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 symbolises 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 Mr. Shiranda. “I realised there was a shortage of what doctors were advising people to eat 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 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.”
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.
