Rifleman Karabo Edwin Matsheka was celebrated as a hero, role model and a patriot amid shouts of “airborne all the way” at a military/state funeral service held in honour at the Barolong Boo-Ratshidi Tribal Kgotla. Rifleman Matsheka was laid to his final resting place at the Maphacwe Heroes Acre in Mahikeng on Saturday.
In paying tribute and saluting 28 year old Matsheka who was granted the honour of being buried alongside the Barolong Boo-Ratshidi chiefs, North West Premier Modise urged poets, singers, writers and dancers to ensure that his name is not forgotten but remembered for generations to come.
Premier Modise said that the name of Matsheka and twelve members of the 44 parachute regiment who fell in Central African Republic would forever be engraved in the hearts of South Africans as protectors and defenders of peace, stability and democracy not only in their country but across the continent.
“South Africa has never wanted to be a big brother on the African continent. As a pioneer for the construction of the Organisation of African Unity into the African Union however, we owe it to the continent to work for the creation of peace, stability and seedlings of development of the mother continent as it was born in most African countries during years of humiliation and oppression,” Modise reminded the over three thousand mourners.
In giving an account of the bravery of the thirteen paratroopers who were ambushed by rebels, commander Lieutenant Colonel Gopane who represented the 44 parachute regiment based in Bloemfontein said that the heroic departure of the thirteen heroes who fell in CAR will never be replaced by any form of verbosity in small corners and or in the media; nor by any form of material.
“Their departure is priceless. They have overdone themselves. They fought for the course of the Republic of South Africa, of which we all are the de facto beneficiaries to these endeavours; not unless if you pay your allegiances to a foreign sovereignty you will make noise,” he stressed.
“Paratroopers don’t die, they regroup in heaven,” declared childhood friend, homeboy and colleague Rifleman Letlhogonolo Maseng in his message of condolences. Major General Titus Matlakeng in his message of condolence said that the South African National Defence Force will press ahead in pursuit of the peace that guided the service of the fallen heroes.
“Their lives speak to the strength, the dignity, the decency of those who serve, and that is how they will be remembered. Let us draw strength and courage in the wake of the loss and sacrifice in line of duty and grieve the loss of our colleagues, compatriots and friends whilst celebrating their lives in service of the South African nation,” said Matlakeng.
In thanking the North West Provincial Government and the South African National Defence Force for their support, Matsheka’s cousin, Keresepe Moncho said that his cousin had a towering proportion of discipline wherever he was and the family will always remember him for his humbleness. Matsheka is survived by his 95 year old grandmother, 44 year old mother, fiancé and a three year old son.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
