[WATCH] Maphoto family thanks ANC for unqualified support
Isaac Lesiba Maphotho, 'Bra Ike', died at the age of 88 at his home in Bendor early on Saturday morning. His death followed a long illness, according to his eldest son, Mike.
POLOKWANE – During a media briefing earlier today at the house of the late ANC veteran, Mike on behalf of the Maphoto family thanked the ANC for assistance rendered after the death of his father.
History of Bra Ike Maphotho
Isaac Lesiba Maphotho (Bra Ike) was born in Ga-Makgato (Blouberg Municipality) on 26 February 1931. He completed his Standard 6 (Grade Eight) at Uitkyk Secondary School in 1952. Maphotho left his home towards the end of 1952 to search for employment in Pretoria. He found a job at the City Council, working in the Department of Native Affairs,
Bra Ike joined the African National Congress (ANC) and soon became an active member. His area of political operation was Atteridgeville, Benoni where he soon became recognised as a strong and principled political leader. He was one of the first recruits of Umkhonto We Sizwe (MK), which was established in December 1961.
Through the ANC, Maphotho became involved in underground activities before he left the country for Dar es Salaam on 28 February 1961.In 1962, the ANC sent him to the Beirut International School from where he returned to Dar es Salaam in 1963. In the same year, he was sent for military training in the former Soviet Union as part of the Luthuli Detachment.’
“Condolences books are open for members of the public. One book is at the home of the late ANC veteran and one book at the provincial office of the ANC in Biccard Street in Polokwane”
Provincial Secretary Soviet Lekganyane#RIPIkeMaphoto pic.twitter.com/vBCgptQlso— ANCLimpopo (@ANCLimpopo) July 16, 2019
A memorial service will be held for the late veteran on Thursday at 12:00 at the Jack Botes Hall in Polokwane. A funeral service will be held on Sunday. The state has taken over all arrangement for the funeral, according to Provincial ANC Secretary Soviet Lekganyane. The president Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to attend the funeral.
