Whenever you pass women working on a construction site, remember Seneo Jessey Chakane, known as “Majess”.
Born on 16 November 1957 in Modutung Village near Manthestad, Taung, passed on 28 June 2018 and buried on 7 July 2018.
She was only girl out of seven boys, the rose among thorns, to Etshogile Change and Keakohile Agnes Chakane.
Her education started at Moshosho Primary School in 1967, then proceeded to Walter Letsie High School in Manthestad and matriculated at Batlhaping High School.
The hardworking, spiritually and caring woman started working at Tswelopele Furniture Store in Pampierstad later came to Kimberley in 1993 and established her first business, RJC Construction, which was later renamed Tau Pele Construction.
A trend setter. In 1999 the then Minister of Public Enterprises, Ms Stella Sigcawu, invited women in construction to a meeting in Johannesburg. The purpose of the gathering was to launch an organisation which will look after the interests of women in the construction industry. Majess heeded the call and embraced the opportunity as she was already a player in the industry. That was the birth of South African Women in Construction – Sawic.
AS part of the founding members of Sawic, Majess was instrumental in formulating policies and governing principles of the organisation. She led the Northern Cape Province for more than a decade, a position she held with pride, even in the face of trials and tribulations.
A nurturer, who opened doors for other women entrepreneurs. Mourners were informed about how she shared all opportunities with females not only in construction.
At the time of her passing, Sawic was in the process of honouring her with a Life Long Honorary Membership.
She was commended for her stylish and meticulous dress code. An exemplary leader, who was always on time for meetings and insisted that every gathering should start and end with a prayer. She fought fearlessly for women to have a voice in the in this male dominated industry.
Her memorial service almost resembled a funeral. It was attended by family members and friends from as far as Taung and various women organisations from national and provincial level.
Sawic members proudly stood out in their yellow puffed jackets, one could tell that they took pride in their trade because they have been mentored and coached by a person of Majess’ calibre.
Praised for her big heart and having a personal relationship with all her colleagues, who treated them like family by affectionately calling them with pet names such as “Ntwana”, “Daughter”, “Skhwana”, and “Baby”.
Majess’ parental skills extended to her children’s friend, like Katlego, Gomolemo’s friend, who was the Program Director at the Memorial Service. Katlego, who own a construction company, described their relationship as that of a mother and daughter, she testified that Majess took kindly to her the moment they met. Majess became her mentor and taught her about the ins-and-out in construction industry including the “language” that is understood by the opposite sex.
Speakers like Kearabetswe Mabanga, Provincial Chairperson for South African Women in Transport (Sawit), praised Majess for being a staunch Christian, thanked the deceased for not only being a business associate but by introducing her to God.
Her childhood friend, Rev Makwazi from Taung, reminisced about the good old days, remembering the intelligent and sophisticated lady, growing up in Manthestad, attended the same schools, and went their separate ways when they started working but maintained their friendship right until adulthood, they were more like siblings.
Seneo Jessey Chakane served on the boards of established companies such as Tau Pele Construction in Bloemfontein, Afrikhaya Housing Development Agency Board and Rental Housing Tribunal (NC).
Her accomplishments include winning the Govan Mbeki Housing Awards in 2008, Department of Housing Leadership; Ntataise Women of the Year; Standard Bank Best Business Women and Technology for Women in Business (TWIB) to name a few.
When delivering the vote of thanks, Roshan Chakane, said “teaching is one of the undermined professions, however if you look around we always learn from each other. My mom was an excellent teacher and this is confirmed by what all the speakers have said.” He continued, by saying that he used to feel jealous when he saw people walking in and out of their home for meetings even on Sundays but now he understands why.
It seems like the apple didn’t fall far from the tree, in closing Roshan said, “My sister and I are happy to have shared our mother with the others.”
Ms Seneo Jessey Chakane, is survived by her mother, two brothers, son Roshan, daughter Gomolemo and three grandchildren.
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