Declarations

Mantsopa was born about 1795 most likely in some part of what is today the eastern Free State and possibly near Mekoatleng. However, there are allegations that she was born at the village Ha Ramakhetheng in Lesotho on the west side of Likotsi Mountain overlooking the Mohokare at its confluence with the Phuthiatsana River. At Ha Ramakhetheng there are some landmarks associated with her, for example, it is referred to as Lelapa-la-bo-Mantsopa. When she was born, Mantsopa was named Koena-li-fule. Perhaps the above is misleading and her name could have meant that the crocodiles will eventually succeed.

In the church cave, some of the walls have religious texts inscribed on them and ledges and alcoves are used for placing candles brought by worshippers at the church and lit during their prayer sessions. The candles combine with the natural light that enters from the top of the cave to create some more light in the cave. Higher up, on the cliffs overlooking Modderpoort, are San paintings, evidence of religious beliefs that preceded those held by the visitors to the cave chapel.
As she grew up, there was an old lady in the vicinity who had acquired the name Ntsopa because of her skill at making clay pots. Ntsopa was also known as a story-teller and singer of traditional songs. Mantsopa did not master the art of making pots, but became well known in the village for singing traditional songs and for telling stories. Most importantly she was remarkable in her power to hold people spellbound as she related what had appeared to her dreams.