Mmatsutsa Hendrietta “Dibang” Ledwaba

Mmatsutsa Hendrietta “Dibang” Ledwaba was born 3rd February 1961 to Mr & Mrs Modiba and raised in Bela-Bela. She began her schooling in Bela Bela township at Magabe, today known as Khabele Primary School. She later went to Lethabong High School in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, before venturing into the world of work in her hometown. She was married to Freddy Modiegi Ledwaba.

She had three children: Mmadira, Amo & Mojalefa. Two grandchildren: Sihle & Simphiwe.

Political Awakening

From her early life as a young working adult, Comrade Dibang exhibited unique political curiosity, unparalleled energy, and a growing interest to stand up for her rights and those of her fellow workers. Throughout the 1980s, Cde Dibang itched to be part of the country’s political struggle against Apartheid.

It was ultimately her exposure to workers’ hardship at her workplace at Checkers Bela Bela that finally convinced her to be part of the increasingly militant workers’ demands for better wages and improved working conditions.

During this time, Cde Dibang stood out with her vibrant activism and keen interest to learn more about workers’ struggles. She was resultantly recruited by trade unionists Edna Molewa, Zacharia Moeletsi, and Andrew Laka, amongst others, to join the Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union of South Africa (CCAWUSA), today known as SACCAWU, in the late 80’s.

Underground Movement & Political Organizing

Molewa, who later became North West Premier and Water Affairs Minister, and Moeletsi (later a Mayor of Bela Bela), further recruited Cde Dibang into the political arena to join the underground struggle against the Apartheid Government. Subsequently, Dibang joined the ANC underground cells in Bela Bela, which was at the time part of the PWV Region (now Gauteng).

Following the unbanning of political parties in the early 1990s, Dibang and her local contemporaries became part of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), United Democratic Front (UDF), the Local Committee of 10, and the civic movement South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO).

During this politically volatile period, Bela Bela became one of the epicentres of the Apartheid imposition of the nationwide State of Emergency in 1985. Consequently, Cde Dibang became one of the leading figures in the National Consumer Boycotts in ‘85 – ’86 and the Release Mandela Campaign in the early 1990s in Bela Bela.

Together with local civic leaders such as Johnson Ndou, David Molele, Sam Makhubela, and others, she led historic civic protests demanding political change.

Local Government and Leadership

Given her civic activism and unyielding desire to see political change in her lifetime, Ledwaba later became part of the Warmbaths Transitional Council, serving as a Voters Registration Official, amongst other roles.

Political Leader

Throughout her political career, Cde Dibang occupied and served various senior positions within the local SANCO, ANC Bela Bela, and Waterberg Region. Her Sihlangu Makhubela Ward, which she chaired for many years, remains to date one of the top wards in the country, winning the ANC Charlotte Maxeke Award in 2008.

Mayor of Bela Bela Local Municipality

In 2006, Cde Dibang was elected as one of the councillors, ultimately emerging as Bela Bela’s first female democratically elected Mayor. Under her leadership, the Municipality received an Unqualified Audit Report and won the Vuna Municipal Award in 2008.

She successfully completed her five-year Mayoral term in 2011.

Community Activist

Throughout her life journey as a community activist until her passing, Dibang was a Ward Councillor, a Chief Whip in Bela Bela Local Municipality, and a Council PR at the Waterberg District Municipality.

Mother – Personal Development, Education and Business

Dibang was a champion of education and a perpetual learner herself, who insisted that all her children and the youth of Bela Bela had access to quality university education. She herself acquired several qualifications in Computer Studies, Leadership Development, Programme Management, and Municipal Governance from Wits University & the University of Pretoria.

There is no doubt that her political life, retail work, and business experiences — including managing township-based businesses such as catering, transport, and liquor outlets — prepared her to competently govern, manage, and lead the Bela Bela Local Municipality.

Cde Dibang’s Legacy

Cde Dibang leaves behind an enriching legacy as an iconic groundbreaker and an empowering figure who shaped many political careers and contributed to the social development of local residents and community members. Up until her passing, she continued to play a major role in the political cohesion of Municipal Councils in Waterberg.

Cde Dibang departs the world of the living a political enigma, a trailblazer, and a pathfinder for future generations.

She will always be remembered for standing for Social Justice, Freedom, Fairness, Community Empowerment, and Development.

She leaves behind her siblings Mmabatho and Hosea.

ROBALA KA KGOTSO KOLOBE!!