Teacher who wore many hats
POLITICAL activist and unionist Lesibana Thotse leaves a solid legacy of self-development and community work.
Thotse was born at Klipfontein near Ohrigstad and Burgersfort in Limpopo on June 26, 1963.
He matriculated at Setotolwane High School and registered for a degree at the University of Limpopo. He abandoned his studies due to lack of funding. He completed his primary teacher ’ s diploma at Mamokgala ke Chuene College of Education.
Thotse studied part-time with the University of South Africa where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Technology degrees.
From 1988, he worked as a mathematics teacher at Lengama Senior Secondary School at Jane Furs, Sehlaku Secondary School and Maputle Secondary School at Driekop.
Thotse was appointed principal of Maokeng Secondary School at Kgautswane village near Ohrigstad in 1998. He served as secretary of the Bohlabela District Principals Association from 2000-2004 and as chairperson of the Drakensberg Sub District School Principals from 2000-2004.
He was a unionist with the South African Democratic Teachers Union and a community leader through the Kgautswane Community Development Centre (now called Multi Purpose Community centre) from 2000-2004 and as secretary of the Marota branch of the SA National Civics Organisation (2001-2003).
Thotse joined the then Department of Finance and Economic Development in 2005 as a manager at Lebowakgomo. He was transferred to the head office in 2006.
Thotse was an active member of the ANC in Sekhukhune, where he served as a branch executive committee member from 2000 to 2005.
He died on January 29 after an illness; and was buried in Burgersfort last weekend. He ’ s survived by wife Lilly and three children.