The funeral service of Thenjiwe Firoozah Mokapane (nee Lande) was held on 13 March 2021 at her parents’ home in Mokgeledi Street, Kimberley.
She was was born on 14 July 1975 and was the third daughter to Bambaliphi Daniel and Bohutsane Joyce Lande. The fun-loving, free-spirited often peacemaker, Thenjiwe schooled in Galeshewe and graduated as an Enrolled Nurse from Henrietta Nursing College 13 years ago. As an artistic and vibrant youth, she participated in various activities including being a community stalwart who served on the Sol Plaatje Primary School Governing Body for a long time.
Mohale Komanayane from Lesotho explained that they met in 2013 and she took an instant liking to Thenjiwe. She announced that Thenjiwe was part of her family as the deceased accompanied her to family gatherings and did not consider herself a visitor. “She cooked and took care of guests. A part of Lesotho is grieving as we have lost a family member,” said Komanyane.
Her sister, Fatima Lande, narrated how the deceased remained strong through her struggle with Covid-19 until she passed on. Thenjiwe wanted to celebrate Fatima and Lesedi, her daughter’s birthday. The family refused to celebrate due to her ill health.
A childhood friend, who was like a sister to the deceased, Lorato Hlope, thanked God for having Thenjiwe in her life. The two were inseparable. “Thenjiwe dragged me where ever she went. I know a lot of people because of her. There was no dull moment in her life and her absence will be felt,” she lamented. She vowed to support Lesedi.
Another childhood friend from Judge Street, Nombulelo Lukas, said Thenjiwe’s personality did not change. She vividly remembered the talkative little girl who had an answer for everything and funny names for everyone. “She was a born leader who took charge when things did not go well. We started a youth organisation called Intellectual Girls and United Cultural Group,” mentioned Nombulelo.
A neighbour, Thandi Lokwe, paid tribute by singing “Usomandla u zoyigcini Mpilo yam” because that was the song the deceased sang the last time they were together.
She remembered a femicide incident that took place a years ago. Everybody at the scene did not have the guts to clean the bloody scene. “When Thenjiwe came, she started cleaning without being asked to do so. It made sense when she chose to be a nurse.” She pleads with neighbours to mend fences, clear the bad blood and embrace each other.
Representatives from the Robert Sobukwe Hospital expressed the loss to the nursing fraternity. They applauded the deceased’s passion for taking care of her patients in both the public and private sectors.
The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa) Provincial Organiser, Vincent Phurue. He appealed to communities to be patient with nurses as they work under tremendous pressure. “They are exploited, spend 90% of their time at work and it is not easy to render a quality service when you are exhausted. Thenjiwe’s post will not be filled, but someone must do her work,” alluded Vincent. He requested citizens to be vigilant and to stand against corruption and warned management against borrowed power.
A family representative, Lorraine, said she found it difficult to speak about the deceased because she was a “Jack of all trade”, who shared everything with others. She mentioned an occasion when Thenjiwe was invited to a party in Johannesburg and she tagged along. “At the end of that day, you would have sworn it was Thenjiwe’s party because she was all over the place, dancing and hugging everybody, including strangers.” They were the last ones to leave the hall, according to Lorraine.
Thenjiwe’ s brother in law, Moses Mokapane called her Matisetso (la bo ngwetsi). Moses praised her cooking skills and bravery. “Her meals were delicious,” he remarked and informed mourners that she was their daughter-in-law even before she was married. He narrated how Matisetso took care of one of his siblings in Cape Town while still going out with their brother.
Structures within the Uniting Reform Church in South Africa attested to her commitment and love for the church. She was a Sunday School Teacher who often complained about the children who spoke too much English, a staunch member of the Mother’s Union who traveled extensively to conferences. Emotions went high as the congregants sang her favourite hymn, “Ke rata moloki waka.”
A member of the Mother’s Union and an ex-nurse said Thenjiwe did not have a job description because she did everything that came her way.
Thenjiwe Feroozah Mokopane is survived by Lesedi, four sisters and one brother she adored. She often said in Kimberley lingo, “Ek het net een broer en ek wil vokol hoor van hom nie”.
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