Margaret Mathabatha:- Stanley Mathabatha is the current premier of Limpopo province in South Africa. He is also a member of the African National Congress (ANC) and its provincial chairperson. He has been serving as the premier since 2013, after succeeding Cassel Mathale.
But who is the woman behind this influential politician? Who is Stanley Mathabatha’s wife? Her name is Margaret Mathabatha, also known as Maggie. She was the first lady of Limpopo and a community-focused leader who dedicated her life to the development of the people of Limpopo.
Margaret Mathabatha’s Early Life and Education
Margaret Mathabatha was born in 1961 in Ga-Matlala village in Limpopo. She attended primary school at Mokgolobotho and secondary school at Mphela. She then studied at the University of Limpopo, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work.
She also completed a postgraduate diploma in Public Management at the University of Pretoria and a certificate in Project Management at the University of South Africa.
Career and Achievements
Margaret Mathabatha worked as a social worker for the Department of Health and Social Development in Limpopo for 17 years. She was also involved in various community development projects, such as:
- The Limpopo First Lady Trust, which she founded in 2013 to mobilize resources for building houses, distributing food parcels and wheelchairs, and supporting people with disabilities.
- The Thobela FM Foundation, which she chaired from 2014 to 2023. The foundation aimed to promote education, health, culture, and social cohesion in Limpopo.
- The South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID), which she joined in 2014 as a board member. SAWID is a platform for women to engage in dialogue on issues affecting their lives and society.
- The National Council Against Gender-Based Violence (NCAGBV), which she served as a deputy chairperson from 2015 to 2023. The council was established to coordinate and monitor the implementation of the national strategic plan on gender-based violence.
Margaret Mathabatha was also a recipient of several awards and recognitions, such as:
- The Ubuntu Award for Social Responsibility from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in 2016.
- The Woman of Excellence Award from the Department of Women, Children, and People with Disabilities in 2017.
- The Lifetime Achievement Award from the Premier’s Service Excellence Awards in 2022.
Margaret Mathabatha’s Husband, Children, and Personal Life
Margaret Mathabatha married Stanley Mathabatha in 1985. They had four children together: two sons and two daughters. They also had several grandchildren.
Margaret Mathabatha was a devout Christian who belonged to the Zion Christian Church (ZCC). She enjoyed reading, gardening, and traveling.
She passed away on Wednesday, 28 June 2023, at the age of 62, after a short illness. Her death was announced by the Limpopo provincial government and mourned by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who described her as “a community-focused leader who dedicated herself to the development and dignity of the people of Limpopo”.
Her funeral arrangements are under way and more details will be announced in due course.
Conclusion
Margaret Mathabatha was more than just Stanley Mathabatha’s wife. She was a remarkable woman who made a positive impact on the lives of many people in Limpopo and beyond. She was a social worker, a philanthropist, a leader, and an inspiration. She will be remembered for her immense contribution towards socio-economic development, human rights, and social justice.
