Although I was privileged to pay my last tribute to Mme Ester Tlabago during her funeral service at her home in Mahlaba last Sunday, I feel that she was laid to rest with the dignity she deserved. She was a mother to most members of the Bakenberg Mining Forum (BMF), where she served as the loyal deputy chairperson for eleven years. She leaves behind a legacy of resistance, courage, and integrity in all her actions.

They normally say don’t talk ill about the departed, but Mma Tlabago epitomised the woman of substance. She was a guiding light, and he was not easily intimidated by men. She would attend the meeting and, if she felt it was about personal matters rather than unity and development, she would refuse to sign the attendance register. She hated gossip and personal criticism with a passion.

 Her key role at BMF was to welcome all attendees and our guests, but she would also ask critical questions that shifted the direction of our meetings. She was a pillar of our strength, a fountain of natural wisdom, even when we were faced with many challenges.

She will encourage us not to give up, but to keep fighting to improve the lives of our people through mining development. She wanted the Pamish mine project to succeed. When some people at Moshate (Tanllaseng) refused to let us use the premises for our monthly meetings, she would use her place at the Thobela Tuckshop for us to hold them. That is Mmatlabago and her character. Very strict and sometimes persistent.  Continue to rest in peace, Mmago Rena. Your legacy will live on for many years to come