Tembisa philanthropist laid to rest
Mama Dhlamini was described as a selfless, hardworking person and a symbol of inspiration for all
Maria Moleoane Dhlamini, affectionately known as “MaDhlamini” within the community of Tembisa was laid to rest at Mooifontein Cemetery on October 1.
Maria Moleoane Dhlamini née Mokwena was born on December 11, 1944 and died on September 27.
MaDhlamini was a politically committed African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) member, with a lifelong commitment to the betterment of the lives of many in the community of Tembisa.
She was elected a chairperson of Enock Sontonga Ward 1 ANCWL in 1994.
Her main objective was building the organisation (ANC) by mobilising women into the ANC fold.
In order to demonstrate her ability and experiences in advisory experience on domestic, social, customary, spiritual and political affairs, she was involved in many community developments.
Among her contribution to the Paul Manana Ward 2 community (Moriting Section), was to protect senior citizens and orphans from exploitation and discrimination. She shared her house with vulnerable individuals by providing a place of safety.
She assisted senior citizens within her community with processes of accessing proper homes for communal purpose, arrangements of medical treatment and welfare benefits.
MaDhlamini created projects for herself and the Women’s League for the purpose of reliance and employment of unemployed people in Moriting Section, Tembisa.
She was involved in community structures such as Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) focusing on community skills development.
She had her own registered company Moleoane Trading PTY (LTD) with the aim of alleviation of unemployment.
Projects she worked on and managed are working for the water project, cleaning of some of Ekurhuleni’s cemeteries and cutting and felling of trees in Rietvlei Nature Reserve.
Others are community projects with ANCWL Mayihlome Food Products – (Agricultural food project based in Kaalfontein).
She was well known for owning a successful catering company where she has employed many young people.
Her son Msawenkosi Dhlamini paid the last moving tribute to his mother on the day of the funeral.
Mama Dhlamini was described as a selfless, hardworking person and a symbol of inspiration for all.
The Ekurhuleni Regional ANCWL representative Zodwa Mafanga described MaDhlamini as a prominent women’s rights activists who was loyal, honest and trustworthy to the organisation.
MaDhlamini was committed to promoting social and educational programmes while campaigning for the organisation.
For the 2004 election campaign MaDhlamini was honoured and presented with a certificate of appreciation for her selfless contributions and hard work by then ANC provincial chairperson Mbazima Shilowa and election manager Paul Mashatile.
MaDhlamini died in Edenvale Hospital after a short illness.
She leaves behind her three sons Elly, Msawenkosi and Mbuso and five grandchildren.
