Metja Erica Tladi was born on the 13th of November 1961 in Mogoto, Limpopo to the late Cecil Bailey Kekana and Tshepo Rachel (Hope) Kekana.
Metja grew up in Mahwelereng, Mokopane, Limpopo where she attended Tintela Lower and Nonchimudi Higher Primary Schools. She was a charismatic, sociable and spontaneous child who loved nature and having fun. She matriculated at Gojela High School where she also met her high school sweetheart, Morse Tladi, whom she later married. She pursued her tertiary studies at Turfloop University, Mankweng (renamed University of Limpopo) obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education.
She began her professional career as an educator at Seana Marena High School in Mapetla, Soweto where she taught for a period of nearly 15 years. She then transferred to Greenfields High School, in Ekurhuleni. Her teaching career spanned over three decades with many of her students achieving successful professional careers such as Doctors and Engineers. This she achieved because other than being a teacher, she also played the role of being a mentor, guidance counsellor, social worker and a surrogate mother.
She got married in 1984 and was blessed with a daughter (Lebo) and two sons (Mafodi and Mpho).
She was passionate about gardening. She loved being surrounded by the different colours from the various types of flowers she had in her yard. An attribute she shared with her late mother.
At the time of her sudden passing, Metja was about to go on early retirement and focus all her energies on raising her grandchildren. She also had plans to invest in farming because of her interest.
She cared deeply and was a selfless mother to her children. She loved wholeheartedly and was one person who had a way of making anyone close to her feel comfortable enough to be vulnerable and open. Many saw her as a shoulder to cry on because of her compassion and loving heart.
She was a fervent believer in the word of God and often spending time in the prayer room at home praying for her children and reading scripture. Sometimes going into a solitary night vigil to meditate.
Metja was tenacious and fearless which gave her courage to face challenges she encountered during her life. Waking up to her smile was priceless.
As a caregiver she went beyond her abilities to provide for and support her children and grandchildren. Her love for her children and their cousins was intricately sacrificial, pure and infinite. As an elder she imparted important life lessons about values, kindness and love. She was the anchor of her immediate and extended family revelling in bringing them together.
The most hospitable person, many people knew her for her culinary skills and would visit to experience her delicious meals.
On Saturday the 7th of August 2021, the day of her grandson Tumisho’s birthday, Metja took her last breath right after expressing to Tumisho and her husband that she loved them.
She will be most ardently missed by her Husband Morse, her two Sons, her three grandchildren, her family, nieces and nephews, friends and colleagues. Though she is no longer with us, her memory will forever inspire us to love deeply, gracefully and truthfully.
Metja, our dearest mother and sister, you fought the good fight, you loved unreservedly. You shall be dearly missed.
Robala Ka Khutšo, Hunadi, Tlou
32 Comments
Sesi Malahlela TSEKEMOLAPO
Posted at 00:17h, 11 AugustIt is so painful, but let us be comforted because we know Erica is in good hands. The Lord God will heal our wounds. We know He is able and He won’t leave us alone. We still say He is our God and His will shall be done.. A re homotšegeng ba gešo. May Erica’s soul rest in peace.💔 ✝️
Sibongile Gladys shoke
Posted at 06:54h, 11 AugustDuduzekani family yakwa tladi ujesu usase yinkosi hamba nojesu indlela yonke we will miss your my sister sleep well dear 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Kagi ( Kago)
Posted at 08:17h, 11 AugustTruly there will never be non-like mama Metja and with time tears of the eye may be wiped away but the tears of the heart shall forever remain. As you find refuge in the Lord, this too shall pass. May her soul find eternal peace 😔.
Nozuko Nxusani
Posted at 09:03h, 11 AugustNoz Nxusani and family
The ones we love are never gone; they live within our hearts. We are sorry beyond words for your loss. Robala hanhle Mme waka. The Heavens have received you.
