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TSHESENG. – Saturday (19/09) was a sad day for the community of Qwaqwa, especially those in the Tsheseng Village, and the Free State House of Traditional Leaders when they paid a last tribute to the king of the Bahlokoa, Lekunutu Cavendish Mota.
His funeral saw hundreds of mourners, including representatives from national government, coming to celebrate his life regardless of the cold weather. The king, who died on Tuesday, (08/09)8, was laid to rest at Reightpan.
He died at the age of 63 after a long illness which had kept him indoors for a long time. He leaves behind his wife, Mofumahadi Mamasopha Mota, and six children. The king was the son of the late Wessels and Queen Mafoto Mota. He was the minister of Agriculture and Forestry in Qwaqwa under the Dikwankwetla Party of South Africa. He was also the first chairperson of the Free State House of Traditional Leaders, a member of the Qwaqwa Legislative Assembly and a member of the National House of Traditional Leaders. Mankwe Manthata, a family spokesperson, said the family had lost a strong man who had been a pillar of strength. “We are very sad. He was a humble man who always preached unity. He was very strong, to such an extent that you would find him working in the garden at his age,” she said.
Olly Mlamleli, the Free State MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, said government officials must respect their kings at all times.
“My plea to government officials is to respect our kings, because they were not voted to be the kings but were born to be the leaders.”
She said Mota had been a man who always stood up for what he wanted.
“Let’s commit ourselves to service delivery in King Mota’s name. We promise to build a statue for Queen Manthatisi as respect to the Batlokwa Tribe.”
Pravin Gordhan, the national minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, described Mota as a true leader who had played a big role in the National House of Traditional Leaders.
“I hope that our kings will continue to support and unite the community. We are sending our heartfelt condolences to the family of Mota,” he said
