THUSANANG MEN’S CLUB CELEBRATES 48 YEARS OF HERITAGE, SERVICE AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN TEMBISA

Authored by: Captain SA | SA Rainbow News | 29 October 2026

COMMUNITY NEWS | HERITAGE MONTH 2026

TEMBISA, GAUTENG — Thusanang Men’s Club celebrated its 48th anniversary on 26 September 2026, bringing together members, guests, community organisations and supporters for a day dedicated to heritage, remembrance, service, education and community development.

#ThusanangMensClub #HeritageMonth2026

The anniversary celebration was held at 99 Moteong Section, Gedezi Street, Tembisa, 1632, under the theme “Heritage Month – Traditional Attire.”

The programme began with a meaningful visit to Mooifontein Cemetery in Tembisa, where members paid tribute to six deceased members of the organisation: Salamina Christina Rakgahla, Maria Madikeledi Matsho, Mojaki Francinah Phakwago, Esau Tlotleng, Johannes Kgatina Mokholo and Thandi Johan Hlapo.

#Tembisa #CommunityHeritage

Members gathered at the graves of their former colleagues to honour their lives, share memories and offer prayers in remembrance.

The cemetery visit formed an important part of the organisation’s heritage and remembrance activities. It also provided an opportunity for members to reflect on the contributions of those who came before them and the values they helped establish.

#Remembrance #CommunityService

Following the cemetery visit, the anniversary programme continued with Moetapele Tlotleng serving as the master of ceremonies.

The event opened with a prayer led by Rev. Mofokeng, setting a reflective and celebratory tone for the day. Guests were then welcomed, followed by a presentation on the history of Thusanang Men’s Club, highlighting the organisation’s journey, its contribution to the community and the importance of preserving its traditions and values across generations.

#HeritageMonth #CommunityDevelopment

SCHOOLS RECOGNISED FOR 2025 MATRIC PERFORMANCE

A key highlight of the anniversary celebration was the recognition of schools for their performance in the 2025 matric results.

Jiyane Secondary School was awarded the gold trophy for first position, while Tembisa West Secondary School received the silver trophy for second position.

Ikusasa Comprehensive Secondary School received the bronze trophy for third position.

#Education #TembisaSchools

In a further recognition of educational progress, Masisebenze Comprehensive School received a special award as the most improved school in Tembisa based on the 2025 matric results.

The recognition highlighted the importance of educational achievement, dedication and continuous improvement, while acknowledging the role that schools and communities play in supporting learners and preparing future generations.

#MatricResults #EducationalExcellence

HONOURING 39 YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

The club also honoured Ms Adelaide Bopape-Twala, a social worker by profession, with a long-service award in recognition of her remarkable contribution to community development.

Ms Bopape-Twala dedicated 39 years of service to the Tembisa community, focusing on empowering communities and strengthening social development initiatives.

#CommunityDevelopment #ServiceToCommunity

During her career, she introduced a capacity-building programme for societies and social clubs, equipping them with knowledge and skills to strengthen their organisational structures and increase their involvement in community development.

Her work contributed to the establishment of an umbrella body for societies and social clubs, creating a platform for greater coordination, collaboration and collective growth.

#WomenInCommunityDevelopment #Tembisa

Through these initiatives, societies and social clubs became better organised and strengthened their capacity to undertake meaningful community development projects beyond the Masinqwabane concept.

Her contribution played an important role in advancing organised community development and fostering greater cooperation among local organisations.

#CommunityLeadership #SocialDevelopment

The recognition of Ms Bopape-Twala highlighted the value of her 39 years of dedicated service and her lasting contribution to the social and community development landscape of Tembisa.

A special toast was delivered by Mr Rakgatla, followed by the ceremonial cake-cutting by Mrs Vera Seriti and Mr Mokobane. These moments added to the celebratory atmosphere as members and guests reflected on nearly five decades of the organisation’s existence.

#48Years #Celebration

The anniversary celebration also provided an opportunity for guests and partner organisations to share messages and reflections. Contributions came from representatives of Mabena, Kuso, Bakgotsi, Happy Hearts, Ikusasa Comprehensive Secondary School, Masisebenze Comprehensive School and Ms Adelaide Bopape-Twala, among others.

The formal programme concluded with a closing prayer led by Rev. Mofokeng, bringing together the spiritual and commemorative aspects of the celebration.

#Unity #CommunitySpirit

Members and guests then moved into the final phase of the anniversary programme, enjoying food, refreshments, music and a photoshoot by VisionLens, capturing memories of a significant milestone for Thusanang Men’s Club.

The 48th anniversary was more than a celebration of longevity. It was an occasion to remember those who laid the foundation, honour dedicated service, celebrate educational achievement and reaffirm the importance of unity, service and continuity.

#ThusanangMensClub #Tembisa

As the organisation continues its journey, the anniversary served as a reminder that preserving history, recognising community contributions and empowering future generations remain important parts of its identity.