Motlagomang “Mamiki” Molale-Nnyane
Kabelo Tlhabanelo
She was more than just good at making traditional beer; everyone in her kasi knew she was the best brewer in town.
When families had traditional ceremonies that required the homemade brew, she was invariably their preference.
That’s not all Motlagomang Molale-Nnyane was good at, she was also a wonderful carer of children, whose absence would regularly lead children to tears. Because of this, she was given the name Mamiki.
Now that Mamiki is gone, the young and old in Ratlou Kasi in ThabaNchu, Free State feel lost without her.
Born 58 years ago in a family of seven children, Mamiki learned at an early age how to make traditional beer from her mother, who enjoyed brewing beer for her father.
She took an interest and learned the craft; and a few years later she found a degree of success providing beer for local events.
Her parents, who have since passed on, enjoyed the drink and often passed the time singing happily together as a family in their three-roomed house.
Thabang Mosito from Batho in Mangaung, about 65 kilometers from ThabaNchu was one of many fans of Mamiki’s traditional beer.
He said he first drank it at a party in 2015.
“Her traditional beer was something out of this world. I even wished to win the lotto and surprise her by making her register her recipe, get containers and sell it,” Mosito said.
Mathabiso Sereko said Mamiki’s love for all the children was something that she loved about her.
“I do believe if she had money, the first thing she would do would be to build a pre-school. She didn’t even want money when she helped with kids. That’s pure love.”
Mamiki’s sister, Segametsi, said: “Children loved her and many would be here as early as 8am. That was a special thing that I think not many people have. She had so much patience and never complained about their noise.”
Mamiki, who dropped out of school to get married, was blessed with a son and daughter.
She died peacefully in her sleep at home on 13 May.
