CHARLOTTE MAXEKE LEGACY AS INSPIRATION FOR FAITH BASED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Thembile Nqabeni

• “And if You Can Rise,.Bring Someone with You,” a fitting theme that resonates with Maxeke’s spirit of empowerment and upliftment
•  “As women of faith, let us create a safe and supportive environment for other women beyond the church walls.” MEC Mathabo Leeto
•  MEC Leeto highlighted the importance of understanding socioeconomic challenges, empathizing with others, and collective empowerment.

Free State MEC for Social Development, MEC Mme Mathabo Leeto graciously honored the invitation extended by the Orangia Conference Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) to participate in a seminar celebrating the life and legacy of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke, a pioneering figure in the church and community. The seminar, held at Ebenezer AME Church in Thabong, Welkom, brought together individuals passionate about recognizing Maxeke’s contributions.

MEC Leeto delivered a speech on the thought-provoking topic “If You Can Rise and Bring Someone with You,” a fitting theme that resonates with Maxeke’s spirit of empowerment and upliftment. By accepting the invitation, MEC Leeto demonstrated her commitment to honoring Maxeke’s legacy and promoting community development.

“We cannot gather to celebrate Charlotte Mannya Maxeke’s legacy without embracing her values and principles. It’s essential that we not only honor her memory but also strive to emulate her spirit of service, empowerment, and community upliftment.” MEC Leeto emphasized,

MEC Leeto reflected touchingly on Charlotte Mannya Maxeke’s selfless nature, noting that she dedicated her life to serving others and prioritizing her community’s needs. Leeto movingly described Maxeke as having embodied a spirit of altruism and compassion, inspiring others to follow her example of selflessness and service. Her legacy continues to motivate individuals to make a positive impact in their communities.

“Let us use Charlotte Mannya Maxeke’s story as a mirror to reflect on our own lives and actions. As we examine her values, principles, and selfless service, let us ask ourselves, What are our priorities and values? Where can we grow and improve? How can we make a positive impact in our communities? May her legacy inspire us to become better versions of ourselves and to serve others with compassion and kindness” she extolled the audience.

MEC Leeto’s statement highlights the importance of understanding socioeconomic challenges, empathizing with others, and collective empowerment. With the topic “If You Can Rise and Bring Someone with You” she encourages women to recognize their potential, uplift others, and foster community solidarity. By working together and supporting one another, women can create a ripple effect of positive change, addressing socioeconomic challenges and driving meaningful progress in their communities.

She also added that Charlotte Mannya Maxeke’s proactive approach and initiative-driven spirit serve as a powerful inspiration, demonstrating that individual agency can drive positive change. She took action without waiting for opportunities, creating her own path to make a difference in her community. Her legacy encourages others to be proactive, seize opportunities, and work towards creating meaningful impact, inspiring a new generation to drive progress and uplift those around them.

She further stated that “As women of faith, let us create a safe and supportive environment for other women beyond the church walls. Let us be a refuge, providing emotional support, guidance, and mentorship, and fostering a sense of community and belonging. By doing so, we empower each other to navigate life’s challenges, build resilience, and thrive together, extending the church’s impact into the broader community.”

MEC Leeto encouraged the women of faith to draw inspiration from Charlotte Maxeke’s legacy, using her as a role model to motivate community service, urging them to recount
their achievements from the previous term, fostering accountability and progress.

She stated that they must use the Word of God as a powerful tool to fight against Gender-Based Violence, finding strength in His teachings and promoting a culture of respect, dignity, and equality.” Through faith and scripture, we can challenge harmful attitudes and behaviors, and work towards creating a more just and compassionate society where women and girls can thrive without fear of violence or discrimination.” she said.