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News - Date: 19 August 2005
MBILWI – The cruelty of death robbed the South African academic fraternity of a valuable asset when one of the distinctive educational pioneers, Masotsha Ramunenyiwa Seremane Mathivha (59) died last Sunday. He was laid to rest at Tshimboni, his family graveyard, in Maungani village on Saturday.
Mathivha’s contribution to the development of education in South Africa is unquestionable and he was the Regional Director of Education in the Vhembe District when he died. He has been hailed by many as a role model and hero who continued with his duties even when he lost his sight some years ago.
Speaker after speaker, including the provincial MEC for Education, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, described Mathivha as a man of integrity whose academic success will go down in a special chapter of the South African educational history book. Motsoaledi said it is sad that Mathivha died at a time when his valuable knowledge was needed for the development of education in the country.
“His unexpected death has left a vacuum that will be very difficult to fill. He was a legend who died while on the battle field in the war against illiteracy. He has led Vhembe district with integrity and we hope that those who follow in his footsteps will keep his standard. The Department of Education and the South African nation is mourning Mathivha’s death because he was a hard worker who always strived for success.”
Mr Mathivha was born on March 15, 1946, at Mukumbani Village, outside Sibasa. He attended school at Gondeni primary, Mphaphuli Secondary and Whiti High schools. He obtained the following degrees from the University of the North: BA, UED, BEd, and MEd.
From 1975 to 1977 he was a mathematics and science teacher at Mphaphuli High School before he was appointed principal of Thengwe High School. He held the positions of School Inspector at Mutale, Dzanani, Mutshindudi and Thohoyandou. From 1987-1989 he became an education planner and thereafter held the position of Senior Chief Education Specialist (1991-1994). He was appointed Acting Regional Director and in 1996 he was formally appointed as Regional Director until he passed away.
His numerous awards include the Dimbanyika Meritorious Prestigious Award for his contribution in the development of education in the country.
He was the member of the Lemba Cultural Association (LCA) Executive Council. He served for a long time as a youth leader and treasurer of the LCA and an active member of the Lutheran Church. He was married to Regina and they were blessed with five children.
Thousands of emotional mourners witnessed as Rev Fhedzisani Ranwaha of the Lutheran Church conducted the sermon as Mathivha’s coffin was brought to his final resting place.
* The Department of Education conducted a memorial service in honour of the late Masotsha Mathivha at the fully packed Univen Auditorium on Thursday last week.
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