Three memorial services to be held for humble Bra Willie
‘Many commemorative events including reading of poetry, jazz music and reflections on society’
THREE memorial services are expected to be held for poet and political activist William Keorapetse Kgositsile, popularly known by his pen name Bra Willie, who died last week, the funeral committee said yesterday.
“The events are organised in such a way that we will all have an opportunity to celebrate the life of this great icon who was humble, selfless and dedicated to empowering the mind and imparting knowledge,” said Mandla Langa, who is part of the funeral committee.
On Saturday, a memorial service was held in New York.
“In true Kgositsile form, many commemorative events will include the reading of poetry, jazz music and reflections on society.
“This is how Kgositsile would have preferred to be celebrated.”
Langa was speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria attended by the directorgeneral of the Department of Arts and Culture, Vusumuzi Mkhize, and members of the funeral committee.
In anticipation of many tributes, Langa said the family had made arrangements for every day between 6pm and 7pm to hold sessions to celebrate the life of Kgositsile at the family home in Killarney, Johannesburg.
“The condolence books will be available from (today) at the family homes, both in Killarney and Diepkloof.
“Further arrangements will be made for the message book to be available at the Market Theatre in Newtown and the City Hall during the memorial services on January 11 and 12 respectively.”
On Sunday, President Jacob Zuma declared a special official funeral for the late poet.
The special official funeral category is for distinguished persons specifically designated by the president.
Zuma has ordered that the national flag be flown at halfmast at every flag station in the country on January 16, the day of the funeral.
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the eulogy.
Kgositsile was inaugurated in 2006 as South Africa’s second national poet laureate after the first national poet laureate, Mazisi Kunene.
He was also a recipient of the National Order of Ikhamanga for his contribution to literature.
According to Langa, the upcoming memorial services will be on:
January 10: The John Nkadimeng branch will hold a memorial service at the Houghton Primary School at 5.30pm.
January 11: The official memorial service will be held at the Johannesburg City Hall from noon to 4pm.
January 12: Memorial service at the Market Theatre in Newtown at noon.
January 16: The funeral service is to be held at Marks Park in Emmarentia at 9am, and mourners will then proceed to West Park cemetery for burial.