A well-known Tembisa teacher’s sudden death came as a shock to many.
Mrs Gasta Nonhlanhla Molotsane died on September 6.
The teacher was instrumental in launching the careers of many successful Tembisa academics.
Mrs Molotsane, known to many as Ma’am Nkosi, took an active role in community development since 1978.
“My mom did counselling to orphaned children and mentored them in trying to guide the children in starting a new life, since some of these children were abused, some were abandoned and some had lost both parents,” said her son Tsepo Molotsane.
Tsepo Molotsane said Mrs Molotsane was always discreet about the personal challenges that she faced and she had the best interest of others at heart.
Her son said the community has lost a role model, a friend, a mother and a philanthropist who served the community selflessly.
“In our family she will be remembered as a strong woman who radiated humanity wherever she went,” said her son.
Mrs Molotsane arrived in Tembisa to be a student at Tembisa High School, hailing from Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal.
She thereafter furthered her studies eventually acquiring her National Diploma in teaching.
“The bond my mom created with Tembisa inhabitants saw her becoming a permanent resident in pursuit of building the community,” said Tsepo Molotsane.
Mrs Molotsane served as a teacher at Ecaleni Primary School from 1978 to 1992 and in 1993 she worked for Tembisa Child Welfare.
In 1994 she gained employment at Welamlambo Primary School and served as an educator there until she met her death.
Those who wish to pay their last respects to the late Tembisa stalwart can contact the family on 063 360 4177 or 074 789 8563 or 063 352 6426.
