By GUGULETHU MHLONGO
Mathilda, was born and raised in Chiawelo, Soweto, Johannesburg in Gauteng. She completed her matric at, Vuwani Secondary School.
After matric, she went on to study at Damelin. Where she obtained her, National Diploma in Human Resource Management in 2012. In 2017, she obtained her a BTech in Human Resource Management. Growing up, Mathilda was always meticulous and ambitious. As it seems she had her life’s journey well planned out. After her HR qualifications, she took on a new qualification.
A postgraduate diploma in Labour Law from the University of Johannesburg in 2019. She is a true testament of the statement, “beauty with brains!” From a young age, she had always wanted to be a flight attendant. However, her light was dimmed by someone close to her who told her she was not good enough. She was just a 16 year old, ambitious girl who had big dreams. Luckly, Mathilda wore a thick skin, these statements only made her stronger and more resilient and she took on the journey to reaching all her goals.
Mathilda, says even though she grew up a very independent young girl. Who never wanted to rely on anyone. Her mom remained her biggest support and confidant. She added saying, “my life evolved around my mother, Mrs. ML Mamatseane, the best parent I ever had. After the passing of our beloved father, Mr. Jackson Mamatseane, in 2004. She continued to be there for me despite her
disability. I love her so much, with my whole heart. She raised me to be respectful and loving. She did all she could for my siblings and I.” Mathilda, worked part-time while studying. Later on after obtaining her HR diploma. She was then employed by the same company,vwhere she worked as an HR Assistant. She worked for quite a few companies until she was employed
Photo1: Pictured: Mathilda, at one of her graduations
Photo2: she wears her, Miss South Africa Disability, sash and tiara with pride.
Photo3: Mathilda, exhibits her Arts and craft
by, Nedbank as an anti-money-laundering coordinator. Sadly during the Covid-19 pandemic, she lost her job. When asked about coping and managing without employment. Mathilda,said that, “In 2021, in response to job loss and limited opportunities. I created a name and my legacy for myself. Using my name Mathilda Mamatseane Creations. I developed a hobby and a skill which I believe is God-given.”
“The ability to work with my hands and fall in love with creating arts and craft to bigger items like furniture pieces, accessories and decoration items.” she added. However in 2022, Mathilda’s life was completely altered. On 12 November 2022, she fell and she was critically injured. It was her mothers birthday, and she and her family were enjoying the days festivities. The birthday celebration, was ruined and Mathilda, was left paralyzed. Her disability did not affect her dreams and on 15 December 2023, she entered and won the Murumba Cultural Parade Arts & Crafts Awards. For Excellence under the category of Arts and Craft. The awards were held in Limpopo. She went on to say, “The awards made me to be interviewed on national radio stations and newspapers. I was celebrated as a young woman who excelled in using natural trees to create furniture from home.” “using crutches, I took part in community outreach programs. I served briefly at a voting station for the Independent Electoral Commission in the 2024 Local Government Elections. My biggest highlight so far was competing in the Miss South Africa Disability pageant.” She concluded. Mathilda, won and reigned as queen for the year 2024/2025. During her reign, she used her platform to advocate for the disabled. She fought for the inclusion of people living with disabilities and for their dignity to be restored by providing them with better opportunities.