The bereaved family of the late Mr Mokone Motsepe
Acting Head of the Department of Safety, Security and Liaison Ms Ndonga
Senior managers from the department
His colleagues from Security Management
Government officials
His friends
Ladies and gentlemen
It is with great sadness that we are gathered here to bid farewell to one of our officials from Security Management Section, Mr Ignatius Mokone Motsepe. Although I had not personally interacted with him on many occasions, but I can state that I had only known him since October last year when I joined this department.
It is my understanding that the late Mr Motsepe was greatly involved on labour issues on behalf of his colleagues. He was elected by the officials in the department to be their National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) Branch Chairperson.
I have been informed that he was very vocal on labour issues in such a way that he managed to create a good working relationship between Nehawu and the executive management of our department.
Ladies and gentlemen, this says a lot about him, one can easily conclude that he was a brave leader.
I am told that he was one person who, during the interviews would advocate for the employment of young unemployed people. He did not support the employment of people who wanted promotions and transfers from other departments at the expense of those who are unemployed.
This for me demonstrates the qualities of a good leader who was always concerned about those who are less fortunate. I am not surprised to hear that he was also active politically where he comes from, Ekurhuleni.
I am also told that he would even use the crime prevention information from our department such as the formation of the Community Police Forum to benchmark with his community at Katlehong.
Our department is in pain with the passing away of Mr Motsepe, and as for the government, one death is one too many. Ladies and gentlemen, it is a reality that government has lost a skill in the person of the late Mr Motsepe and his brains will not be easily replaced.
It is also unfortunate that he passed on due to a fatal car accident. It is a shock for many of us and it must be very difficult for his colleagues who worked closely with him and his friends spent most of their time with him.
Each time they enter the office; they will always be reminded of Mr Motsepe. Someone will now be missing each time they talk, laugh and when they have meetings. They will always remember his contributions.
I am appealing to the Acting Head of the department to ensure that these colleagues get necessary counselling.
To his family, we wish to convey the department’s sincere condolences, we feel your pain but you are not alone. Our hearts are with you. He was no longer your child only, but he belonged to the society.
We pray that God will give you strength to deal with this painful difficulty in your lives.
As a department, let us continue to work very hard in his memory to achieve what he was fighting for as a committed cadre of our lives.
Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you.
