He moved discreetly, but his gaze was always turned towards the others. Hambinintsoa Tefy Ranaivo, Master Tefy, also known as Tefy Mahafaly, died on January 14, 2026 at the age of 63, after long months of fighting illness. His death leaves a deep void in the world of Malagasy crafts, but also in the hearts of those he accompanied and encouraged.
In the world of judo, he was a reference. Professor, educator and pillar of the Judo Club Saint-Michel d’Amparibe, of which he was general secretary for nearly fifteen years, he trained generations of judokas. Master Tefy transmitted rigor, respect and surpassing oneself, but above all confidence.
He gave everyone a chance, without distinction, and paid particular attention to young people, whom he supported with rigor and kindness. A committed defender of the national team, he believed in Malagasy judo open to the world and was at the origin of numerous international partnerships.
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In craftsmanship, he shared the same vision. Artisan, creator and visionary, Tefy Ranaivo saw manual labor as a lever for development and the local product as a sustainable response. By founding Mahafaly Création in 2009, then relaunching the company in 2011, he focused on local transformation. Textiles, silks, precious stone jewelry and revisited lambahoany bore his signature: a mixture of tradition, respect for the environment and responsible economics.
Beyond objects, Tefy believed in humans. Many craftsmen and apprentices took their first steps thanks to him, finding in him a patient, demanding but deeply caring guide. Elected president of the Analamanga Chamber of Trades and Crafts, he worked to professionalize the sector, promote partnerships and international openness. In 2024, he coordinated the Hetsika Maroloko Tsena program, a collective showcase of Malagasy talents.
A teacher at heart, he defended the integration of crafts into education and supported initiatives such as the Fatana Mitsitsy thrifty homes, while denouncing the obstacles in the sector. Until his last months, despite illness, he prepared for the future.
