Mathabatha gave his all to teaching
He served God and community
Born: August 24 1934 Died: March 25 Funeral: Motetema near Groblersdal, starting at 7am Burial: Saturday at Motetema Cemetery Dikgatholane Thompson Mathabatha was born at Adriaansdraai farm in Limpopo and was the fifth child of Ngwanamadima and Ramadimetsa Mathabatha.
He married Dimakatso Grace Leopeng and they were blessed with seven children – six daughters and a son.
The couple were also foster parents to the late Malose and Thabo Leopeng following the death of their mother Nanagolo Leopeng.
Mathabatha started school in 1946 at Boschplaats Primary where he obtained first class in Std 6 (now Grade 8) in 1952.
In 1955, he obtained his junior certificate at the old Emmarentia Geldenhuis School before matriculating two years later. He furthered his tertiary studies at the old Vlakfontein Normal College where he attained his teacher’s diploma.
In 1978, he obtained his BA degree through the University of South Africa.
Mathabatha was appointed as a teacher at the following schools and colleges between 1960 to 1977: Setotolwane High, Kgaiso, Mokopane Training College, Maswi Secondary, Emmarentia Training College, Botshabelo Training College and Rehlahlilwe Training College.
He worked as principal at the following schools: Ngwanakwena and Ramohlokolo. He later became an inspector of schools at the Mogodumo and Sekhukhune circuits from 1986 to his date of retirement in 1995.
He was elected secretary of the south east district of the Transvaal United African Teachers Association (Tuata) from December 1968 to 1970.
He served as chairman of Tuata Nebo district from 1976 to 1986. He represented Lebowa Schools Athletics as secretary in 1978.
Mathabatha was a council member of the Dutch Reformed Church at the time Motetema was a ward under Philadelphia district. In 1977, Motetema ward was formed as a stand-alone congregation of which he was the first church secretary under the leadership of Rev ND Legodi. He served as a church elder for more than 28 years.
He played a role in the translation of the Hosanna hymn book to the Sepedi language.
In his old age he joined a ministry that served neighbouring farms to preach the gospel with farm labours. Mathabatha is survived by his wife, children and 13 grandchildren and four sisters.
Robala ka khutso Hlabirwa’a Morwaswi’a Moleya!