Legislature members pay tribute to Joy Matshoge

A sombre atmosphere prevailed in the Limpopo Legislature on Tuesday morning when the voices of Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Joy Matshoge’s peers rang out in tribute to a remarkable woman perceived as a giant of the struggle, who served with distinction and was committed to empowering others.
Matshoge, who also held the position of African National Congress (ANC) Women’s League Provincial Chairperson, died in a car accident on the N1 highway on Saturday night on her way home to Modimolle, ahead of an ANC mini-rally scheduled for Sunday. The activity formed part of a three-day mobilisation programme.
In a special sitting her own comrades and leaders of opposition parties took to the floor to honour their fellow-cadre and colleague hailed for her attributes, some quoting from poems while others instigated the singing of revolutionary songs. Joining them were her closest relatives and family friends. Repeated references were made to Matshoge either always rising in the chamber to sing or choosing a song to lift the spirits of others in gatherings.
At times overcome by emotion during Tuesday’s sitting, Legislature Speaker Polly Boshielo gave her reflections of her friendship with Matshoge, erstwhile Deputy Speaker of the Legislature before joining the provincial cabinet. In her ode to “Sis Joy”, Boshielo referred to her as a perfectionist and a woman who liked order, portrayed a sense of humour that kept others going, hated mediocrity, lived women empowerment, was brave, loved her work and took her responsibilities very seriously. She concluded saying the Limpopo Legislature wouldn’t be the same without her.
Upon ANC Chief Whip in the Legislature, Falaza Mdaka taking to the podium to deliver his message, Boshielo vacated the chair for Deputy Speaker Lehlogonolo Masoga. She stepped down to take a seat next to Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba to be consoled in her grief. As in the case of other speakers, Mdaka referred to Matshoge’s seat in the house being vacant.
In paying tribute to Matshoge, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Provincial Leader Michael Mathebe mentioned that Matshoge’s death happened at a crucial time when the people would be casting their votes to determine the future of their province in the upcoming local government elections that will be taking place in a couple of weeks. He further referred to a celebration of a life well-lived as hers was indeed an inspiration to the people of Limpopo. “We are quite certain that we could learn positive virtues from her and continue to serve the people of our province with distinction and a great sense of commitment in her honour.”
Democratic Alliance (DA) Provincial Leader Jacques Smalle remembered Matshoge standing out among the others and for being the first person to extend a hand to him upon his induction into the Legislature in 2009. He expressed the belief that despite not seeing eye-to-eye on certain things, she still remained professional. He continued hailing her as someone who provided great leadership in the agriculture sphere.
Quoting from English poet John Donne’s Sonnet X, otherwise known by part of its first line as “Death Be Not Proud”, Patrick Sikhutshi for the Congress of the People (Cope) referred to Matshoge as an eloquent orator who spoke with passion. He further described her as a mature politician who never took things personally and as a discreet person who never spoke when not required. Sikhutshi expressed the opinion that she still had a lot to offer the country.
Last on the speaker’s list was Premier Stan Mathabatha on behalf of the government and people of Limpopo, who started his address by leading with a song in Matshoge’s honour and ending it with another. He spoke of Matshoge’s sense of humour, saying that they would miss her. He extended condolences to the family, relatives, friends, the people of Limpopo as well as her political party and say to them the sharpest spear in their arsenal has fallen. He expressed shock at the news and said death had once again dealt them a massive blow, caught them off-guard and robbed them of the energy, dedication and resoluteness that made her one of the most admired leaders in the province.
The sitting was merely one of a host of services in Limpopo in Matshoge’s honour, with the Provincial Government and ANC in Limpopo having organised memorials in Polokwane for yesterday (Wednesday) and today (Thursday) before Saturday’s funeral in Modimolle.
In the meantime condolences have been pouring in by means of media releases from various institutions, including provincial structures of the ANC, the South African Local Government Association (Salga), the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) and Agri Limpopo.

Story and photo: YOLANDE NEL
>>[email protected]

Featured photo: Petronelle Phasha of the Phasha Royal family of Ga-Nkwana signs a book of condolences after Tuesday’s special Legislature sitting in honour of Agriculture MEC Joy Matshoge (insert).