Pepukai kekana
Posted at 09:16h, 11 AugustIt’s sad that you are gone but you left a legacy not to be forgotten we are strong that we are blessed with another angel to look and guide us spiritually.May your soul rest in peace
Anonymous
Posted at 09:29h, 11 AugustMay her beautiful soul rest in eternal peace. May the Lord strengthen you all . O Matter what, Jesus is still the King and God is still on the throne.
Grace Tladi
Posted at 09:44h, 11 AugustWhen I fall I shall rise and when I sit in darkness the Lord shall be a light unto me.
With deepest sympathy may peace of God surround you during this time of sorrow.😭
Tumisho Masha
Posted at 10:16h, 11 Augustrest in eternal peace mane Erica. you will be sorely missed ❤️
you are forever in our hearts and we will always love you.
Matshediso Maria Banda
Posted at 12:53h, 11 AugustMy heartfelt condolences to both families, friends colleagues and relatives. I will always remember Erica as a very caring ,loving and ever smiling beautiful person as we were growing up. I am definitely sure that she will be welcomed with brass bands and melodies in heaven. We will always love you cici. Rest in peace
Loraine Mathe
Posted at 13:06h, 11 AugustThere are things that we dont want to happen bt hav to accept.Gof’s timing and not ours.I wish I could ask fo just 1 day so I could say bye to you.I would hav taken you for nails,eyelashes,gyming and body massage.A mother but also a friend.Who wil motivate me to loose weight now..?I am heart broken.Your going is a great loss to me.I will.miss the guidance and Bible verses and gospel songs you used to share with me.I will never fotget your love towards me.Rest in peace granny
Mapule Sehlako
Posted at 16:38h, 11 AugustMay your beautiful soul rest in eternal peace Mme waka, Kgotso ya Jesu
Lenny Kekana
Posted at 18:36h, 11 AugustA robale ka khutso Sesi Erica. Re tla dula re mo hopola. What a loss. Condolences to family and friends.
Edwin Singini
Posted at 21:14h, 11 AugustMay Her Soul Rest in Eternal Peace, she will forever be in our hearts. God Loved Her beautiful Soul the most.
Queen Bali Bapela
Posted at 01:16h, 12 AugustYour sudden passing has brought so much pain mamaErica. Your light and positive nature is irreplaceable. We are going to miss your energy and sense of humour.
You loved your family and those close to you unconditionally. You were a compassionate soul with a big heart. You worked tirelessly and made sure that ditlogolo tja Ceaser dia connect/a. You left a legacy of love and selflessness and we will uphold and build on.
Thank you for being you. Thank you for all the teachings. Personally I’m going to miss your sweet voice, your midnight calls, and and… Or…
Oh gosh! Mamogolo waka hle. May your beautiful soul find peace in the hereafter.
Sleep well Mamogolo, will see you in the morning.
Gilbert Ledwaba Dikarata
Posted at 04:14h, 12 AugustMy condolences to the Tladi and Moselakgomo family. We have really lost a soldier of peace. It hurt so much that the same person who organized a prayer last year that the spate of death happening in the family be stopped is no more. You will be solely be missed Metja. May your sole rest in eternal peace.
Phuti Mathopa
Posted at 07:58h, 12 AugustWhat an unexpected departure Mama Metja. The loss cuts deep, yet we take comfort in your true loving soul, authentic and vibrant, beautiful and naturing.
Mpho Tladi
Posted at 09:01h, 12 AugustShe will always have a special place in my heart. She knew how to love. Ramogolo and cousins, may God give you comfort as we await His coming.
Fumisa Alice Matlou
Posted at 09:08h, 12 AugustWe lost a sister. The heaven gained an angel. Robala ka khutso my dear sister. We will always remember you. The woman with gold heart
Plaatjie William tladi
Posted at 10:06h, 12 AugustMmane re tla dula re le gopola.i have never seen your face without a smile.robala ka khutsho tlou
Nonhlanhla Tsematse - LO Subject Advisor
Posted at 10:21h, 12 AugustThe loss of a dear colleague is like that of a limb, rimemay heal the anguish of rhe wound, but the loss cannot be repaired.
