Written by the Dammie Family
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”
— Proverbs 31:28
Sophia Violet Girly Dammie (née Pelle) was born on 17 September 1927 in Hebron Village, North West Province. She was born into the loving embrace of her parents, the late Mr Jethro Pelle and Mrs Kresi Pelle. She was the cherished younger sister of her late brother, Rantsae Pelle. From her earliest years, Sophia displayed a sharp intellect, a compassionate heart, and a nurturing spirit — qualities that would come to define her life’s purpose and enduring legacy.
Her educational journey began at Loratong Primary School in Hebron Village. Gifted with an innate thirst for knowledge and a deep commitment to learning, she went on to complete her Form 3 Junior Certificate (JC) at Monotshe Moduane Secondary School, later known as Hebron High School. It was during these formative years that she met the love of her life and lifelong companion, the late Henry Humphrey Dammie, beloved son of the late Mr Benjamin Aziel Dammie and Mrs Paulina Mmaphela Dammie.
Sophia and Henry were united in marriage in 1948, at the dawn of institutionalised apartheid in South Africa. Together, they built a remarkable partnership grounded in love, faith, mutual respect, and devoted service to both family and community. Their union was blessed with four children: Paulina, Jethro, Boitumelo, and Neo. Together, they nurtured a strong and loving family whose roots have extended across generations, forming a lasting legacy of resilience, unity, and enduring bonds.
Driven by a passion to empower future generations through education, Sophia pursued teacher training at Kilnerton College in Pretoria, a prestigious institution established in 1886 by the Methodist Church. She later completed her teaching qualification at Bethel College in the North West Province. Her distinguished career as an educator spanned several decades and transformed the lives of countless learners.
Mrs Dammie began her teaching career at Rama Primary School in Ga-Rankuwa before moving to Lerato Primary School in her home village of Hebron. In 1957, she relocated with her husband and young family to Moruleng in the North West Province, where she continued her vocation at Ofentse Primary School.
In April 1964, the family returned to Ga-Rankuwa, where Mrs Dammie joined Ga-Rankuwa High School as an educator. Four years later, in 1968, another significant chapter unfolded when the family settled in Temba, Hammanskraal. There, she was appointed the founding Principal of Lefofa Primary School.
Under her visionary and transformative leadership, Lefofa Primary School flourished into a model institution renowned for educational excellence, unwavering discipline, and holistic learner development. Mrs Dammie instilled a culture of high expectations, integrity, and purposeful learning that earned the school widespread respect throughout the region.
Through her steadfast dedication and servant leadership, she transformed Lefofa Primary School into far more than a place of learning — it became a beacon of hope, opportunity, and community upliftment. She firmly believed that education was the most powerful instrument for personal and societal transformation. She worked tirelessly to ensure that every child entrusted to her care received not only academic instruction, but also the values, confidence, and life skills necessary to become responsible and productive citizens.
Mrs Dammie was not merely an educator; she was a trailblazer, a builder of futures, a mentor to teachers, and a custodian of values whose influence extended far beyond the school gates. She possessed the rare ability to inspire excellence, instil discipline, and nurture human potential with both compassion and conviction.
The countless learners she guided, the educators she mentored, and the communities she served stand as enduring testimony to her extraordinary legacy. For many, she was more than a principal — she was a mother figure, a source of wisdom, and a beacon of hope who deeply believed that education could transform lives and uplift communities.
Beyond the classroom, Mrs Dammie was a woman of deep and abiding faith. She devoted her time, wisdom, and energy to the service of the church and community. As an active and highly respected member of the Nederduitse Gereformeerde (N.G.) Church Council, she played a significant role in advancing the transformation of the church into a more inclusive and representative institution.
Her contribution to church leadership helped lay the foundation for the establishment of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA), a legacy that continues to serve and inspire congregants today.
Mrs Dammie lived vibrantly, anchored her family with wisdom and grace, and contributed generously to her community until she peacefully departed this earthly life on 18 June 2026 at the remarkable age of 98.
Her rich legacy of love, faith, resilience, discipline, and service lives on through five generations of her beautiful family.
She leaves to cherish her memory:
- Her devoted sons: Jethro and Boitumelo Dammie
- Her loving daughters: Paulina Dammie-Matlala and Neo Dammie-Maseko
- Her sons-in-law: Ernest Matlala and Baker Maseko
- Her daughter-in-law: Mercy Dammie and the late Emily Dammie
- Twelve grandchildren
- Twenty great-grandchildren
- Two great-great-grandchildren
Sophia Violet Girly Dammie was a visionary, a champion among champions, and a leader among leaders. She embodied the timeless virtues of wisdom, compassion, integrity, humility, and selfless service. Throughout her remarkable life, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to the upliftment of others, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.
As an educator, she shaped young minds and inspired generations to strive for excellence. As a mentor, she nurtured and guided fellow educators and emerging leaders. As a church leader, she served with faith, conviction, and steadfast commitment to justice and community transformation. As a mother, grandmother, and matriarch, she anchored her family with unconditional love, sound counsel, and unwavering strength.
Her life stands as a testament to the profound difference one person can make through faith, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. Though she has departed from our earthly sight, she remains forever present in our hearts, in the principles she lived by, and in the countless lives she transformed.
Rest in eternal peace, Mme Sophia Violet Girly Dammie. You have fought the good fight; you have finished the race; you have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). Your work was well done, your legacy is secure, and your light will continue to shine in the lives of all who were privileged to know and love you.
