Funeral industry pioneer to be honoured

The event to honour Matthews Mogafe (63) is set to take place next week Thursday at the Springs Civic Centre.

Mogafe was born in Springs, raised in KwaThema and completed his education at Phulong Senior Secondary School before embarking on employment with a range of employers including Ultra High.

Thereafter, he proceeded to become a sales representative at the National Sorghum Breweries.

From there Mogafe’s entry into the insurance industry was through his work with Metropolitan and obtained a National Diploma in Sales and Marketing.

He is married to Matshidiso Mogafe and they are blessed with two daughters, Itumeleng and Katlego.

Mogafe, popularly known as ‘Rhuzu’, is the founder of a well-known funeral parlour and insurance brokers which he established as Batho Batsho Bakopane, with a number of partners over 25 year ago.

The businessman is also chairman of a short-term insurance company and an IT company, is chairman of an investment company based in Sandton and is chairman of the Skutu Mogafe Foundation, an NGO that celebrates and preserves Ekurhuleni’s heritage.

He further supports a number of initiatives, including the KwaThema Stimulation Centre home for disabled children, which he helped establish.

The entrepreneur is also a devoted supporter of arts and culture, including the Music Academy of Gauteng, led by the legendary Johnny Mekoa.

“This businessman is known for turning ordinary people into history makers and is honoured for his role not only as a leading businessperson but as a humanitarian, philanthropist and community builder,” says Bongani Vilakazi, the founder and director of RYT Culture, the organisers of the event.

Vilakazi emphasises the need to honour heroes from Ekurhuleni who make their mark nationally and even internationally.

The black-tie event is expected to be attended by leading figures from the business, cultural and political community from 6.30pm for 7pm.