AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER
ON his deathbed, Kebby Maphatsoe, the ANC MP and former deputy minister who died at his Johannesburg home, gave instructions of who should speak at his funeral.
Maphatsoe’s final instructions were revealed today by his brother Joseph, who also disclosed that the former leader of the disbanded Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) did not die from COVID-19-related illness but suffered a cardiac arrest.
“He was resting in his bedroom and his wife brought him food. He said he was still ok and would eat after an hour. When the wife came back later, he looked like he was still fast asleep but she didn’t realise that he was gone,” Joseph said.
He said Maphatsoe’s wishes included who should speak at his funeral, including ANC and government officials. His funeral will be held on Sunday.
ANC deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte led an ANC delegation that went to pay respects to Maphatsoe’s family. Duarte said Maphatsoe was deeply concerned about the welfare of Umkhonto we Sizwe veterans.
Maphatsoe was a former Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans.
Tributes have continued to pour in for him.
The Umkhonto we Sizwe All-Inclusive Conference Preparatory Committee, responsible for putting in place a process to unite all former liberation fighters, has paid tribute to Maphatsoe.
“It is with heavy hearts that MK All-Inclusive Conference Preparatory Committee (MK AIC PrepCom) has learnt about the untimely passing of Comrade Kebby Maphatsoe yesterday morning, 31 August 2021. Comrade Kebby Maphatsoe was part of the Preparatory Committee which is tasked with the launch of an All-Inclusive Conference of MK Veterans.
“Comrade Kebby Maphatsoe made valuable contributions in the work of the Preparatory Committee. He committed his time and energy to make inputs on the advancement of the work of this committee and latter meetings he attended, he indicated that he had so much wanted MK ex-combatant to fully understand that the disbandment for the good of all MK Veterans and the entire organization. He emphasized issues of discipline among Cadres and putting the organization above personal interests.
Cde Kebby was committed to making the MK All-Inclusive Conference a resounding success.
“The MK Preparatory Committee recognised Comrade Kebby’s leadership abilities with experiences as a former Deputy Minister in the Ministry Of Defence & Military Veterans, an MP and a former Whip of the Standing Committee on Policing and recently appointed as a Whip of the Standing Committee of Sports, Arts and Culture.
“The MK Preparatory Committee calls upon all former combatants of MK to honour Comrade Kebby Maphatsoe by seizing the opportunity and join forces to dignify and embrace all efforts towards launching a successful All-Inclusive Conference.
“We salute Cde Maphatsoe for his positive contributions and we thank the family for giving him to the struggle and thus allowing him to contribute towards a better life for MK Veterans. Your loss is our loss as MK Community, the general membership of the ANC and the people of South Africa.”
