An unexpected knock on one of the Smith brothers’ doors 30 years ago became the sound of fate delivering a woman who would not only join the household as a domestic helper but permanently embed herself in the family’s heart – turning out to be the strongest, kindest, and most beloved person they would ever know!
Bloemfontein, South Africa (17 December 2025) – Sometimes our paths cross with the most unexpected individuals, who end up touching our hearts in the most profound ways.
Lizzy Molefe was that unexpected person for the Smith family. Thirty years ago, she knocked on their door in search of work.
Charles Smith recently shared a touching tribute to Lizzy, honouring her as one of the best human beings he has ever encountered. After 30 years of service at their Bloemfontein home, the family gathered for a farewell lunch last week to celebrate the woman who had been their domestic helper (and so much more) for three decades.
“When I asked her if she remembered the day she knocked on my brother, Chris’s, apartment looking for a job, she said she remembers it very well. She travelled from Botshabelo to look for work and slept under a tree to rest,” says Charles.
According to Lizzy, her late mother, Martha, had appeared to her in a dream and advised her to go to the white double-storey flats near where she’d been resting, and that that was where she would find a job.
One of those flats belonged to Charles’ brother, and that is where Lizzy would finally find a family willing to give her a chance.
“She saw me, stopped and walked towards me. I didn’t even have to be there; I drove from work to get something. We offered her work, and she worked for both of our families for 30 years,” Charles recalls.
Years later, that decision proved to be one of their best ones yet.
“When I was once asked about South Africa in a TV interview in America, I said the best person I know in the country is Lizzy Molefe. She has a strong moral compass, a Christian who is an example to all of us and someone who truly cares,” Charles says.
Lizzy got up every morning at 4 am, took two buses and walked the last block to be at the Smith household by 7 am.
Now, as she retires, the family told her she could finally rest and enjoy sleeping in. Lizzy and her body clock, however, don’t quite agree.
During her farewell, Lizzy got to enjoy a delicious milkshake and ordered chicken that wasn’t from a fast-food spot.
That same day, the Smiths also surprised their office assistant, Anna Matthews, with a gift, leaving her in tears.
“Thank you to all the Lizzy’s and Anna’s that sacrifice so much to keep our families and offices together,” thanked a grateful Charles.
What began as a simple act of opening a door to a stranger in need transformed into years of love and loyalty, proving that giving Lizzy a chance was nothing compared to the lifetime of devotion she gave them in return.
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