By OBAKENG MAJE
24 March 2025- The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua urged those who are left behind to continue the work started by Mmakgosi Rosemary Mangope, who was laid to rest in Motswedi village, near Zeerust on Saturday. Mokua said this will happen by striving to support local artists, promoting cultural diversity and investing in the cultural and artistic education of children and youth in the province.
She further said Mangope’s passing is not just a loss to her family, but to all of them. Mokua added that Mangope was a ‘beacon of hope’ and a voice of reason in times of uncertainty.
“MmaKgosi gave her life to something bigger than herself through her numerous community development initiatives especially in this village,” she said.
The Action SA president, Herman Mashaba said the beloved Rosemary Nishebo Mangope, the Queen of Bahurutshe boo Manyane, died after a battle with cancer. Masahaba said Nishebo, as she was affectionately known, was not only a loyal and trusted member of the political party, but also a beacon of hope and progress in community development across South Africa.
“Mmakgosi’s remarkable legacy spans decades of selfless dedication to service and upliftment communities. A highly educated leader, she held multiple degrees including a BA in Social Science, Honours in Sociology, and an MA Social Science from the then University of Bophuthatswana, now the North West University (NWU).
“Her passion for education saw her obtaining a Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development from the Indira Gandhi Open University in New Delhi. Amongst some of her remarkable achievements was founding the Mmabana Arts Cultural Centres that have produced numerous prominent South African artists,” he said.
Mashaba said throughout Nishebo’s career, she held several prestigious positions, including Chief Director at the Department of Sports Arts and Culture, Divisional Executive at the Development Bank of Southern Africa, and CEO of the Arts Council until her retirement in April 2022. He said that, up until her passing, Mmaarona Mmakgosi remained committed to community development projects through her signature initiatives including Ikanye & Moito Projects.
“Her campaigns embodied her 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). We have lost several very dear people in Action SA over the relatively short period of our existence as a party.
“All of them are a great loss to us and to 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, but a friend,” said Mashaba.
He said they are deeply saddened by her passing and they hold her husband and their dear friend, Kgosi Kwena Mangope, close to their hearts. Mashaba said Nishebo’s passing is another big loss to the country.
“Nishebo is survived by her two children, two grandchildren and her husband, Kgosi Kwena Mangope, the leader of the Bahurutshe Boo Manyana Traditional Community. Action SA calls upon all South Africans to keep Kgosi Kwena Mangope and the entire Mangope family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
“Her warm personality, infectious energy, and dedication to community service will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Legislature Speaker, Dr Desbo Mohono said: “We send our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Rosemary Nishebo Mangope. We mourn the loss of a remarkable woman, who was not only a pillar of strength to her family, but also a champion of community development and empowerment.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mangope family, relatives, and friends during this difficult time, and may they find solace in the fond memories of Mangope’s life and legacy.”
Mohono said they also acknowledge the immense contribution that Mangope made to the development of the province and the country. She said her selflessness, compassion, and dedication to the welfare of others will always be remembered.
“As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we take comfort in the knowledge that her legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Rest in peace, Mrs. Mangope,” said Mohono.
Meanwhile, also in attendance at the funeral service, was the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi.
The Guardian 