Kwa-Thema – Deceased: Reverend Phidian Mantso Matsepo, popularly known as Smadz, born on December 12, 1959, in Diepkloof, died on November 23 after a short illness.
He is the son of the late Phako Moleko and the late Mamiky November. He grew up with his siblings, the late Thapelo Ntsamai and the late Ada Mannana Ntsamai, at 407 Lethabo Street, Zone 1 Diepkloof.
Education: Phidian started his lower primary schooling days at Ditawana in Orlando East from 1966 to 1969 before moving to Ditau Primary School in Orlando East from 1970 to 1973.
He proceeded to Bensonvale Training College in the Eastern Cape for his junior certificate and completed his matriculation at Orlando High School in 1976.
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It was during the Soweto student uprising. As one of the leaders, he was detained. During this period he was introduced to the Bible, while in solitary confinement.
After his release, he went to the Soweto Teacher’s College where he qualified as a teacher, obtaining his secondary teacher’s diploma in 1985. He was a dedicated mathematics teacher.
During his teaching period, he was actively involved in SADTU (South African Democratic Teachers Union) and involved in the team that drafted the SADTU constitution.
Phidian had a calling of ministry from as early as his involvement in the guild. He left teaching and went for training as a Methodist minister.
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He continued his studies in ministry and obtained a Bachelor of Theology Honours in 2002 at the University of Natal.
Phidian served in different societies of the Methodist Church. Amongst the different societies was the KwaThema Central Methodist Church, where he enjoyed his service of 10 years.
The community of Kwa-Thema and Springs benefited from his loyal service and honoured him with a benefiting service. He took ill in 2015 but continued to serve the Lord in his state of ill health until his death.
He is survived by his wife Malehlohonolo Khonono Matshepe, his children Karabo, Tsebo, Taks, Baks and Mantsho, siblings, Betty, Mzwandile, Xolani, Tselane, Melita, Dupa, Lerato and Teboho. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Oupoa, Eunice and Oupa Sebokeng, cousins, Diana, Ntsiki, Dumile, Bunji, Letshego and Tumi and other cousins Duma, Thulani, Leah, Mmabatho, Khosi and Nosisi.
