Langa is mourning one of its respected leaders, Professor Nomvula Mthethwa, who died last week at the age of 90.
A distinguished scholar, activist and community developer, Professor Mthethwa was known for her humility and dedication and was a beacon of resilience against Apartheid, say those who knew her.
During a memorial service, at the Guga S’Thebe Cultural Centre, on Wednesday November 20, speakers described how she had dedicated her life not only to Langa but also to other townships, setting up several community centres.
Langa resident Andile Siyengo said he had known her from 1978. “She was probably one of the first black social workers in the province. I knew her when she was working for the National Council of African Women.
“In 1978, we were 40 black students who were admitted to the University of the Western Cape and had no funding. There was Coloured Affairs, which was only funding coloureds. When we complained, she called and encouraged us to do things for ourselves.
“I remember her saying, ‘Do not wait for people to do things for you; do it yourselves.’ We then did fund-raising by conducting concerts. It was R1 to enter and we raised a lot. We used to hold meetings at her house. She was that kind of a person.”
Neighbour Archie Dyasi said Professor Mthethwa had not only developed him intellectually but had also kept him and other youth off the streets. He said she had mentored many academics and had been a compassionate philanthropist and dedicated community leader.
“She encouraged us to get an education. She excelled in everything she did. She had contacts everywhere, and she loved to see people progressing. She nursed and raised me and other young people such as the likes of Pallo Jordan.”
Nombeko Mlambo said: “She cared for black people. She was also passionate about human rights. She was a rare leader; someone who truly cared and was always there when we needed her as a community.”
Nomthunzi Jacobs added: “We thank God for sisi Nomvula’s life. We are talking about a community leader and a legend. Her contributions to the lives of many will be deeply missed. She opened centres wherever she was.”
The funeral service was held on Saturday November 23 at Holy Cross in Nyanga with the burial at Langa cemetery.
During her career as a lecturer and a social worker, Professor Mthethwa started many initiatives to improve and change people’s lives. She continued her work in the former Transkei until she retired and returned to Cape Town in 2000. She ran the Community Plough Back Movement (CPBM), one of her many initiatives, which was launched in 2002 to respond to some of the challenges faced by the communities of Gugulethu and Langa.
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