By Jonk wa Mashamba
Editor-In-Chief
news@alexreporter.co.za
(All pics by Mashamba Media)
Kutlwano, second born of Mpho Moerane’s four kids said his death was the biggest shock of her life.
She said she lost her partner in crime, her karaoke buddy and her biggest cheerleader.
“My dad taught me to love, he taught me the importance of education, he taught me to be my true self,” she said.
“I never thought at 17 I would bury you.”
Overwhelmed by emotions, Kutlwano shared that she was looking forward to the day her father would walk her down the aisle, a wish she shared at his 50th birthday celebration two years ago.
“I will take care of your three children, your mom and your beautiful wife. Dad, I promise to further my studies… I promise to make you proud,” she said.
“I live each day wondering how I will get through this life without you, without your wisdom, without your love, without hugs.
“I promise to make you proud. Rest well Mphoza, chaile (it’s over),” she said.
The funeral, also attended by president Cyril Ramaphosa, ministers, deputy ministers, Gauteng premier David Makhura and City of Johannesburg mayor Mpho Phalatse, was held at Kwa-Bekilanga Sports Grounds yesterday (22 May 2022).
Moerane was the ANC caucus leader in the City of Johannesburg municipality.
He had been in the Netcare Milpark Hospital since last week where he remained unconscious until his death.
Fikile Moerane, speaking through her friend Dorriane Sithole, described her husband as a romantic lover.
“I believe in ’till death do us part’ but I did not expect it to be so soon,” Fikile said.
“You were my rock … our together has been so viciously stolen from us. I thank God for loving me so much and I’m eternally grateful for the time I spent with you.”
Fikile said she was aware that things in her life would never be the same again, but believed the world her husband had left behind was a lot better than how he found it.
“My heart is sore, it’s broken into pieces but I’m proud to have been your hun,” she said.
“ We could spend hours and hours talking but could also sit in silence appreciating each other’s presence.”
She spoke about how she was moved to tears when one of their four children, Neo, in their week of mourning, came to her with a cup of coffee and said: “I hope it’s exactly how dad used to make it”.
His firstborn son Lerato said his father showed him tough love that he believes was preparation for a time like this.
“The last time I said a speech about you was on your 50th birthday and I thought the next time was going to be on your 60th,” he said, adding that he did not know whether to be angry or sad at this loss.
“I promise that I will shine and make your proud and continue the legacy of the Moeranes,” he said.
Paul Mashatile, ANC treasurer-general said Mpho Moerane’s death has left serious wound in the hearts of many South Africans.
Mashatile, who spoke fondly of his friend said:
“Comrades, it is often said that time heals.
“Sadly, however, this is yet to be the case with many of us who are still coming to terms with what happened to our beloved son, husband, father, family member, fellow golfer, colleague, comrade and friend on that fateful day, about two weeks ago.”
Like many people, Mashatile had high hopes that the former Johannesburg mayor would survive the accident.
“Today, with lumps in our throats and as we try to fight back tears, we still can’t believe that we are speaking of him in the past tense.
“The pain is unbearable. The hurt is too deep. Comrade Mpho left us too soon. He left gaping wounds in our hearts.”
Makhura said the successive deaths were unprecedented and that nothing could have prepared the ANC to lose three of its mayors in a short space of ten months.
His close friend Mike Maile described Moerane as an exemplary.
” You were destined to serve and that you did with distinction. Hence you were associated with excellent service delivery despite your very limited time in government.
“Bafana, you inspired me in many ways. Your love for family is unparalleled (exceptional),” Maile told mourners.
He was laid to rest at Fourways Memorial Park Cemetery.
