The late Lady Bishop Mantoa Hlabeli-Lichaba photo supplied
By Pastor Lesiba Kgwele
National Spokesperson of South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC)
The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) on Sunday declared the death of its prominent member in the Free State, Lady Bishop Mantoa Hlabeli-Lichaba as a monumental loss.
Bishop Hlabeli-Lichaba who was the Chairperson of the Free State Ministers Fraternal died on Friday evening at Pelonomi hospital in Bloemfontein after a short notice.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the demise of Bishop Hlabedi-Lichaba whose untimely death has robbed us of a committed fellow servant in the LORD’s vineyard.
She was a remarkable, phenomenal woman of substance who was a visionary servant leader, a prayer warrior, intercessor and a committed Kingdom builder,” remarked SAUCIC President Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole.
Hlabeli-Lichaba was currently employed in the Office of the Premier in the Special Programmes Directorate as a Gender Based Violence and Femicide Programme Coordinator responsible for the Mangaung District.
Among others, she initiated a programme called Leqeba laka (My Scar) which is a platform for victims, i.e., women and children to speak about their experiences in abusive relationships in an endeavour to break the silence against abuse and toxic masculinity.
Her enthusiasm of ensuring that children have safe environment and healthy families led to her adopting children and giving them a secured family structure.
Cardinal Shole conveyed condolences to the Lichaba family as well as True Full Gospel Apostolic Church, the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the Free State which she served as it’s Deputy Provincial Convenor.
He on behalf of affiliated Federations of Charismatic, Evangelical Outreach Mission Ministries and Pentecostal Churches that constitute SAUCIC extended condolences to Premier Maqueen Letshoha Mathae, her predecessor Mme Sisi Ntombela, Hlabeli-Lichaba’s colleagues,Free State Ministers Fraternal, NGO’s & civil society organisations, the ANC and ANC Women’s league as well as communities she had served with dedication.
“May they find comfort and solace in the knowledge that SAUCIC shares their grief.
They are with us in our thoughts and prayers during these difficult times,” mentioned Shole.
He pointed out that the 50-year-old courageous soldier of faith who is survived by her husband Bishop Tlholohelo Lichaba, six children and a grandchild has left an indelible mark including a proud legacy of selfless contribution that had impacted the body of Christ and communities.
He mentioned that she was a trailblazer as well an ardent grassroots organiser, a consummate professional and public service cadre to whom no task was too small nor challenge too great.
“Passion and a hands-on approach defined her work ethic and the projects she executed because though humble, she was goal-orientated and a pillar of strength, always going the extra-mile,” emphasised Shole.
She was among leaders who were earmarked to lead SAUCIC-Women Intercessors to serve as vehicle for spiritual empowerment and growth targeting women in ministry and the market place, he stressed.
“This giant of strong moral conviction including formidable courage fought a good fight and has finished her race. What awaits her is a crown of righteousness.
She will be remembered as a social justice advocate, human rights & gender activist, a community builder and spiritual leader who worked tirelessly to uplift the poor and the most vulnerable in society,” he added.
He underscored that a befitting tribute to her would be to intensify the effort to address moral decay, enhance sound family as well as community values in the spirit of Ubuntu and ensure that women are at the centre of community struggles including development.