Thousands of mourners filled a massive marquee to pay their last respects to former PAC and Pan Africanist Movement (PAM) leader Clarence Makwetu at his funeral in Gwatyu Farms in Cofimvaba on Saturday.
Speakers at the special provincial funeral used the platform to call for an end to factionalism in the PAC that had led to Makwetu and others forming PAM.
The calls for unity started with PAC and PAM leaders at a memorial service on Thursday, while House of Traditional Leaders chairman Chief Ngangomhlaba Matanzima and Sport MEC Pemmy Majodina added their voices to the chorus on Saturday.
Matanzima, who described Makwetu as a neat man who loved farming, said it was befitting that both PAC and PAM factions attended the funeral.
Majodina said: “I want to urge and plead with you my leadership, unite us. We have a common vision – we have a common goal.”
PAM leader Mandla Maseko and the PAC’s Johnson Mlambo also called for unity.
Makwetu, 87, died on April 1 at a Queenstown hospital after a long illness.
President Jacob Zuma granted Makwetu an official provincial funeral to honour his contribution in bringing democracy to South Africa.
In accordance with state protocol, senior police officers carried Makwetu’s brown coffin, draped with the national flag, in and out of the hall, while PAC, PAM and former Apla soldiers formed a guard of honour.
Education MEC Mandla Makupula, who delivered the official oration on behalf of government, had to cut his speech short after some mourners started singing while he was on the podium.
A tribute from Makwetu’s widow, Mandisa, was read out. In it, she described him as her pillar of strength.
“The vow we made when we got married, that till death do us part, has been granted by God and as I vowed, I will also die here eMaqocweni .
“Rest in peace. I will always love and miss you.”
The funeral was also attended by Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas, as well as current and former PAC and PAM leaders including Letlapa Mphahlele, Motseko Pheko, Stanley Mogoba and Luthando Mbinda, among others. — ndamasem@dispatch.co.za
Call at Makwetu’s funeral for PAC factions to unite
Speakers at the special provincial funeral used the platform to call for an end to factionalism in the PAC that had led to Makwetu and others forming PAM.
The calls for unity started with PAC and PAM leaders at a memorial service on Thursday, while House of Traditional Leaders chairman Chief Ngangomhlaba Matanzima and Sport MEC Pemmy Majodina added their voices to the chorus on Saturday.
Matanzima, who described Makwetu as a neat man who loved farming, said it was befitting that both PAC and PAM factions attended the funeral.
Majodina said: “I want to urge and plead with you my leadership, unite us. We have a common vision – we have a common goal.”
PAM leader Mandla Maseko and the PAC’s Johnson Mlambo also called for unity.
Makwetu, 87, died on April 1 at a Queenstown hospital after a long illness.
President Jacob Zuma granted Makwetu an official provincial funeral to honour his contribution in bringing democracy to South Africa.
In accordance with state protocol, senior police officers carried Makwetu’s brown coffin, draped with the national flag, in and out of the hall, while PAC, PAM and former Apla soldiers formed a guard of honour.
Education MEC Mandla Makupula, who delivered the official oration on behalf of government, had to cut his speech short after some mourners started singing while he was on the podium.
A tribute from Makwetu’s widow, Mandisa, was read out. In it, she described him as her pillar of strength.
“The vow we made when we got married, that till death do us part, has been granted by God and as I vowed, I will also die here eMaqocweni .
“Rest in peace. I will always love and miss you.”
The funeral was also attended by Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas, as well as current and former PAC and PAM leaders including Letlapa Mphahlele, Motseko Pheko, Stanley Mogoba and Luthando Mbinda, among others. — ndamasem@dispatch.co.za
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