Mangope praised as a ‘hero’
Plans afoot for provincial funeral for late chief
Most of the speakers at the memorial service of late former Bophuthatswana leader Lucas Manyane Mangope described him as a “hero” who had vision for the nation.
Mangope died at his home in Motswedi village outside Zeerust in North West on Thursday. He was aged 94.
Yesterday, scores of people, mostly chiefs from North West and Botswana, descended on the village to pay their last respects to Mangope.
He was remembered for the good things he did when presiding over the bantustan.
Some said he was like a father and friend to them, while others said he was a visionary and a man of law and order.
Mahikeng-based preacher, OJ Madikong, recalled how Mangope took him and made him part of his family. He said Mangope would take him to “high-profile meetings”.
Madikong said Mangope made him realise that it was okay to be a Motswana and stand your ground.
“I was raised by a hero. I am brave because of him and he made me realise that being a Motswana was not a sin.”
Josias Hlongwa described him as a man who was passinate about education.
“He had amazing support for education during his time as a school teacher and president. He has done a lot and we can bear testimony for what he has done.”
Sam Dube, who worked under his leadership during the Bophuthatswana era, said Mangope was unique. “He had a rare quality that most envied.”
He said Mangope was a dignified leader.
“He respected time, and there was law and order during that time.”
Ramotshere Moiloa local municipality mayor Kereng Mothoagae reminded mourners that even though Mangope did so many good things, people must not forget apartheid.
“Let’s not forget that we are from a very painful history.”
Mangope led Bophuthatswana from 1977 to 1994, and was later the leader of the United Christian Democratic Party – then the official opposition party to the ANC- led North West province.
North West MEC for culture, arts and traditional affairs Ontlametse Mochwari said the province has applied to the Presidency to give Mangope a provincial funeral.
Mangope will be buried at his home at Motswedi village on Saturday.