The passing on of Epainette Nomaka Mbeki affectionately known as MaMbeki has left the country with an immeasurable void. At the same time, her legacy provides us with a clear vista from which to pursue the championing of the achievement of women’s socio-economic empowerment and women’s rights.
MaMbeki’s life was like an open book whose chapters will continue speaking not only to us but future generations too.
She was an embodiment of the fearless, resilient and courageous spirit that characterised the women of 1956 – who were not afraid to hold the knife where it was sharpest.
She joins a galaxy of women and ‘mothers of the struggle’ who were at the cold front of the fight against discrimination and the total emancipation of women in South Africa.
Her belief in community development and her selfless contribution to the fight against poverty saw her get involved in numerous self-help projects such as community farming with the aim of achieving social and economic advancement of women. The accolades that followed her work such as being conferred the Order of the Boabab in Gold, Community Builder of the Year Award and others, were a clear testimony of the passion she poured into her work.
MaMbeki and her generation have done their part and have passed on the baton to a new breed of women leaders who must define for themselves what their struggle is and what legacy they want to leave behind.
The Minister of Women, Susan Shabangu and the department at large wishes to extend heart-felt condolences to the Mbeki family. It is never easy to part ways with a loved one even when theirs is a completed journey.
The Department of Women will spare no effort to champion the achievement of socio-economic empowerment and women’s rights so as to not fail MaMbeki and other stalwarts who have left a very rich legacy in the pursuit of women empowerment and gender equality.
Enquiries:
Ms Kenosi Machepa, Head of Communication
Tel: 012 369 0196
Cell: 072 571 2221
E-mail: kenosi.machepa@dwcpd.gov.za
N.B Some of MaMbeki’s accolades include:
- In 2006 she was conferred the Order of the Boabab in Gold for her exceptional contribution to the economic upliftment of the underprivileged communities of the Eastern Cape and her commitment to the fight against poverty.
- Community Builder of the Year Award
- The King Cetshwayo African Image Award
- The Eastern Cape Arts and Culture Award for the Khanyisa project -2012
- Rhodes University conferred the degree of Laws, honris causa on MaMbeki
- Through her dedication of education, Nobeko Mbeki Secondary school was named after her.
