
You know those rare people who walk into your life, and from the moment you meet them, you just know they were sent by the universe, the ancestors, and possibly even a committee of angels? That’s Sis Tirhani Manganyi for you.
The name Tirhani is of Xitsonga origin, and it means "work" or "hard work." Now, if ever there was a person living up to the meaning of their name, it is Sis Tirhani Manganyi!
From the moment you meet her, you can feel the weight of her dedication—to her work, to her family, to her community, and to her faith. She embodies Tirhani in every way possible. Her life is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and purpose-driven leadership.
I first met Sis Tirhani in 2024 when she became actively involved in funding community-based organizations (CBOs) like the one I have the honor of leading, The Great People of South Africa (TGPSA). Now, let me tell you—when she stepped into this space, she didn’t just fund projects; she revived them, she nurtured them, she poured herself into them.
She was exactly what CBOs like ours had been praying for. But today, I don’t want to talk about her impressive 20+ years work experience in gender and development (GAD), monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and program management—no, today, I want to talk about Sis Tirhani, the person.
It wasn’t until a year after meeting her that I discovered Sis Tirhani is the firstborn daughter in her family. Now, if you know, you know—this is where things get interesting. In African culture, we have a term for this kind of woman: Untombekhaya.
For my non-Xitsonga and non-Nguni-speaking readers, let me translate—Untombekhaya refers to the firstborn daughter who is the backbone of the home.

She’s the one who probably won’t get married because she’s too busy raising an entire household, whether it’s her siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, or even the neighbor’s kids who somehow find their way into her care. She is the human equivalent of ten men in one woman’s body—strong, dependable, and never seen resting.
And oh, does Sis Tirhani fit this description to a T! I sat and listened as she spoke about her siblings, her home, and how her house is never empty because everyone is navigating this thing called life under her loving, watchful eye. I knew right then—she is Untombekhaya of note, and she is Ntombekhaya-ing her role so effortlessly, you’d think she was handpicked by God for the job.
As if being a powerhouse in the development sector and the anchor of her family wasn’t enough, Sis Tirhani is also a pastor. At this point, I had to ask myself: Who is this superwoman, and where was she manufactured?
Now, you all know me—I am deeply spiritual. Anything that speaks to the powers of the Most High speaks to me. So, when I found out about her calling, it all made sense. This is why my spirit instantly connected with her. She is a woman led by purpose, guided by faith, and fueled by an unstoppable heart for service.

Beyond her long list of accomplishments, Sis Tirhani is simply a phenomenal human being. She is a selfless leader, always putting people before herself. She is thoughtful, never making a decision without considering how it will impact others.
She is a true sister, not just by blood but by spirit—she embraces everyone with warmth, wisdom, and a fierce sense of responsibility.
Sis Tirhani is the kind of woman you meet, and you just know you want to be like her when you grow up. She is changing lives in both her personal and professional capacity, touching hearts, breaking barriers, and inspiring everyone who has the privilege of knowing her.
May her spirit continue to light up spaces, uplift communities, and lead with the grace and power that only a true Untombekhaya, a pastor, a leader, and a sister can carry.
Sis Tirhani, we see you. We celebrate you. And we thank you. The world is a better place because of you.