South Africa, Free State: Today, on 16 April 2023, Free State Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, met the family of the former owner of Bloemfontein Celtic, the late Ntate Rantlai Petrus Molemela, at his official residence in Bloemfontein.
At the centre of this special occasion was to reminisce about the great legacy of this gigantic figure, Ntate Molemela, whose life had a profound impact on the lives of South Africans, Free Staters in particular.
Premier Dukwana remembered Ntate Molemela as more than just a businessman but as a social and political activist who helped shape the trajectory of the province’s future.
More than being the owner of Celtic, Ntate Molemela was a generous and selfless servant of the people who dedicated his life to building the community of the Free State.
He espoused what Che Guevara called a true revolutionary; a person who was driven by the feeling of love for others. Ntate Molemela became a beacon of hope and a cardinal symbol of perseverance.
From humble begins, Ntate Molemela built a legacy that cannot be erased by anyone. We must never forget the legacy of Ntate Molemela, and this means that our history as a province must teach coming generations about this father figure whose exploits shone a light on the province, said Free State MEC.
“Today is about appreciating this gallant giant and his family for their sacrifice and contribution to the development and advancement of our province. We have a responsibility to preserve the Molema legacy, and this entails making sure that this legacy is not lost but traced throughout our society. Long live the spirit of Ntate Ratlai Petrus Molemela,” said Premier Dukwana.
Moreover, the Premier of the Free State province, Mxolisi Dukwana, addressed mourners at the burial of the former Executive Mayor (Sebenzile Ngangeluzwe) of Matjhabeng and Lejweleputswa Local and District Municipalities, respectively. Former Executive Mayor Ngangelizwe also served as Deputy President of the South African Local Govern Association (SALGA).
Also in attendance were the Deputy Minister of CoGTA (Mr Parks Tau). And ANC National Chairperson — Mr Gwede Mantashe. Premier Dukwana saluted the role played by former Executive Mayor Ngangelizwe in shaping local government, in the mid-1990s, right up to the turn of the century.
Also in attendance was the Premier of the Eastern Cape province, Oscar Mabuyane. Executive Mayors of Matjhabeng and Lejweleputswa local municipalities, Thanduxolo Khalipha and Veronica Ntakumbana, the President of the South African Local Government Association– Bheki Stofile as well as the Speaker of the Free State Provincial Legislature Zanele Sifuba.