BY REGINALD KANYANE

THE people of North West and South Africa at large mourn the death of former actress and radio presenter, Hilda Tlhapi Maithufi.

The illustrious former drama executive producer passed away on Saturday after long illness.

Tsholofelo Maithufi, described her mother as a pillar of strength. She said Hilda Tlhapi Maithufi touched many lives and taught them a lot.

“My mother was one of the best moms one could imagine. She was not only a mother to us. She nurtured and raised many children especially in our area. Many of us have heard the African proverb that says “It takes a village to raise a child. It is true reflection of what my mother stands for. She was very resilient to see other people succeed in life.

“She always encouraged the spirit of humanity. Many of us would also agree that certain key individuals take center stage in a child’s life at crucial times of development. We were the most fortunate and privileged kids to have her. It was really heartbreaking for us in the past three months. We shared her pain and the suffering, but she had eternal life now,” Tsholofelo said.

The daughter added that her mother suffered sugar diabetes which led to a heart failure.

Maithufi joined then Radio Setswana (Motsweding FM) back in 1986 as a presenter. She also displayed her acting skills on television drama like Letla Mpona. Maithufi was working as executive producer for drama at Motsweding FM. Her role was to do evaluation and commissioning of dramas as a senior producer.

Her childhood friend, Thabang Charlotte Mampane described her as a versatile. She regarded Maithufi as illustrious actor.

“Maithufi played a pivotal role in the landscape of entertainment industry. She assisted young and old. We can proudly say we have benefited from her presence and we believe what she left behind will be nurtured. I met her back in 1986 and she loved her work. She was very enthusiastic and always made sure she succeeds on what she was doing,” Mampane said.

Motsweding FM children programme producer, Boitumelo Moetsi told SABC that they have learnt a lot from Maithufi.

“I was nurtured by mme Hilda Tlhapi Maithufi. She always encouraged us to work hard and never give up. Maithufi also encouraged that we must have humour and wear a smile wherever you go. We will indeed miss her and her jokes,” Moeti said.

Maithufi will be buried on Saturday at Segakwaneng village in Moruleng.

-TDN

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