Pamela Madonsela sits down with Mabo Buthelezi to talk about the lady behind the baton.
Growing up and seeing her parents lending a helping hand to those in need influenced Mabo into venturing to social work as a profession, “my late parents were Officers in The Salvation Army. I am from a family of 8 kids, I literally grew up in the Army. I believe the Army has been very instrumental in shaping my character as well as directing my growth and career ambitions. From an early age, I witnessed my parents assisting those in need and I would constantly refer those families to them, which later sparked interest in me pursuing Social Work as a profession,” says Mabo Buthelezi.
‘Dynamite comes in small packages’ is what Mabo embodies! She is currently the bandmaster at Peart Memorial Corps in the Central Division as well as the Central Division Ladies Band Leader. She describes herself as a God-loving woman, a mother, a grandmother, a lover of life, an ever-cheerful human being, despite what life throws at her.
Music is my Oxygen
Coming from a musical family, her love for music was sparked at an early age when her parents ensured that they all learnt how to play instruments. ”I was literally born into music. Our parents would ensure that we learnt to play instruments from an early age. We, however, discovered that we would subsequently be assets for Christmas carols and, us (siblings) being so many, more often than not, wherever they were appointed, a Corps band would be guaranteed. My maternal grandmother was a guitarist and cornet player, my mother played the cornet and daddy played the Tuba.”
Mabo says music has been her ‘oxygen’ from an early age, “through my participation in the Singing Company brigades, timbrel brigades, Junior and Senior Bands, Songster brigades, and other groups outside the Army. However, central to all of this, was my family. My father invested in musical instruments and started a family music group, with our in-laws, which served in various SA meetings. The daily evening family prayer sessions would always be preceded by well-sung renditions of Army choruses and hymns. My family couldn’t tolerate discord, even during these sessions and always ensured we gave God the best music, to a point where they’d laugh at you should you ‘slip’.”
ministering through music is more than a performance
For Mabo, ministering through music is more than a performance, “the feelings evoked by music ministry are inexplicable. More than anything, it is the spiritual upliftment it brings. I research songs to be played by the band and always ensure that I share the lyrics with the members of the band. I just allow the Holy Spirit to take control. Music ministry is such a gratifying experience of worship and to this day, I’m in awe of the mystery of music making and very thankful to God for bestowing this gift to His people.
… it is important for one to constantly upgrade themselves …
As a leader it is important for one to constantly upgrade themselves and be in the know regarding the latest trends in your ministry so that you can be relevant. For Mabo, leading the ladies’ band is not a walk in the park, “it is not as easy as it may seem. I fully give thanks to the ladies, especially in the Ladies Band, who serve on the Committees. I am grateful to them for taking care of the administrative duties towards the management of the band. It is an emotionally and physically draining experience. I only feel hungry hours after completing the ministry. My children have been the hardest hit by this as I am hardly home but they are very supportive of the ministry (2 of them are in the ladies’ band).”
“As hard as it may seem to believe, for self-care, I listen to more music and sing loudly wherever I am (a habit my children have never got used to). I also research about music, research work done by other musicians, especially African composers, toy around with new innovations, a practice I learnt from my late brother Nathi (a well accomplished musician). I’m grateful of the support from other musicians in the Army, who continue to mentor me,” says Mabo.
“‘Ngangingaba yini, ngingabanga umSalveshe,” which translates to “What would I have been if I wasn’t a Salvationist,” is Mabo’s favourite saying. Her love and passion for The Salvation Army is evident through her ministry as the bandmaster. She told The War Cry that she embraces positivity in life, “I have since realized that God has given me the gift of joy, genuine joy. Whatever adversities I go through, I never lose my joy, especially, when I’m in His service, I just unleash joy- and I have lately become aware of how contagious it can be. I choose to spread joy and understand that you receive back what you give out. Counting my blessings and focusing more on them, truly sustains me.”
… the ministry is all about Jesus.
“The song ‘WHEN THE MUSIC FADES’ would adequately sum up my response. I love Jesus, I love the Army (my blood is yellow, red and blue). The lyrics emphasize that the ministry is all about Jesus. So, it is my wish to give Him more than a song…. I am inspired, musically, by my personal relationship with Christ and His faithfulness in my life as well as the Army’s doctrine-driven ministry in general – aligned to saving souls and serving suffering humanity.”