The Lesotho government and opposition officials have hailed the late Ronnie Mamoepa as an avid communicator and diplomat. He played a key role in Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa’s role as SADC facilitator to the Mountain kingdom.
Mamoepa was an internationalist, diplomat who served the then Department of Foreign Affairs and the Presidency with distinction. His experience with this department came handy when his current boss, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa was tasked with responsibility of mediating in the Lesotho political crisis by SADC.
Both Ramaphosa and Mamoepa’s experience in negotiations assisted the mountain kingdom to avoid conflict and loss of life during the transition from one government to the other.
Opening doors for Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa’s meetings with Lesotho’s highest offices.
Including courtesy calls to his Majesty King Letsie III, Ronnie Mamoepa was not only a constant figure on these missions but a key facilitator of information.
Mamoepa was a constant present figure at the government office complex in the capital of Lesotho, Maseru, as part of Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa’s delegation and both the government and the opposition knew him well.
“I learnt a lot from him as a communicator and in fulfilling the Deputy President’s mandate. The office of the Prime Minister sends condolences to his family and his comrades,” says Lesotho Prime Minister’s spokesperson Thabo Thakalekoala
Former Foreign Affairs Minister Mamphono Khaketla says Mamoepa was always quiet in meetings but his reports were always accurate.
“As DC we hope his passing will not see SADC abandon Lesotho with all that is currently going on with the forced leave of the commissioners of police and the correctional services, our condolences to his family.”
The Lesotho media has also hailed his role in opening doors for access to previously conservative government processes and offices.
Mamoepa was Ramaphosa’s spokesperson since 2014
Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has described Mamoepa as an honest person with integrity. The deputy president visited the family house in Centurion south of Pretoria a short while ago. He says Mamoepa was one of the greatest communicators in government. The Deputy President says he will miss Ronnie Mamoepa’s talkative personality. Mamoepa was his spokesperson since 2014. The Mamoepa family says in a statement that they appreciate the support and condolences as well as messages of comfort from across the country. Family spokesperson Groovin Nchabeleng says no funeral arrangements have been made yet. He says a series of prayer meetings have been planned throughout the week at their Centurion home, south of Pretoria.
The first one will be held on Sunday afternoon between 4pm and 6pm. Thereafter a prayer service will be held every day from Monday until his funeral service. The family says those who want to send their condolences through social media platforms can use #RIPRonnie. Click below for more on the story:
Mamoepa was a highly respected struggle icon, who won the hearts of many journalists, as an outstanding government communicator.
Mamoepa was a former political prisoner and former member of the Gauteng provincial legislature. He was incarcerated in Robben Island, as a young activist, where he served five years.
He joined the ANC in prison, and was released in 1990. During the unbanning of the ANC, he served as former President Nelson Mandela’s spokesperson, on the eve of democracy.
Mamoepa joined government in 1994, and served under the world statesman. His extensive experience saw him joining the then Department of Foreign Affairs, as a Communication Practitioner for former Minister Nkosazana Dlamini – Zuma.
He later moved with her, when she led the Department of Home Affairs. He was highly regarded and accomplished public servant and veteran communicator. Mamoepa was loved for his professionalism.
At the time of his death, Mamoepa was Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson.
– By Nthakoana Ngatane and Montlenyane Diphoko
