In memory of 'Ma' Lilian Sebeela

It is with deep sadness I share the news that Lilian Sebeela, known affectionately by all that she encountered as 'Ma', has passed away.

Born and raised in the vibrant township of Tembisa, in the Umthambeka section, Lilian Seleema (Ma) emerged as a pillar of strength, care, and leadership in her community. Her life, spanning several decades of social and political change in South Africa, was one defined by unwavering service, deep empathy, and a quiet but unrelenting determination to uplift those around her.

A devoted mother to her only son, and a beloved sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend, Ma was far more than a family figure. To many across Ebony Park, Kaalfontein, Ivory Park, and Tembisa at large, she was affectionately known as the mother of the community—a title earned through a lifetime of giving, nurturing, and building.

Growing up during the height of apartheid in the 1970s and 1980s, she developed a sharp awareness of the challenges faced by her peers and neighbours. Rather than retreating into despair, she responded with purpose. One of her earliest contributions to community development was founding The Bright Galaxies, a youth club dedicated to providing young people with a safe, creative outlet. Through dance, music, pageantry, and expression, the club became a haven for children seeking joy and identity in turbulent times.

Outside of her activism, Ma was also known as a skilled hairdresser at the Mashego Supermarket, where her salon became far more than a place of beauty. It was a gathering space, a listening post, and a first point of help for many—especially orphans, the sick, and those experiencing hunger or hardship. She began by helping quietly, one meal at a time, often using her own resources to feed and comfort those in need.

As demand grew, so did her commitment. She opened her home to the vulnerable, creating a space where children, elders, and struggling families could find shelter, food, and belonging. With a heart guided by faith, she drew strength and support from her active involvement in the Catholic Church, particularly through the Sodality of St. Vincent de Paul and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. These affiliations rooted her service in spiritual values of humility, charity, and love in action.

Recognizing that the needs exceeded what she could provide alone, Ma co-founded Tshwaranang, a community-based non-governmental organisation. Meaning “to unite,” Tshwaranang was a natural extension of her philosophy: that community care requires collective effort. The organisation became a sanctuary—offering meals, clothing, and support to hundreds, and instilling hope in the lives of those who had little.

Her work intensified during the AIDS pandemic, when stigma and fear often left individuals isolated. Ma remained on the frontlines, delivering food and emotional support to the sick and dying. She believed in affirming human dignity, no matter the circumstance, and made it her mission to remind the forgotten that they were not alone.

Before school feeding programs became national policy, she was already addressing hunger by launching a soup kitchen drive that served nearby schools—ensuring that no child went hungry during the school day. Her impact inspired others. One of the many individuals she helped was so moved by her generosity that she donated her home to support the continuation of Ma's mission. This gesture led to the founding of a second organisation: Reya Gola Centre—meaning “We are growing.” This centre embodied her core values and extended her reach, becoming a beacon of hope for even more families in need.

Throughout her life, Ma remained grounded, never seeking recognition. She was not wealthy in material terms, but rich in generosity, compassion, and purpose. Her hands were constantly at work—cooking for others, comforting the grieving, and building bridges where none existed. Her philosophy was simple: if she could feed one person, help one child, or comfort one elder each day, she had made a difference. This belief guided her life and shaped her legacy.

Even today, the impact of her work lives on in the hearts and homes of those she helped. Her legacy is not recorded in history books, but it is written in the stories of the children she mentored, the elders she comforted, and the communities she helped transform.

We would like to thank all of you that have supported us over the years with your donations to both the Christmas gift programme and your donations to the upkeep of the centre, we will continue to raise money for the centre which will keep up the amazing work that Ma put her whole life into.

Ma reminds us that greatness is not about fame or fortune, but about how many people are better off because you lived. She lived with love, gave without hesitation, and believed in the power of community.