A legendary community sports developer and well-known philanthropist, Nkholi J Marupelo, has always fought for the upliftment and promotion of the community he lives and operates in.
Marupelo is a sportsman at heart, and counts among his many titles that of being a boxer, a referee and a judge. In the 1970’s he was instrumental in organising the Free State school teams in athletic, tennis, and boxing to tour Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). After retirement he became active in community projects.
Marupelo is a significant figure in Thabong and is the face and force behind the Thabong Seniors in Action (SIA) club that promotes fitness and health among the elderly in the community. He is a councillor for LifeLine, and enjoys organising national and international tours.
Born in Rammulotsi, Viljoenskroon, in 1947, Marupelo completed his primary and secondary schooling in his hometown. He obtained teaching qualifications from the Tshiya Training College, Vista University, and the University of Zululand.
He started his teaching career at the Esperanse farm school near Vredefort. In 1983 he joined the Tswelopele Primary School in Thabong. During his tenure, the school won many trophies in music, athletics, and netball. The school also won R100 000 for being the best primary school in the Free State. He retired from teaching in 2003.
A staunch member of the Uniting Reformed Church, Marupelo is married to Puleng (née Motlatla) and blessed with three daughters, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
The SIA club trains on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Thabong Recreational Centre (Phillip Smith Hall). For more information, contact Marupelo on 082 202 5897.
