Biography

Biography of Bishop Motjopeni Joseph Mamabolo

(28 April 1949 – 16 July 2016)

Bishop Motjopeni Joseph Mamabolo was born on 28 April 1949 at Rustfontein (Radikoffie) Mokiti, and later moved to Ga‑Sekgopo. He began his schooling in Johannesburg, Alexandra, where he attended school from 1956 to 1958.

On 15 July 1963, at a young age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour, a defining moment that shaped the course of his life and ministry.

Marriage and Early Ministry

On 25 December 1972, Bishop Mamabolo married Tjelana Elisa Mamokgere. In 1975, he left Alexandra and returned to Sekgopo Village, where he met the late Reverend Jack Ramodike Maponya. Working together, they planted the Assemblies of God Fellowship (AGF) Church at Sekgopo in 1976.

In 1979, Bishop Mamabolo enrolled at Witbank Bible School, where he studied Theology, specializing in Sunday School ministry. He received his Diploma in Ministry in 1984. He faithfully pastored the Sekgopo AGF church from 1976 to 1986.

Church Planting and Leadership

In 1986, Bishop Mamabolo planted the Assemblies of God Fellowship Church at Ga‑Dikgale (Marobala) and served as its pastor from 1986 until February 2013. In February 2013, he ordained Pastor Alfred Mampheko to lead the Dikgale AGF church.

In 1992, he planted Moduane AGF and ordained Pastor Christinah Motokolo as the founding pastor. Subsequently, the late Pastor Philip Mosuta Thobakgale was ordained to lead the church, followed later by Pastor Harry Ntlhane.

In 1995, Bishop Mamabolo planted Makgoba AGF, where Pastor Francinah Malowa was ordained to lead the congregation.

Broader Ministry and Global Service

In 1996, Bishop Mamabolo joined World Outreach, expanding his ministry to include preaching and outreach in schools and prisons. In 2004, he planted another church at Kotishing.

Between 2014 and 2015, he identified a site at Soekmekaar where he envisioned building a prayer tower. In June 2015, he was chosen to represent World Outreach at the World Conference in Thailand.

He also served faithfully as a trustee of Assemblies of God Fellowship churches and schools at Ga‑Sekgopo and Dikgale. Over the course of his life, Bishop Mamabolo served the Lord as a pastor and leader for 40 years.

Final Years and Passing

In 2015, Bishop Mamabolo was in the process of planting a church at Mamotintane. In early 2016, he began preparations to open Lebaka Bible School.

He passed away on 16 July 2016, after a short illness, shortly after celebrating 53 years since accepting Christ as his Saviour.

Family

Bishop Mamabolo is survived by:

His mother, Mmaselelo

His brother, Solomon

His beloved wife, Tjelana Elisa Mamabolo

His children:

Mosibudi (Magistrate)

Pastor John Mamabolo (also an Engineer)

Timothy (Accountant)

Tumelo (BTech in Operations Management)

Mpho (Agriculturist)

Khutso (Student)

Daughter‑in‑law:

Berrol (Nurse)

Grandchildren:

Tetelo, Motheo, Rethabile, and Thabang

“Motho ga a phele ka bogobe fela…”
— Mateo 4:4

Robala ka khutso, Kolobe.
(Rest in peace.)