Sephephe Francisca Mamabolo (neé Bopape) was born on the 28th of March 1935 at the St. Benedict Mission in Magoebaskloof. She is the second born of the late Theophilus and Maite Bopape.
She was
joined in marriage to Charles Maisha “CP” Mamabolo in 1956 and they were blessed
with three children; daughters Florence and Josephine as well as a son Eugene.
She received a prestigious Catholic education attending primary school at St. Scholastica in Ga-Molema
for Sub-A and B, Standard 1 to 3 at St. Benedict in Magoebaskloof and Standard 4
to 6 at St. Montfort in Louis Trichardt. She completed her JC at Mokomene High
School followed by the Higher Primary Teachers Course at Mokopane College of
Education. These she obtained as the first woman from Segopye, Ga-Mamabolo to
leave her home and children to pursue higher education. She subsequently
obtained her Matric certificate by correspondence. She obtained her tertiary qualification,
the Senior Education Certificate, from Vista University.
Her teaching career started at Motholo Primary School
in 1967. In 1968 she joined Sekwala Lower Primary School as a teacher where she
taught English and Arithmetic excellently for 20 years. In 1988 she founded Madipadi Pre-School, at Ga-Van
Vuuren in Segopye, where she worked until her retirement in 1995. In 1998 she
opened Children’s Haven Pre-School in Unit-C in Mankweng Township where she
worked well into her 80’s. This is where she introduced the popular family trip
to the National Zoo in Pretoria which was a great achievement. Additionally,
the annual graduation was the highlight of the school year.
Francisca
Mamabolo was a staunch and proud member of the Roman Catholic Church. She was
part of the group that established St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Segopye. She
served as a diligent member of St. Anne Sodality for over 60 years. She took on
various community projects teaching women how to knit, sew, and bake.
She
was an enthusiastic traveller. She enjoyed sightseeing and taking family picnics
to the Ebenezer Dam. She visited world-class destinations including Cape Town,
Swaziland, Botswana, Zimbabwe, London, Rome, France, and Israel.
Mogaleadi,
as she was affectionately known, raised three of her own children and many
others throughout the years. She was a
strict mother and often enlisted near draconian rules for the children making
sure that they are brought up the correct way.
Mogaleadi
had a deep affection for her family and took on the role of a unifier. She
would ensure that all her relatives know each other and that they care to
check-in on each other.
She
was a strong and brave woman who displayed unparalleled tenacity throughout her
life. She spoke her mind unapologetically. She always stood for what she
believed in regardless of the consequences. She was a warm person with a good
sense of humour. A cheerful giver who always thought of those less fortunate.
She
will be remembered for many things including her unique singing voice, active
dance moves, the blue Toyota van, and famous banana bread.
She
endured a long illness and departed from this world on the 7th of
January 2021. She is survived by her sister Walburga Letlalo, daughters
Florence Mathosa and Josephine Letsoalo. Her grandchildren Mashadi, Ketse, Maisha,
Karabo, Tshepo, Tšhegofatšo, Maisha, and Mogale as well as her great-grandchildren Wilben and Eugene.
Robala ka Khutšo Mogaleadi Serokolo serapa sa mmea peu.
Mamorudi!
