In 1979 Father Maekane, a retired Anglican Priest, founded The Mophato oa Mants’ase Society, named for the Principal Chief of Taung who gave land for the Society’s projects. Mophato is the Sesotho word for a village where people come together for a special purpose; and the purpose of the Society is to operate as a charitable organization for the relief of destitute children of all ages. Specific objectives were also named: To foster destitute children’s well-being through their own families wherever possible; and to establish, develop, manage and run a project to house destitute children.

The first buildings were funded from the American Embassy Self-Help Fund and built by the founder of the Society, Father Patrick M. Maekane with the help of British IVS volunteer, Iliff Simey and 25 local women who were paid in clothing donated by Catholic Relief Services. The buildings were completed in late 1979 and the first child, a 10-year-old girl from a nearby village, was admitted in February 1980.

Father Maekane died peacefully on April 18, 1985.