The late Thenjiwe Patience Billy was Born on 20 January 1971, daughter to Velile Shepard Billy and Pulane Ellen Selepe in White City, Kimberley.
Her funeral service was held on 1 September 2018, at Ethiopian Episcopal Church, Kekana Street Kimberley. The church was filled to capacity with mourners, including her peers who were arrayed in their academic regalia.
Thenjiwe attended Montshiwa Primary School, Boitshoko Higher Primary and matriculated at Tlhomelang High School (currently known as Valentino High). Billy qualified as a Teacher from Perseverance Teachers Training College in Kimberley. She continued her studies through North West University, Potchefstroom Campus, and attained an Honours Degree in Educational Psychology.
From 1998 until her passing, she taught at Reakantse Primary School, which was amalgamated to DL Jansen Primary School in Windsorton.
Nombulelo, her firstborn daughter quoted her mother’s favourite idiom, “Mebala ya kgaka e bonwa mo kgakaneng” (which loosely translates an apple does not fall far from the tree)”. She proclaimed, “I am the woman that I am today because of my mother.” She described herself as a God-fearing woman of integrity who intends to pass on all those good qualities to her siblings. Nombulelo indicated that her mother did not have friends; she and her siblings were Thenjiwe’s friends as a result, they spoke about everything as a family.
Thenjiwe’s colleagues, Pastor Pulane Motshebe, said they met in 1998 in Windsorton. She described her friend as a firm hard worker, who took pride in what she did and served God with all her heart, “We were confidants, we prayed and shared bible verses. We used to vent our frustrations to each other,” moaned the Pastor.
A representative from the Department of Education, Mosadi Kruger, made a plea to parents to appreciate Foundation Phase Teachers because they are often undermined while doing the most critical work. “Just like a house will not be stand if the foundation is incorrect,” remarked Kruger. She praised Thenjiwe for dedicating twenty years of her life serving and moulding young minds.
Kruger vividly remembered her last encounter with the deceased. She noticed that Thenjiwe was unusually quiet, humble and obedient, not argumentative, not knowing that it would be the last time that she saw her alive.
Nomampondomise Vika, the current Mission District Steward at Ethiopian Episcopal Church said they grew up together in church. Starting from the Girls Association, they sang in the choir and progressed to be block leaders. She said Thenjiwe utilised her profession within the church and taught Sunday. “She did an excellent job when she was requested to research the church’s origin,” added Vika.
Vika remarked about the deceased’s leadership qualities. She mentioned the Mission District Steward position, one of the church’s highly ranked administrative positions, which Thenjiwe occupied at age 26. “This position requires the candidate to work closely with the Parish Priest. Thenjiwe occupied that position twice in her lifetime,” she said.
The funeral service was conducted by Rev Teki, who spoke with pride about the deceased. “Thenjiwe was faithful. As Block Leader, she accounted for each cent that she collected from our members,” said the Reverend.
Thenjiwe Patience Billy is survived by her children Nombulelo, Siphesihle and Simphiwe, lifetime partner, sister and two brothers.
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