LOVER of education, historian and fountain of knowledge - these were some of the words used to describe the late war veteran Dr Motsoko Pheko.
Family members, friends and companions gathered at the Rosebank Union Church in Sandton on Saturday 4 May to bid farewell to the anti-apartheid activist.
Pheko was laid to rest in the presence of the Premier of Gauteng at a Special Category 2 funeral service.
His family members were in attendance and paid their last respects in their Sesotho attire. The mourners were also entertained with a Sesotho performance.
Former party members of the Pan African Congress of Azania (PAC) were also present in large numbers and sang struggle songs between services.
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One by one, they lamented one thing to Dr Pheko: his demand for the return of land.
As the speakers paid tribute, they all said that as much as Pheko has played his role in the struggle, he has always demanded that the land be returned to the rightful owners, even after democracy.
Raymond Kgagudi, a member of the PAC, said Pheko’s wish was reportedly yet to be fulfilled.
He said the return of the land to the rightful owners and equitable distribution of the land has never been realised.
“That is why former PAC president Dr Pheko has described the 1994 and 1996 negotiations as colossal fraud. The charges must fall as he agrees with Dr Pheko and claims that nothing changed in 1994,” he said.
Kgagudi said Pheko was a true leader with upright character and a consuming love for the African people.
Another speaker, Keketso Khena, said Dr Pheko had fought for the country and he had fought for the pride of the South African people and the entire continent.
She further said the late hero was a mentor and a scholar. Keketso said she was grateful for him and for what he stood for.
“The branch of the Pheko tree has fallen and the shadow of our three is ending. The great leaders of our liberation movement are leaving us. Rest well Ntate Pheko, we will draw on your wisdom and tenacity as we continue the fight for our freedom,” she said.
His family and close relatives said Pheko was a man who was part of their lives and was always present even in difficult times.
