She died at her home on Saturday after a long illness.
Mam Caliwe, as she was referred to by many residents in KwaThema, matriculated at Tlakula Secondary School.
She graduated from the University of South Africa with a diploma in marketing management.
Mabena worked as a marketing consultant at Makro and then proceeded to Inter-trans and was known by her colleagues for her tireless energy.
She also served as a marketing director for Gfox and 45th Cutting CC.
Mabena was the co-founder of Siphimpendulo Projects and Caliwe-Wezi Poverty Alleviation Project, and worked with multiple charities in and around Springs.
She was also a member of the South African Women Entrepreneur’s Network, a national network that facilitates and monitors the socio-economic advancement of women entrepreneurs.
Mabena was an active member of the KwaThema Assemblies of God Church and served in the youth, sisters and mothers committees for more than 30 years.
She is survived by her husband John Mabena, children Mpendulo Mabena, Siphumelelisile Mabena and Wezzy Tshupo, son in- law Omphile Tshupo and 12 grandchildren.
“She lived a life that should be celebrated and remembered as one filled with laughter and joy,” says her son Siphumelelisile.
Her funeral service will be held on Saturday at 8am, at the KwaThema Assemblies of God Church along Maphanya Street.
The cortège will then leave for the Petersfield Cemetery.
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