The tragic death of Pauline Mmenyana Mmakola, regional gender chairperson of Hlanganani region, has stunned Numsa and other organisations alike.

Comrade Pauline had already served two terms of office and she was in her third term. She was also active in the community.

She was a member of the ANC Women’s League, the community policing forum in her area and a member of the train commuter forum for workers who use trains to ferry them to work.

A born leader, Pauline was a very compassionate person. She never doubted herself and feared nothing during her years of struggle.

Pauline was born on August 7 1956. She was blessed with three children and four grand children. Pauline will be missed by school at Modderspruit Primary and Mabake High School.

After studying to be a teacher, she taught at Mmakola Primary School. After moving to Mamelodi, she worked for Hyperama and Denel Land Systems (DLS) for 17 years.

She was a very dedicated shopsteward at DLS, who was known to be strong, independent and straightforward. She was always available to assist co-workers and friends when they were in need.

She would stand her ground even if she had to challenge management, which she often did.

Her role in the region will be missed for many years to come. We can only honour her memory by picking up her spear and soldiering on.

Pauline was buried in Ga-Tloporo, Limpopo, on May 30. She will be missed by her colleagues, comrades, friends and all who knew her.

May her soul rest in peace.
By Dudu Rabothata
Regional gender coordinator – Hlanganani

Source

Numsa News No 2 2010