HM Pitje Snr, who only had a Std 6 formal school qualification, rose from a “kitchen boy” to become the first Mayor of Mamelodi from 1969 to 1983. He established a number of township businesses, which were unfortunately destroyed by political figures in an act of hate, leaving him with nothing at the time of his death on August 18, 1997. HM, as he was affectionately known, was married to Vuyelwa Alice Nkomo. Their son, Khudusela, took a bold step in August 2004 to leave JPMorgan SA in an effort to rebuild the family’s legacy. At the time of HM’s death, Vuyelwa had only R250 in savings. Together with Khudu’s R2,000 contribution and donations from other family members, they managed to give HM a respectful send-off at the HM Pitje Stadium. His legacy continues to live on through Kgalauwane Investments, the HM Pitje Foundation, and the HM Pitje Stadium in Mamelodi.