- Mandisa Monakali, founder of Ilitha Labantu and a beloved advocate for women’s and children’s rights, passed away on 3 November.
- Monakali’s family and the Ilitha Labantu Board praised her life of service, describing her as a visionary leader who transformed countless lives in the Western Cape.
- Community members, including LGBTQIA+ advocate Ndumie Funda and Bishop Zamuxolo Mfihlo, shared heartfelt tributes, recalling Monakali’s compassion, strength, and dedication.
Preparations for the funeral service of Ilitha Labantu founder Mandisa Monakali are underway and she will be laid to rest on Saturday 9 November.
The community activist died Sunday 3 November. Her passing was announced by the family in a public statement. “It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beloved mother, Mandisa Monakali. A pillar of strength, an advocate for justice, and an unwavering supporter of those in need, she dedicated her life to the service of others and left an indelible mark on our hearts and community.”
The 64-year-old was a prominent figure in Gugulethu and through her organisation she fought for women and children’s rights in many communities of the Western Cape.
“Her compassion, resilience and determination remain etched in the lives of everyone she touched,” her family stated.
Monakali’s funeral service will be held at NY7 Old Apostolic Church in Gugulethu.
In another statement, the Ilitha Labantu Management Board said it was deeply saddened by Monakali’s passing. The board described her a “visionary” and as someone who was committed to justice.
“As the visionary behind Ilitha Labantu Ms Monakali dedicated her life to empowering women, children and families across our communities.
We mourn not only the loss of a remarkable leader, but also a deeply compassionate soul whose light will continue to inspire us. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and all who were touched by her kindness and strength.”
In interview with City Vision, Ndumie Funda, founder of Lulekisizwe Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Women’s Project and member of the Lesbian, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender,Queer, Intersex (LGBTQIA+) community, described Monakali as an icon.
She said she grew up in front of her. “Mama Monakali was from NY 11 and I’m from NY 14, just a few streets away. I grew up in front of her as a child. She made me who I am today. I worked with her at Ilitha Labantu assisting in some of the programmes that the organisation was doing.”
Funda described Monakali as a woman of her word, one who loved people.
“She was a surrogate. She was a parent to many people. The love she gave me was more than the love my mom gave me. Mama Monakali changed many people’s lives. She had ubuntu.”
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Funda said when the world was against her because of her sexuality Monakali was there for her. She described her as a straight talker.
“She was a disciplined person. I used to block her sometimes in my social media, because when I posted something she would reprimand me. But I trusted her judgment a lot.” Funda said she believed Monakali’s family would do their utmost to continue her legacy.
Leader of Apostolic Amen Church and president of Abathunywa Ministers Fraternal Bishop Zamuxolo Mfihlo, from Gugulethu, said he started working with Monakali in 2009 at Ilitha Labantu. He described her as a human-rights activist.
“I worked with her on various programmes against women and child abuse. She made sure church leaders were not left behind. We went into various communities and places because of Monakali. She had a huge heart. Her life was dedicated to assisting people.”
Mfihlo also admired Monakali’s discipline.
