1 July 2007
Molewa made an impassioned plea to writers to help preserve the history of
South Africa's heroes. She made this call during the funeral service of ABC
Motsepe, Patrice Motsepe's father, at Medunsa on Sunday.
"Many a hero has left us in recent years, and longer and longer is our list
of monuments getting. Who is documenting these lives? Why are our writers not
preserving the heritage of nation-building left to us by these stalwarts? Is a
book going to be written on what this quiet teacher stood for and taught us as
a nation lessons in unity and in business; lessons in principle and in
parenting?"
She said that the people of South Africa would wait impatiently for a
biography of a principled rejection of Bantu education and the Bantustan
philosophy. "We shall enjoy reading about how to build a business from the
ground and unite African business people. We cannot wait to read about loyalty
to self, to a partner, and to your nation. Indeed, let us please read about the
life and loves of the celebrated and much-loved ABC."
Molewa said that Patrice Motsepe's father, Augustine Butana Chaane Motsepe,
lived his life in dignity and honour and in the process sacrificed his own
welfare for his people when he endured political banishment. "He taught his
compatriots and his contemporaries that we had to be prepared to suffer for our
convictions and our dream of freedom and democracy," said Molewa in a moving
tribute to the late Motsepe.
Molewa told thousands of mourners that the best way to pay their respects to
Motsepe was to preserve the legacy he was leaving behind. "More than grieving,
friends, comrades, we have to ask ourselves what it is that we have to preserve
from the legacy left us by our father, our mentor for it is only in that way
that we can honour his memory and create a living and lasting monument to his
spirit and soul."
Molewa said that the Motsepe family taught her to become a good leader and
for that she would remain forever grateful to ABC Motsepe.
"One therefore understands why so many among us here today are teary-eyed
and heartbroken, for we shall miss the sight of a father, a mentor, a role
model, a freedom fighter, a nation-builder. Ntate Motsepe was all these and
more," she said. "Indeed, one can understand why there is so much sadness and
sorrow among us here today."
The Premier said Motsepe and his late wife blessed South Africa with
children who demonstrate a rare combination of business acumen and
socio-political consciousness and commitment.
Paying tribute to Motsepe as a nation-builder, Molewa said: "He celebrated
humanity, developed society and served his community. I can imagine him, then,
saying he has lived his life and run the race with determination and that we
should not be heartbroken."
The people and the government of the North West province and our country,
she said, are one in their condolences to the Motsepe family. "Motsepe's loss
is our collective loss and that their grief is ours to share. The stillness of
that mighty Motsepe heart is felt around the country, and poorer are we all
because of this loss."
Enquiries:
Cornelius Monama
Tel: 018 387 3456
Cell: 082 578 4063
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
1 July 2007
