Maphatsoe wanted ANC to be involved in his funeral, no one to be sidelined

Photo: Phando Jikelo/ANA

Photo: Phando Jikelo/ANA

Published Sep 1, 2021

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Johannesburg - The family of the late former deputy minister of defence and military veterans, and leader of the now-disbanded Umkhonto We Sizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA), Kebby Maphatsoe, confirmed that he died from cardiac failure.

Kebby’s brother Joseph Maphatsoe dismissed reports that his brother died from Covid-19 in hospital, like some media reports suggested.

“My brother died peacefully in his sleep. He was confirmed to have died from cardiac arrest. He died around 12pm. At about 10am, he invited his wife and told her whatever must happen. When she came back to give him food, he said he was still resting and could come back after an hour.

“The wife came back after an hour. He was fast asleep and she didn't realise he died in his sleep. When the paramedics arrived I was here, they said he died from cardiac failure,” said Maphatsoe.

Maphastoe said the family is happy for the ANC and the MKMVA to be with them within a short space of time.

“His last wishes (wrote a letter on Sunday) if he passes on, here is my programme, here are the speakers, the ANC and the MKMVA, and the government, should be involved in my funeral, no one is sidelined,” he said.

Video: Ntombi Nkosi

Maphatsoe asked for everyone to give them space to grieve, he said the funeral will take place this coming Sunday, but the venue will be announced soon.

The ANC deputy secretary Jessie Duarte visited the home of the late Maphatsoe, to pay homage and convey condolences to the family on behalf of the movement.

Also visiting the home is ANC MP Supra Mahumapelo, ANC national executive committee (NEC) member Dakota Legoete, ANCWL (ANC Women’s League) member Nomvula Mokonyane, MKMVA members, and extended family members

Duarte said they came, as the ANC, to send the condolences to the family, saying that a sudden death took them by surprise.

“Our first concern now is the family and to assist them in making sure that comrade Maphatsoe’s wishes are followed to the letter. He left a set of instructions, which all of us feel duty bound to follow. From the ANC side, this is a tragic loss because he played an enormous role in bringing together comrades towards the unity of MK veterans, even up to the last minute.

“Today was going to be a meeting of the Prepcom, where he was going to attend. This is quite sad because he’s been very clear in his mind to us, that the most important thing he needed to achieve was ensuring the welfare of former MK veterans. It’s a loss we won’t recover from very quickly, nobody does,” said Duarte.

Political Bureau

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