“Death is drawn to sound/ like a slipper without a foot,/ a suit without its wearer,/ comes to knock with a ring,/ stoneless and fingerless,/ comes to shout without a mouth, a tongue,/ without a throat/ Nevertheless its footsteps sound/ and its clothes echo,/ hushed like a tree…”
The above stanza was penned by a Nobel Prize-winning Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda and it eloquently speaks to the brutality of the heart-wrenching death as it has unleashed anguish and pain to us with the passing of Mokgapi Ngwato Moleke. The pain is so excruciating as he was just a young lion with a great future ahead. The fourth son of Deborah Mamotji Moleke, he was born on 11 December 1989 at the Jane Furse Hospital. It is with heavy hearts to pay tribute to a truly exceptional individual who has left an indelible mark on our society. As we mourn the passing of a beloved youth leader, a brilliant Maths and Science educator, and a disciplined cadre of the Tripartite Alliance, we remember a life lived with passion, purpose, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of others. This tribute serves as a testament to the profound impact this extraordinary individual has had on countless lives, and the legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Ngwato started his primary education at Tseke Primary School (Ga-Nchabeleng) in 1995 and proceeded to Northern Academy (Polokwane) in 1996 until 2001. His high schooling was at the Mokhulwane Secondary School in Ga-Nchabeleng from 2002 until 2005, and a year later in 2006 he went to matriculate at the Northern Academy in Polokwane.
From 2008 to 2011, Ngwato went to study Bachelor of Science majoring in Mathematics, Science and Geology at the University of Limpopo. And in 2020 he completed Post Graduate Certificate in Education at UNISA.
The late Mokgapi Ngwato Moleke worked in different places such as Rustenburg Mine in 2012; Gobetse Secondary School as temporary teacher; Setlaboswana Secondary School as temporary teacher; and in 2023 January he got permanent teaching post at Nkgonyeletše Secondary School until he met his death.
As a Maths and Science educator, our departed friend possessed an extraordinary gift. Their passion for these disciplines was infectious, as they transformed the seemingly complex into the comprehensible, inspiring a love for learning and discovery. They possessed a unique ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice, nurturing in their students a deep understanding of the subjects and their real-world applications. Countless individuals can now look back and remember the patient guidance, the gentle encouragement, and the unwavering belief in their potential that this remarkable educator bestowed upon them.
Ngwato was a founding Board Member of the Lawrence Madimetja Phokanoka Foundation (LMPF) which was officially launched on 3 June 2023 at University of Limpopo. The keynote speaker at the launch was H.E. Kgalema Motlanthe, former president of South Africa. Ngwato was an active member of the South African Communist Party’s Lawrence Phokanoka branch, an active member of African National Congress’ Lot Maredi branch and Branch Executive Committee Member of the African National Congress Youth League’s Lot Maredi branch.
“Our departed comrade stood as an unwavering beacon of hope and inspiration. His dedication to empowering young minds, fostering critical thinking, and nurturing leadership skills was unparalleled,” says Ngoato Rachidi, the chairperson of the Lawrence Madimetja Phokanoka Foundation (LMPF). “Through his tireless efforts, he guided countless individuals on the path of self-discovery, instilling in them the values of social justice, equality, and unity. He was not just a leader but a mentor, a role model, and a confidant, always ready to lend an ear, offer guidance, and uplift those in need. His ability to connect with the youth, to ignite a fire within them, and to cultivate the seeds of change will forever be cherished.
“Within the Tripartite Alliance, our departed comrade served as a disciplined cadre, embodying the principles of unity, collective action, and the pursuit of social justice. He was a steadfast advocate for the rights and dignity of all people, fighting tirelessly against inequality, poverty, and discrimination. His unwavering commitment to the cause uplifted the marginalised, amplified the voices of the oppressed, and drove meaningful change in our society. He was a living embodiment of the alliance’s core values, leading by example and inspiring others to join the struggle for a better, more equitable South Africa.”
Beyond his professional achievements, this exceptional young activist was known for his humility, compassion, and unwavering integrity. He possessed an unwavering moral compass and led a life guided by principles and values. His dedication to service and his genuine care for others set him apart, earning him the respect and admiration of all who had the privilege of crossing paths with him.
Though he may no longer walk amongst us, his spirit lives on in the hearts and minds of those whose lives he touched. His legacy of compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice will continue to inspire generations to come. We are forever grateful for the profound impact he had on our lives, and we honour his memory by continuing the work he started, carrying his torch forward, and striving for the ideals he held dear.
In this time of sorrow, let us remember our departed comrade with gratitude and celebrate the life he lived, the lives he touched, and the enduring legacy he leaves behind. May his soul find eternal peace, and may we find solace in knowing that his spirit will forever guide us in our pursuit of a more just and equitable world.
He met his sudden death on 3 July 2023. He is survived by his fiancé Bertha, two sons – namely, Madimetja and Phogole – his mother and two brothers. The LMPF’s Chairperson expressed their heartfelt condolences to the family and all the structures that Ngwato was a member of.
Perhaps the befitting dedication to this gallant youth leader is best summarised by the words of Rosa Luxembourg, the Marxist theorist, who uttered them a day before she was murdered: “Your order is built on sand. The revolution will raise its heart again, proclaiming to the sound of trumpets, I was. I am. I shall be.”