Tributes have poured in following the passing of the late co-founder of Masicorp, John More Thompson, whose life’s work helped transform the community of Masiphumelele through education and opportunity.

Thompson died on Monday 30 March this year after a long illness.

While his death marks the end of an era, the organisation he built alongside his wife, Carol Thompson, continues to uplift thousands of residents each year.

Break the cycle of poverty

Masicorp (Masiphumelele Corporation) is a non-profit organisation (NPO) founded in 1999 that provides education and skills development to residents of Masiphumelele, a township in Cape Town, South Africa.

Their mission is to break the cycle of poverty by providing opportunities from early childhood development to adult training.

In February this year, the NPO created up to 60 handcrafted school tracksuits that were donated to learners of Ukanyo Primary School, who were affected by the devastating fires that ravaged the Masiphumelele area on Monday 5 February.

Born in the United Kingdom, Thompson spent much of his adult life in the United States with his family. However, it was upon retirement that he and Carol returned to South Africa and settled near Masiphumelele, where they were struck by both the challenges facing residents and the untapped potential within the community.

Rather than focusing solely on need, Thompson believed in empowering people through access to education, skills and opportunities. This philosophy became the foundation of Masicorp.

Practical interventions

In its early years, the organisation focused on practical interventions, including building more than 20 homes and establishing a library. It also supported learners in accessing better schooling and tertiary education opportunities.

Over time, Masicorp has grown into a wide-reaching development platform.

Today, its programmes include early childhood development through preschools, support for primary education in maths, literacy and science, teacher training, and computer skills development.

These initiatives aim to equip residents with the tools to shape their own futures.

Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

Those who worked closely with Thompson describe him as a hands-on leader who remained deeply involved in the organisation’s work.

He was known for bringing people together across cultures and countries, building a network of supporters committed to his vision of sustainable community development.

In recognition of his contribution, Thompson was awarded a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2024 for his service and long-term impact within a Commonwealth community.

Today, his legacy lives on in the many lives changed through education and opportunity. From young children in preschools to students pursuing higher education, the reach of his work continues to be felt across Masiphumelele.

While he will be remembered as a visionary leader, those closest to him say his greatest achievement lies in the enduring impact of the opportunities he helped create.

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