Extract from report by The Trinity Session, 2019.
(Extract from ‘’Mama Betty Glover’’ oral histories document, 2019).
“Sister Betty Glover, or Mama Glover as her people knew her, was an iconic leader of the Noordgesig community. Not only was she a woman of immense spiritual and material generosity, but she was also a selfless leader with a relentless passion to serve and uplift others without expecting anything in return.
Mama Glover was best known for opening her home in 1962 to start one of the first feeding schemes in Soweto during apartheid. This feeding scheme is still in operation and feeds around 300 people per day from Noordgesig and the surrounding areas such as Orlando, Diepkloof, Pimville, Nancefield, Freedom Park, and Lenasia. In addition to being a compassionate caregiver, Sister Glover was also a skilled farmer and gardener. She ran her feeding scheme using vegetables she grew herself in her garden and bought the rest of the ingredients using her own pension money when sponsorships and donations often dried up.
Mama Glover became a public speaker at women's gatherings, politically involved, and an encouragement to those who needed to improve their lives. She would advise that the foundation of a better life is to know God and His word. This quality she instilled in her four children as well.
Her green bible and all other bibles and books, bear her notes and special scriptures.”
This artwork formed part of a series of artworks implemented by the Johannesburg Development Agency during an area upgrade which included public spaces and public facilities.
Wall mural of Mama Glover, a much loved and respected member of the Noordgesig Community.
This mural represents faith in Noordgesig, and that the community “lives by faith and not by sight”. Mama Glover is the focal point of the mural, holding her green bible. She is surrounded by images of faith and Christianity. (Trinity Session Oct 2018, Noordgesig Master Plan 2018_2019: Design Revisions October 2018).
Churches played an important role in Noordgesig during apartheid. Political activists and protesters would often hide from the police at churches. (Tsica 2016:34, HIA)
Extract from report by The Trinity Session, 2019.
(Extract from ‘’Mama Betty Glover’’ oral histories document, 2019).
“Sister Betty Glover, or Mama Glover as her people knew her, was an iconic leader of the Noordgesig community. Not only was she a woman of immense spiritual and material generosity, but she was also a selfless leader with a relentless passion to serve and uplift others without expecting anything in return.
Mama Glover was best known for opening her home in 1962 to start one of the first feeding schemes in Soweto during apartheid. This feeding scheme is still in operation and feeds around 300 people per day from Noordgesig and the surrounding areas such as Orlando, Diepkloof, Pimville, Nancefield, Freedom Park, and Lenasia. In addition to being a compassionate caregiver, Sister Glover was also a skilled farmer and gardener. She ran her feeding scheme using vegetables she grew herself in her garden and bought the rest of the ingredients using her own pension money when sponsorships and donations often dried up.
Mama Glover became a public speaker at women's gatherings, politically involved, and an encouragement to those who needed to improve their lives. She would advise that the foundation of a better life is to know God and His word. This quality she instilled in her four children as well.
Her green bible and all other bibles and books, bear her notes and special scriptures.”
This artwork formed part of a series of artworks implemented by the Johannesburg Development Agency during an area upgrade which included public spaces and public facilities.
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