Rosemary Nishebo Mangope, the Queen of Bahurutshe boo Manyane and a dedicated member of ActionSA, has died following a battle with cancer.

Mangope died on Saturday, March 15.

Nishebo, as she was affectionately known, was not only a devoted member of ActionSA but also a beacon of hope and progress in South Africa’s community development efforts, her husband Kwena Mangope said in a tribute to his wife.

Kwena Mangope is a member of the ActionSA North West Legislature.

"Nishebo’s remarkable legacy was built on decades of selfless service and a deep commitment to uplifting communities.

"She was highly educated, holding a BA in Social Science, Honours in Sociology, and an MA in Social Science from the University of Bophuthatswana, now North West University.

"Her passion for education led her to pursue a Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development from the Indira Gandhi Open University in New Delhi."

Mangope noted that Nishebo’s impact extended far beyond her education.

He said she founded the Mmabana Arts Cultural Centers, which produced numerous prominent South African artists.

"Throughout her career, she held prestigious positions, including Chief Director at the Department of Sports Arts & Culture, Divisional Executive at the Development Bank of Southern Africa, and CEO of the Arts Council until her retirement in April 2022."

Even after retiring, she remained dedicated to community development through initiatives like Ikanye and Moito Projects.

She championed the philosophy of self-reliance and empowerment, captured in the saying: "Mphe mphe o a lapisa, motho o kgonwa ke sa gagwe" (Believe in yourself, believe in your own strength), he said.

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Herman Mashaba, President of ActionSA, expressed his deep sorrow: “We have lost several very dear people in ActionSA over the relatively short period of our existence as a party. All of them are a great loss to us and South Africa, mindful of their contribution to our political journey.

''To my family – especially to Connie, my dear wife, Ntshebo was a lot more than a colleague; she was a friend. We are deeply saddened by her passing, and we hold her husband and our dear friend, Kgosi Kwena Mangope, close to our hearts. Nishebo’s passing is another big loss to our country.”

Nishebo is survived by her two children, two grandchildren, and her husband, Mangope, the leader of the Bahurutshe Boo Manyane Traditional Community.

ActionSA calls upon all South Africans to keep Mangope and the entire Mangope family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Mangope said, "Nishebo’s warm personality, infectious energy, and dedication to community service will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her."

Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course, said Mangope.

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

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