The Hammanskraal community gathered in love, prayer and song to pay their final respects to Mantwa Kwadi Emily Mpitseng, a woman remembered by her family, friends and colleagues as a dedicated educator, a caring mother, a devoted wife and a pillar of strength to those who knew her.
Ms Mpitseng, born in 1965 in Mamelodi, was the fifth child of Mr and Mrs Raseroka. She passed away on August 29, 2026. A farewell service was held on September 5, 2026, where mourners gathered to celebrate a life that touched many homes, classrooms, and hearts.
She began her primary education in Moretele Primary School after her family moved from Mamelodi to Hammanskraal in 1978. She completed her matric at Ratshepo High School in 1978, before pursuing her passion for teaching. She trained as a professional teacher at Moretele College of Education from 1987 to 1989.
Those who knew her described her as a committed teacher who understood that education was not only about books but also about shaping character, offering guidance, and preparing young people for life.
She started her teaching career at Bokamoso High School, where she served with dedication, and continued at Hans Kekana High School until ill health affected her ability to continue teaching.
Speakers at the service remembered her as a humble and warm-hearted person who carried herself with dignity. Her family described her as a loving mother who gave her children guidance, care and discipline, while also extending her kindness to relatives, neighbours and members of the broader community.
She married Mr Kwadi in 1995, and their union was blessed with three sons, Phemelo, Tiisetso, and Onthatile. She is survived by her husband, her sons, her mother, Elsie Raseroka, three sisters, Tlhophane, Bobbley and Mamokgethi, two brothers, Phanuel and Jacob.
The funeral service was marked by hymns, scripture readings, prayers, tributes and messages of comfort. The programme included family reflections, church contributions, and words of appreciation from the family and friends.
In a moving tribute, mourners spoke of a woman whose life was rooted in service. Her journey as an educator placed her among the many community builders who helped shape generations in Hammanskraal and the surrounding areas. For former learners and colleagues, her passing is not only a loss to the family but also to the education fraternity and the community she served.
The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) commended her for her dedication to her work, a sentiment echoed by the caretaker principal, Ms Letlhabi, and the former principal, Charles Kgarume, who both attended the funeral.
As family members, friends and community members laid her to rest, the message repeated throughout the service was one of gratitude, gratitude for her life, her work, her love and the example she leaves behind.
Ms Mpitseng’s memory will live on through the learners she taught, the family she raised and the many people whose lives were touched by her kindness.
May her soul rest in eternal peace.
