Guiding light of love for family
MaShongwe filled home with warmth
Born: September 14 1927 Died: June 26 2017 Funeral: Today, at St Peter Claver Roman Catholic Church in Pimville, Soweto Burial: Avalon Cemetery Nomshado Selina Maria (Ma Shongwe) Moleketi will be remembered as a guiding hand, nurturer, loving mother and grandmother.
These are the words of her grandson Themba Moleketi this week.
Moleketi died on Monday after a short illness. She was 89.
The first daughter of Nkantolo and Nomadela Shongwe, Moleketi grew up in Morgenzon, a farming town near Standerton, Mpumalanga.
As a young adult she moved to Johannesburg, where she worked as a domestic and met her husband Manuel Frans Moleketi, a mineworker.
Their first home was at 2321 Morosi Street in Pimville, Soweto, where their three children Delisile, Jabulani and Hlezi were born.
In August 1973, when the old Pimville was demolished, they moved to 3975A Jingijolo Street, also in Pimville, where their children were raised.
“Gogo placed a disciplined emphasis on education over the years which led to the raising of three accomplished professionals,” Themba said.
“She loved her children and extended family dearly which was felt in the warmth of the home she shared with her children. The importance of family to Gogo was felt on a daily basis by her nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.
“Whether it was over the many lunches, birthdays, family trips to Mozambique and celebrations, they all felt her guiding wisdom, care and love.”
Beyond family, Moleketi was a devout member of St Peter Claver Roman Catholic Church. “Family and religion were very important to Ma Shongwe. Her faith gave her strength and acted as a compass throughout her life. May her soul rest in peace.”
Her funeral service today starts at 8.15am.