Ramaphosa hails Bapedi King as a ‘shining example of traditional leadership’
President Cyril Ramaphosa has described Bapedi King Victor Thulare III as a visionary with honour and dignity.
Ramaphosa honoured Thulare with a Special Official Funeral where he delivered the eulogy on Sunday.
The 40-year-old was laid to rest in Sekhukhuneland, Limpopo after he succumbed to Covid-19 related complications on January 6.
Ramaphosa told mourners that the Kingdom had been dealt a massive blow.
“In his veins, he carries the blood of resistance. His inheritance was one of tireless struggle for justice, equality and freedom,” Ramaphosa said.
“As he is embraced by his distinguished ancestors, on this side we are left weeping. Yes, they are there to welcome him, but we weep as he departs.
“May you mourn the King with the serenity and dignity he strove for in his life.
He added that Thulare’s sudden death robbed the Bapedi nation of a true leader.
“It wasn’t long ago that the Bapedi nation welcomed the promising reign of a new leader. His passing - he was so youthful and visionary and full of life; it has shaken our very being.
“He had a masterplan, a masterplan to build a city in this rural area and a lot of development had already been conceptualised and pay tribute to him for having been a farsighted leader of our people here,” Ramaphosa added.
“He would have supported the mass employment programmes that are now rolling out in parts of our country providing valuable services to our people.”
Thulare died less than a year after he ascended to the throne.
“At the onset of his reign, he declared himself a sworn enemy of corruption which he knew deprived his people of the resources that are rightfully theirs.
“His desire was to be a firm partner of the government and an unwavering champion of the needs of his people,” said Ramaphosa.
He pleaded with the nation to honour his memory by continuing with his vision of unity for the Bapedi people.
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