You’ll be dearly missed by the LO & RS crew.
Fare thee well Metja 🙏🏾
MPHO MOTEBELE (TEACHER MODERATOR RS)
Posted at 11:07h, 12 AugustI am shattered by your passing mama… you were more than a colleague to me and I know that I was more than a teacher moderator I was a daughter to you, you were a mother. I reminisce on the “mistaken” calls you made while trying to contact your son Mpho, I know they were not a mistake. During those calls and WhatsApp messages. You prayed for me and shared about the goodness of God. It is soo incredible how God allows us to connect with people for just a moment in time usually such people leave a lasting impact. We will miss you dearly Mama.
To the Tladi family may the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our troubles be with you always. As the sun rises every morning may it arise with precious healing in its wings.
Many blessings to you all
Robala ka khutso Mama
MPHO MOTEBELE (TEACHER MODERATOR RS)
Posted at 11:09h, 12 AugustI am shattered by your passing mama… you were more than a colleague to me and I know that I was more than a teacher moderator I was a daughter to you, you were a mother. I reminisce on the “mistaken” calls you made while trying to contact your son Mpho, I know they were not a mistake. During those calls and WhatsApp messages. You prayed for me and shared about the goodness of God. It is soo incredible how God allows us to connect with people for just a moment in time usually such people leave a lasting impact. We will miss you dearly Mama.
To the Tladi family may the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our troubles be with you always. As the sun rises every morning may it arise with precious healing in its wings.
Many blessings to you all
Robala ka kgotso Mama
Mpho Molokomme
Posted at 14:29h, 12 AugustA heartbreaking reality ka nnete💔. May the light that sent you, guided you in this life and called u back home receive you and give u immeasurable peace. Tshela tshweu Tlou🕊💛
Deepest condolences to the Tladi Family.
Lucky Tlhabanelo
Posted at 18:47h, 12 AugustMy deepest condolences to the family and truly le latlhegetswe. A modimo a le fe matla. Ke Modimo fela ya tsebang gimme ke na le tshepo ya gore Modimo o tla le tshegofatsa.
Mmathuto Tlhabanelo
Posted at 19:01h, 12 AugustSesi Erica Metla you will be dearly ❤ and missed
Kantu Ramushu
Posted at 20:45h, 12 AugustGone too soon Desi Erica. I could hardly hear myself thinking upon receiving the terrible news. Your beautiful, contagious smile is going to be dearly missed. Malome Morse, Kids and grandkids, may you fond comfort in the lord. Farewell mmamalome💔
Nnana Tladi
Posted at 06:07h, 13 AugustOh my God what a way find out I’m out of words Rest easy MmaTladi, used to call me NnanaT. With a smile 💞Rest my mother.
Zandile Ngidi
Posted at 07:36h, 13 AugustCondolences to the Tladi and Kekana family, during this difficult time May you draw strength from God and know that it is well. 🕊🤍
Khomotso Mohuba Molala
Posted at 08:13h, 13 AugustHomotjegang malome Moss and family.May Ses Erica s soul rest in perfect peace.
Rhonda Cooray
Posted at 09:34h, 13 AugustBeautiful send off. Well done to the family and friends who all stood together to make this an appropriate send off for a valued and much loved sister. Thank you for sharing this with us. We pray that God will comfort and keep everyone who survived Sis Erica. We know this is not going to be easy to accept but God alone knows the reason this had to happen. May Gods love enfold them. May Sis Erica’s soul rest in eternal peace. Amen 🙏
PHEKILE MADIKOTO (MOKATSE)
Posted at 19:19h, 13 AugustRest in peace my sister I will always miss you
Mashadi sethoga
Posted at 19:30h, 13 AugustRest in peace Humadi. We will remember u when the sun rise and when sun set.