlers to school and that is why they hang around the house.
“After breakfast they play around the yard while I am cleaning the house.
“It is just me and my daughter because nobody wants to help if they can’t get paid.
“Initially we had a four-room house, but in 2009 the Rotary Club extended the place for us.
“We would love to have renovations here and there, but for now we just make use of whatever we have.”
Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Mtati Tana said police at times took children to Maneli who had been abused at home or abandoned.
BMW Autohaus Monti owner and principal dealer Clarins Mgadi supports the centre monthly with R500 for electricity and R1500 for groceries.
He said more businesses in the metro needed to come on board with offers of help.
“I came to know of the place through my church, The Voice of Resurrection Church in Braelyn, and we often used to go there to spend time and pray for the children.
“The place needs a lot of attention and work needs to be done there, but Maneli also needs to be honoured for the work that she is doing with the children, despite her circumstances and age.
“She deserves the support.”
Social development spokesman Gcobani Maswana had not responded to several calls by the print deadline yesterday. — mbalit@dispatch.co.za