Mokgapa o mogolo o wele!!
Mogale wa tokologo!!
The Spear has fallen!!!
Minister Maite Nkoana Mashabane is deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Limpopo MEC for Agriculture and Rural development, Mme Happy Joyce Mashamba and therefore conveys her sincerest condolences to her husband, ANC Stalwart Cde George, children ( Nyiko, Tiyani, Wisani, Vongani , the family, comrades, friends, Colleagues, the community of Mankweng–Turfloop, Limpopo , South Africa and Africa. “Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity.” Dr Nelson Mandela.
As Mma-Mashamba departs, we remain behind admiring her track record of selfless contribution to freedom, education, self-sustenance and development, amongst others, and can only conclude that she has fulfilled her purpose in life, she has run her race and can take a bow gracefully as Tata Mandela has opined.
It was indeed befitting for her to be addressed with accolades such as a Mother and sister, a place of refuge, a protector, provider, to many, men and women, young and old and everyone found a home and had a place in her heart. Her children had to share her with everyone as she was popularly known as Mam Joyce, Mamashamba, Ous Joyce, Sesi Joyce.
Mobilizing political support during her era was risky with potential fatal consequences from the Apartheid government. However, she relied on her natural ability to draw people to her and gradually educate them politically from the basics right through to the complex strategies and fight the liberation movements waged against the prime evil, a phrase which Apartheid was known by.
Those whose eyes she opened, soon regarded her as a fountain of wisdom and knowledge, a servant-leader, human rights and gender activist who served her people with dignity, sincerity, dedication, humility and discipline and her life is an epitome of selfless heroism and this is reflected in her commitment and quest for freedom. A gallant fighter against all forms of injustices and even as she fought the illness; she kept strong and kept coming back because she never embraced pain of any kind.
O e kgathile tema, moswarathipa ka bogaleng; we can only carry the baton forward in honour of her legacy.
O fodile Mma, Robala ka khutso
Malibongwe!!! Igama la makhosikazi!!!
Issued by the Ministry of Rural Development and Land Reform
(For further enquiries: Ministry Media Liaison support Phuti Mabelebele 012 312 8909/ 0764027521,Phuti.Mabelebele@drdlr.gov.za and Moss Rannditsheni 012 312 9712/082 448 2450: Moss.Rannditsheni@drdlr.gov.za).
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