The late MEC for North West Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs Mr Mothibedi Gordon Kegakilwe was given a final send off on Friday, 10 July 2020 in Vryburg. Kegakilwe was given the accordance of a Provincial Official Funeral Category 1, at the request of Premier Job Mokgoro to the President of the Republic. The funeral was ,however, held under strict COVID-19 lockdown regulations. According to the North West Provincial Office of the Premier, the President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa has also instructed that the National Flag fly at half-mast in the North West Province from today until the evening of the funeral of MEC Kegakilwe, this as a sign of respect to him.

The first part of the service was held at the Vryburg Theatre in Vryburg. Screening was compulsory to those who entered, Social distancing and the wearing of masks was observed. In attendance was the Minister of Corporate Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who virtually followed the most part of the first part of the funeral service. The minister also delivered a moving eulogy in tribute to his comrade and colleague, Mothibedi Gordon Kegakilwe.

Gordon’s Wife, Mrs Kegakilwe, “Aus Betty” as she is affectionately known, and the kids took to the podium to pay their last respects to someone they all described as their everything. Aus Betty had a prepared message for her husband, but preferred her youngest daughter to read it on her behalf. The forever faithful Mrs Kegakilwe stood tall on the podium and paid tribute to the love of her life in prayer. Indicating how her husband always used to never miss an opportunity for her to pray. In her prayer, Aus Betty, spoke words of comfort to her late husband, wishing him well in his new journey, but also emphasizing that it is well with those he has left behind, as it is only God that knows. She thanked God for her husband’s life. She called for her Lord’s intervention in the fight against the novel coronavirus in the world.

Gordon’s youngest daughter represented her mother well, in delivering what was a message from her mother’s heart. It was a heartfelt and intimate correspondence, the kind that bared publicly the love they had for each other. “He was someone I could talk to, and that no one can replace” Aus Betty wrote. “Thank you for being my soulmate… thank you for your endless love” the letter continued. The letter also indicated that the family only learned about the cause of Gordon’s death through the media. “Sweety, you fought a good fight.” As she bit her husband farewell.

The late MEC Kegakilwe’s son had lots of praise for his father. “You had my back through thick and thin.” He said, as he told the small congregation how he remembers his father and how he will continue remember him. Echoing these sentiments, the eldest daughter also took the time to remind everyone about his dad, “Dad was the light of my life… the most humble person I’ve ever known”. She indicated how her love for academia has at all times been driven by his father, and referred to him as an “Advocate for Education”, pointing to the work he did in the education sector in the province. “Phunya buka ka matlho ngwanake“ his father used to say.

Gordon was laid to rest at Vryburg Cemetery. Family, Friends and comrades looked on, with caution, under the circumstances.

-The VIP Team

-NWPG

-Jus4tos Photography