07 Apr 2016

Reverend Hildah Mampane has been a member of Assemblies of God church from 1963.

She has been a Sunday school teacher since 1967.

For 37 years, she has been the golden voice in the national radio on programmes such as Utlwang Lefoko, O Rudisa Moya Wame and O Nkamile, which were the work of an organisation that was linked to the Dutch Reformed Church and some local churches after the Dutch Reformed Church relocated its offices to South Africa in 1980.

She is a product of bible training college in Lesotho where she did her Diploma in Theology. 

Reverend Hildah Mampan’s ministry was made relevant and easier through Radio Botswana where she was able to reach the unreachable with the gospel. 

She started with Radio Botswana in 1976 to date. 

Her job grew into training Sunday school teachers across the country.

Her voice can also be heard on school children’s programme airing on Radio Botswana between 10am and 11am as she narrates folk tales through the radio, reaching hundreds of listeners thoughout the country.

On independence day in 2015, she received the Presidential Medal of Honor handed to her at the National Stadium by President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama. 

Commenting on the award she said, “I never expected it but God had to show his mercy and reward me for all the hard labor I have put in his work and passing it to the nation of Botswana. 

Recognition and appreciation from the people of the Republic of Botswana became secondary and crucial to me. I really thank the Lord...”

BOPA visited her at her home in Molepolole where she lives with her children and grandchildren, to hear from this legend how it all started and her hopes to finish the race.

A mother of five and 13 grandchildren Reverend Mampane was born in a family of six by the late Mr and Mrs Rasota Kwelagobe in the village of Molepolole in the mid 1950’s.

Reverend Mampane recalls that she did not intend to become a radio personality. Her passion was to spread the word of God, so the radio was the only convenient medium to do that.

Over the years, she has presented and produced different radio programmes such as Sekole sa Tshipi, Orudisa Moya Wame, Onkamile, Utlwang Lefoko, Morning prologs and evening epilogs.

“We have managed to have a large circulation and spread the word of God so vigorously to the deep ends of our nation and have never really been enticed by personal gain but have always wanted to see a changed world and environment,” she adds

Her advice to people who would like to follow on her footsteps, she advises to be passionate about evangelical work adding that it is a calling. 

She said that the journey was not easy but has proved to be worth it because she has never relied on her own understanding and intelligence but always sort strength from God’s guidance.

She emphasises that it has never been about money but the passion to serve in God’s kingdom. 

Unlike other jobs she has no working hours because she can work right into the night. It needs passion and commitment, and devotion to God.

Reverend Mampane has a lot of children visiting her every day after school, whom she sits with, prays with, as they seek her counsel.

 She also reads books and the bible to them before they part to their respective homes. 

Even still at her age, some days in the morning she finds time to go to schools during the morning assemblies and teach children about the word of God!

Upon retirement, Reverend Hilda Mampane hopes to continue being the “good Samaritan” and fulfill her vision which she hopes will be her legacy. 

The 65-year-old plans to start an independent, non-governmental organisation called Kgadikgolo which aims to meet the needs and protect the interests and rights of children in Botswana. 

The centre is also a community development initiative which will be based in Molepolole.

Her vision for this enormous project is to shape the future of children by instilling in them the fear of the Lord so that they become all-rounded individuals.

 In this way, every child will attain the right to survival, protection, development and participation and opportunity to achieve their fullest potential, to contribute to all aspects of life. 

By doing so she hopes to assist children by providing shelter through social and charitable interventions and empowering them by providing refuge and education for sustainable livelihood. Ends