WeeklySA_AdminPHILANTHROPIST: Azapo expresses shock at news of the murder of political activist, author and medical doctor Gomolemo Mokae…
By Lehlohonolo Lehana
The Azanian People’s Organisation (AZAPO) has expressed shock at the untimely death of the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM) activist and intellectual, Dr Gomolemo Mokae, who was found dead at his house north of Pretoria on Wednesday.
Police in Gauteng are probing a murder case following the discovery of the body of the 61-year-old political activist, author and medical doctor, at his house in Ga-Rankuwa around 6pm.
Gauteng police spokesperson Col Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said police are still investigating a case of murder.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident and cause of death are subject to police investigations,” said Nevhuhulwi.
AZAPO, of which he was a member for many years, said it was shocked and dismayed about Dr Mokae’s passing.
“He has served AZAPO and black people in this country in a manner that is unimaginable. His contribution to us as AZAPO is far greater than we can ever imagine. We’re saddened and we pass our condolences to the family and to those that were close to him.
“His dreams and ideals that he fought for the true liberation of this power haven’t been achieved. His passion was “without land we have not been liberated,” AZAPO spokesperson, Jabu Rakwena told Newsnote.
Furthermore, Rakwena said Mokae was a staunch active member of the organisation, who served in critical positions, adding that – prior to 1994 – he was the deputy chairperson of Transvaal, national spokesperson.
Many people would remember him as someone who could hold an argument, was a very astute commentator who could argue his position and very convincingly so. The people’s doctor, freedom fighter, Black Consciousness giant and author.
“He was a towering inspiration to our generation of Black Consciousness activists,” said Rakwena.
According to South African History Online, Mokae was born in Mokopane in Limpopo. He was the last of eight children born of a Methodist minister, Reverend Modisagarekwe Michael and Lotlamoreng Elizabeth Mokae.
His parents’ migrant missionary life took him across Limpopo Province. Mokae’s tertiary education was acquired at the University of Natal Medical School, now Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, where he enrolled for the MB ChB degree.
Mokae thereafter served his internship at Baragwanath Hospital (now Chis Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital). He later started a general practice in Soweto before moving on to Ga-Rankuwa.
Mokae was an ardent and active promoter of African languages. He had numerous literary works published and television dramas broadcast. The published works include Masego, Short, not tall stories, Kaine le Abele, The secret in my bosom and Nnete ke serunya. The TV dramas Gaabo Motho, Lisenethini – It’s a goal and The secret in my bosom were broadcast by the SABC.
Mokae has received numerous honours for his literary works and social activism. The Vista (University) Prestigious Award. Bertrams V.O. Literature of Africa Award. The African Achievers’ Award from Ekhaya Foundation. Maskew-Miller-Longman’s African Heritage Literary Award. The Nation-Builder Award from Batho Batsho Bakopane (“B3”). The Professor Alexander Petrie Award. The latter was for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts and Humanities from the University of Natal.
Vista University awarded him an honorary doctorate for his literary works. Also for his political and social activism. The following year, the institution conferred on him a scholastic Ph.D. for this biographical study of former ANC guerrilla Robert McBride.
Mokae, Itumeleng Mosala, a Sopa (Socialist Party of Azania) member, together with Sopa president Lybon Mabasa left Azapo in 1996 after they were accused of sowing divisions within the organisation.
They had led Azapo inside the country and had just reunited with the BCMA (Black Consciousness Movement of Azania) which was led by Mosibudi Mangena, Mpotseng Jairus Kgokong, current national organiser Strike Thokoane and Vuyisa Qunta. – Fullview/Weekly SA Mirror
