Maphoto’s funeral preparations at an advanced stage

Funeral preparations for the African National Congress (ANC) struggle veteran, Isaac “Bra Ike” Maphoto, are at an advanced stage.

The 88-year-old stalwart passed on after a long illness.

#ANCNEC member and Health Minister Dr. Zweli Mkhizi arriving at the home of the late ANC Veteran General Ike Maphoto to pay his respects to the family. Dr Mkhize is received by Provincial Secretary Cde #Soviet Lekganyane and PEC Spokesperson Donald Selamolela. #RIPIkeMaphoto pic.twitter.com/3cyDtw2A2b

— ANCLimpopo (@ANCLimpopo) July 16, 2019

He had spent many years in exile.

Maphoto was also arrested by the then Rhodesian forces, now Zimbabwe, where he was given a death sentence.

Evening prayer service underway at the home of the late ANC veteran General Ike Maphoto. ANC Peter Mokaba Regional Chair Cde John Mpe and the ANCYL Limpopo leadership led by Chairperson Vincent Shoba and Provincial Secretary Che Selani joined the prayer session #RIPIkeMaphoto pic.twitter.com/8oUrlXinVG

— ANCLimpopo (@ANCLimpopo) July 16, 2019

Bra Ike, as he was known, was released after the liberation of that country having served 14 years.

ANC secretary in Limpopo, Soviet Lekganyane, says they’re expecting senior party and government leaders to bid Bra Ike a fitting farewell.

#ANCNEC Member and Health Minister @DrZweliMkhize, Provincial Secretary Soviet Lekganyane and PEC Spokesperson Donald Selamolela with the children of the late Bra Ike.
Dr. Mkhize visited the family home this evening in Bendor, Polokwane, to pay his respect.#RIPIkeMaphoto pic.twitter.com/CZYwWZn607

— ANCLimpopo (@ANCLimpopo) July 16, 2019

“It would be unusual if we are going to bury bra Ike and there’s no senior leaders of the country and former combatants of the uMkhonto weSizwe. In particular, those of the Luthuli detachment who may still be alive we’re expecting hordes of senior combatants of the African National Congress but we’re also expecting leaders of the government,” adds Lekganyane.

HAMBA KAHLE BRA IKE

“A towering giant of our revolutionary movement has departed. A boabab tree, that sheltered so many children of the liberation struggle, is no more, in Cde Ike #Maphoto, we have lost a true soldier, a Cadre who has never dishonored the course of freedom” pic.twitter.com/cdabqPBpQP

— ANCLimpopo (@ANCLimpopo) July 13, 2019