‘Principled, unifier’- Kebby Maphatsoe lauded at memorial service

Maphatsoe, who was president of the now disbanded Umkhonto Wesizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA), died of a heart attack on Tuesday.  

He served as a deputy minister between 2014 and 2019 and was a member of the ANC NEC until December 2017. 

ANC NEC member Tony Yengeni described Maphatsoe as a very principled leader. 

“Last week I was on the phone with him discussing issues of the unity process. When I got closer to Kebby through that unity process, I came across a dedicated disciplined cadre of the African National Congress and Umkhonto weSizwe.

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“A steadfast and upright leader of the ANC. A humble and principled leader of the entire ex combatants. Anyone who rubbed shoulders with Kebby knows that he was very principled in what he believed in. He was fearless even to the point of putting his whole life in danger.” 

ANC MP Tina Joemat-Peterson told mourners that she and Maphatsoe spoke every day for over two years.

“My heart today has not come as an ANC politician but as a human being. We spoke to comrade Kebby almost everyday for two and a half years. What I spoke to him about will go with him to his grave. What he spoke to me about will go with me to my grave.” 

Maphatsoe's nephew Thabo said he believes the nation has lost a great leader.

Maphatsoe will be laid to rest on Sunday at West Park Cemetery.