MEC Nkewu laid to rest in Molelema village
A gloomy mood filled a special marquee erected at the Molelema sportsground of Greater Taung Local Municipality on Saturday as mourners came in large numbers to pay their last respect to the MEC for Social Development, Kgakgamatso Nkewu.
MEC Nkewu died last week following a fatal motorcar accident outside Vryburg which also claimed the life of a cyclist.
Born and raised in Molelema village Mme Kgakgamatso Nkewu was recently appointed MEC for Social Development and previously served as a member of the mayoral committee in Greater Taung, a position she relinquished when she was elected as ANC provincial Treasurer at the 2015 Provincial Conference.
She was afforded a provincial official funeral which was attended among others by the speaker of the national assembly, Mme Baleka Mbethe, the Minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini, the Minister of Cooperate Governance and Traditional Affairs, Des Van Rooyen, the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Willies Mchunu and National ANC Treasurer General, Zweli Mkhize.
Church members, politicians, business people, and public servants also braved the cold morning weather to pay their last respect.
Elevating their spirit, mourners’ chanted revolutionary slogans, and worship songs in between speeches delivered at the service.
Various speakers described the late MEC Nkewu as a humble, selfless and hard -working individual who was always ready to serve.
The Minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini said the province has lost a humble and a strong leader who was passionate about her work.
“I knew MEC Nkewu as a disciplined and hard working woman who understood the needs of the people both in her political movement and the short time she served in government,” she said.
As a woman she was always advocating for the advancement of women to higher positions,” she said.
The Speaker of the National assembly, Baleka Mbethe also said the late MEC Nkewu served her political organisation and government with distinction within a short space of time.
“We are laying to rest one of the good leaders in the North West province who was always promoting unity among her people.
To honour and celebrate her life, let us continue in this province to promote unity, respect for one another, tolerance and equality for men and women,” she said.
Kgosi Nyoko Motlhabane of Batlhaping Ba Ga Maidi said MEC Nkewu played a pivotal role in the development of her own community.
“We will honor her by continuing to better the lives of our people in our villages.
She always fought for developments in her area and we should continue to fight for developments of our roads and build more infrastructure that will empower local people,” he said.
Delivering the eulogy, the Premier of the North West, Supra Mahumapelo also described her as a person with the values of selflessness, sacrifice, collective leadership, hard work and humbleness.
“We have lost a humble leader, very good to work with at all times.
She was a loyal leader hence her appointment in the provincial executive position in her political home and the MEC in government and within a short space of time she was taking her department to the right direction,” he said.
The MEC was finally laid to rest at Molelema village cemetery in the afternoon.
For enquiries, contact:
Mr Brian Setswambung
Provincial Head of Communication
Cell: 076 012 4501
E-mail: bsetswambung@nwpg.gov.za
