The lives of the thirteen members of the South African National Defence Force who fell in battle in the Central African Republic were not dedicated to conflict or death but to compassion and life, North West Premier Thandi Modise said at the memorial service held in honour of Private Karabo Edwin Matsheka and Vusumzi in Mmabatho on Thursday.
Premier Modise in paying tribute to the soldiers hailed them as heroes who were committed to something greater than themselves and had mustered the physical and moral courage to accomplish extraordinary feats in battle. Modise said that they were ordinary men who rose to meet seemingly impossible odds and did extraordinary things for the nation.
“These brave men left the safety and comfort of our land in making sure that peace is attained in the Central African Republic (CAR).We join the nation in saluting and honouring them for the supreme sacrifice they have paid for the achievement of Peace in the continent,” the Premier emphasised.
Modise said as a country we must always remember them and pay tribute to the stories of the heroes.
“We cannot return those who have gone, however we can and we will cherish the virtue of their sacrifice in thought and deed to educate our nation and our children in their spirit; to love with all our might our beloved South Africa, to take pride in it and work ceaselessly towards progress,” she added.
The Speaker of the Provincial Legislature, Supra Mahumapelo and Victor Tsie who represented the South African Military Veterans Association also hailed the fallen heroes as role models and gallant fighters.
Keresepe Moncho representing the two families conveyed the appreciation that the families are receiving from the South African Defence Force and North West provincial government which is also supporting the Matsheka and Ngaleka families to meet costs towards the funerals of the two heroes.
In recognition of 28-year- old Private Matsheka’s gallantry, Kgosi Jeff Montshioa of the Barolong Boo-Ratshidi Traditional Council has allocated a burial site at Maphacwe Cemetery reserved for Barolong Boo-Ratshidi Chiefs and the honour that his funeral service to commence at 7:00 am tomorrow will be held at the Tribal Kgotla. Private Ngaleka is to be also buried tomorrow in Khayelisha in the Western Cape.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
