By Karabo Ntanzi
The Olifant family in Hulana Street, Galeshewe, lost two dear members, their “Princess,” Didimalang Sophie Olifant and “Queen Mother” Lena Malie Gopane, within a space of two days.
According to family members, Gopane was in Kimberly for a short visit, and then died from Covid-19. She started feeling ill upon returning to Mafikeng and subsequently lost the battle against the virus. The “Queen Mother” was buried on 1 May in Mafikeng.
Molly, the elder sister and Didimalang experienced Covid related symptoms. Tests were conducted and it was confirmed that they were positive. Unfortunately, 57year old Didimalang succumbed to the pandemic.
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Molly, the only surviving sister, reminisced on her days in isolation with her baby sister, Didimalang. “We complemented each other because as a Community Care Health Worker, she believed strongly in western medication while I came up with herbal mixtures.” She thanked the Madoyle Clinic, where Didimalang worked, for their support.
Colleagues and associates described her as a socialite and a seasonal hawker.
Neighbour, Tolman Tyala, said, “the Bible teaches us how to live and instructs us to love each other. Didimalang and I fulfilled this divine instruction. We grew up like brothers and sisters. She notified me of her status.” According to MrTyala, he was a regular visitor at the Olifants family while the sisters were in quarantine. They sat on the stoep and exchange medical advice. He was positive that both sisters would both pull through.
Friend, Mamane Khunou, told mourners that the deceased was not fond of walking because of her weight and she jokingly called some of her friends “din (thin) chips” and referred to herself as “dik (thick) chips.” She would mockingly ask them, “Have you ever seen a skinny elephant,” relating to her surname. Mamane shared fond memories, including how the deceased always celebrated her birthday on 16 December and her singing talent and love for the family.
A presenter from Radio Teemaneng, Khethiwe Sekonyela recounted how their relationship developed from a radio talk show called Umthombo wo thando, a programme where community members air their problems and request inputs or advice from others. Didimalang was an avid fan of the programme. This led to the establishment of an organization named after the show. Khethiwe dedicated a poem to her beloved friend titled, ‘Words of Friendship.’
A representative from Madoyle Clinic, Mr Molusi, indicated that of the 58 Care-Workers at the clinic, Didi always stood out. “She was naughty and had a bright personality and passion for selling. Didi would sign-in in the morning but forget to sign out after work and would often defend herself when confronted.
“She believed in multiple streams of income. I have a cupboard full of Tupperware that I am not using because she persuaded me to buy, including other products,” added Molusi.
Her niece, from Pretoria, Meide Gopane testified about her aunt’s love for the family, baking skills and ability to organise family gatherings. She praised the deceased’s business efforts, “she would always call us to sell something and by the end of the call she would have convinced you to buy, whatever it is she was selling.”
Given Olifant, the deceased, only son, paid a moving tribute to his beloved mother, referring to her as his confidante, protector and companion. “I miss our soul music sessions. She knew how to put a smile on my face,” he remarked.
Didimalang Sophie Olifant, is survived by her son, Given, two brothers and one sister, was buried on 8 May in Kimberley.
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