SCORES of friends, family, relatives and other mourners gathered to celebrate and remember the life of Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha’s wife, Maggy.
Her memorial service was held in Polokwane on Wednesday, 5 July.
She died on Wednesday, 28 June, following a short illness.
The late first lady was described as a woman who worked with various institutions to tackle challenges facing child headed households.
She would celebrate her birthdays by giving shelter and food to needy and homeless people.
Representing the Mathabatha family, Premier Mathabatha’s sister, Mmatebogo, said Maggie’s passing has been unbearable to them.
“I still think that I’m dreaming, and I would hear the news that she is still alive and well. She was no longer an in-law to me but was like a sister. "There are many things about her that a lot of us would remember. She was humble, calm and warm. She had a good heart and passion to help the needy,” she said.
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Maggie’s son, Rethabile, said they learned a lot from their mother.
“She was a loving mother and wife and always protected us. We won’t forget all her teachings,” he said.
On behalf of the provincial government, Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba said the news of the untimely passing of the first lady left them all in shock, devastated and painfully speechless.
“She presented a mother figure to all of us in the executive. Her love was unconditional, her level of care limitless. Through the Limpopo First Lady Trust, she ensured that the living condition of our people changed for the better. She was a consistent pillar to our premier, supporting his work and ensuring that the family unit remained intact. We have lost ten years of unbroken loyalty to the public service, especifically, the plight of the poor and the vulnerable,” she said.
Maggy is survived by her husband and three children, Lebogang, Refentse and Rethabile and will be buried on Friday, 7 July.
