Members of Segotja Molelo Burial Society last Wednesday laid to rest their President Goleba Janet Mokwena at her home village in Letlhakeng.
Mokwena’s life had impacted the lives of thousands of women who were part of the society, which boasts of 27 branches across the country.
Segotja Molelo Burial Society provided a support system for families, especially during difficult times of sorrow and bereavement.
Speaking at the memorial service of their fallen heroine, her sister-in-law Boingotlo Ngaka said Mokwena met her demise through covid 19 as she travelled the country to preform her burial duties.
“We cannot tell exactly where she might have contracted Covid-19 because she travelled a lot for work. She had a short illness and went for testing on Saturday 6th and the results came back positive, she passed on last week Friday,” Ngaka sadly told the mourners
Most speakers during the memorial service held at the headquarters office on Tuesday encouraged the society to keep the fire burning by continuing working together to keep Mokwena’s legacy alive for many generations to come.
One of the speakers from Ponelo Wealth, Masego Tselaesele who joined the society in 2019 said the late Mokwena was passionate about the gospel of getting out of poverty to the point whereby she introduced to them a scheme to buy each other goats (motshelo) until everyone in the scheme had 11 goats each.
She also came up with a fund raising activity to buy cars for members of the society.
The maroon branded cars bought through the fund raising initiative occupied the parking space as society members dressed in matching white branded t-shirts, maroon berets and black skirts stepped out to celebrate and bid their the fallen queen a befitting farewell.
“We lost a mother, child, friend and brethren; we lost our pillar. We lost the person we loved. Everything has its own time, time to live and time to die. She trusted God more, she advised us with a gentle voice. We are heartbroken but it’s time to celebrate her, said Keitumetse Orapeleng from Kanye branch.
Shegotja Molelo Society was officially registered with the Registrar of Societies in May 12th, 2011 primarily to assist women during funerals.
Chairperson of the Mabutsane branch Kebiditswe Sephetsolo explained that each member was provided with a package of P72 600 for a coffin, food, tent, tombstone and three cars to be used a funeral.
The society also paid out P12 000 to the grieving family and gave a P1000 monthly payment for a period of 12 months.
“Our joining fee is P100 and annual membership subscription is P120, monthly premium is P130 for each registered person, for more details everyone is free to contact the nearest offices,” said Sephetsolo.
Born 57 years ago in the Ngaka family, Mokwena is survived by her husband, three children, parents, four younger brothers and two sisters.
