Mohajane espoused fitness, higher learning
Crude accident put paid to vibrant former teacher
Born: December 15 1927 Died: November 5 Funeral: Tomorrow at Holy Cross Anglican Church, Orlando West, Soweto; from 6am Burial: Westpark Cemetery, Johannesburg
Throughout his life, Samson Rammebe Mohajane extolled the virtues of higher education.
His excitement knew no bounds when he heard the news that one of his grandchildren had passed her board exams and could now proudly write chartered accountant next to her name.
Although he walked away from teaching after a nasty running-in with an unruly pupil at George Khoza High School in Dobsonville, Soweto, Mohajane, often called “Tichere” around Meadowlands Zone 3, always preached the wonders of continuous selfimprovement.
The Kilnerton Teacher Training College graduate was a firm favourite at graduation parties in then unpaved streets of Soweto.
During his speeches, where all his oratory skills would come to the fore, he’d regale guests on how he balanced being a husband, father of four, teacher, uncle and still found the time to earn two degrees from University of SA – a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of education (BEd).
He was also a strict sports administrator and co-founded the Happy Boys Football Club in Meadowlands with the late Rre Tlapu.
Mohajane also practised the martial art form of judo. Even during retirement, he still maintained a daily regimen of exercise and long walks around the neighbourhood and was among the fittest pensioners around.
Former president Kgalema Motlanthe was one of his pupils. Mohajane ruled the chalkboard as as mathematics and Afrikaans master at Mmusi High, Meadowlands High, Lofentse Girls High, Kelokitso Secondary and George Khoza High, where he took early retirement.
Following his departure from teaching, the safari suit-loving Mohajane shifted his focus to business and would often co-opt young relatives and boys in the neighbourhood to help him sell live chicken every weekend all over Soweto.
He survived a prostate cancer scare only to suffer a brain injury a couple of years ago after being involved in a car accident. Thereafter, his health took a turn for the worse.
Mohajane was born in Hebron, North West, in 1927. He is survived by his wife, Grace, whom he married 63 years ago, two sons, two daughters, 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He died on Monday and will be buried tomorrow.
Robala ka kgotso Kgomo!