A pioneer educator, Mrs Tsakani Elsie Mashimbye, was buried at the Valdezia cemetary on July 8. She passed away on June 30 at the age of 76 years.

She was the sixth child of Ettiene Mahawane and Nwa-Hanisi Ndekeni in a family of seven children and was born at Mambedi on September 12, 1929.

She started her primary education at Mambedi Primary and completed her Std 5 in 1945. She then worked as domestic worker at Mr JS Henning’s farm in 1946, but in 1948 she returned to school and went to Valdezia Primary School to complete her Std 6.

After her completion of Std 6, she went to the Tshakhuma Training College, where she completed her junior certificate in 1951.

Her experience at Mr Henning’s farm motivated her to follow a career in domestic science, teaching at Middelburg in 1952. She completed her training in 1953 and pursued her career at Elim Primary, Valdezia Primary, Rivubye High and Nkhensa Primary. She retired in Desember 1994.

She got married to Mafemani Willy Mashimbye of Kuruleni in 1955 and they settled at the Valdezia Mission Station. They had seven children.

In 1970, she was given the option of becoming a domestic science inspector, but she declined due to the travelling associated with the position, which would keep her far from her children. She was a member of Tuata, EPCSA Women’s Guild, Gazankulu Women Association and ANC.

She is survived by her seven children and 13 grandchildren.

According to her children, former colleagues and associates, her contribution to South Africa include her tremendous efforts and dedication as an educator and mentor, her children and grandchildren’s achievements in education, administration, business, trade, science and technology and through numerous community members under her care and guidance.