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Meshoe slates govt for not honouring Mangope with state funeral

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Leader of the African Christian Democratic Party Kenneth Meshoe says it is embarrassing that the Presidency has refused to grant former Bophuthatswana leader, Lucas Mangope a state or special provincial funeral.

The provincial government initially announced that it had written to President Jacob Zuma, asking him to grant Kgosi Mangope a special provincial funeral but that did not happen.

Meshoe says Mangope deserved a funeral of that stature for the legacy he leaves behind.

“There are people that government gave state funerals to, who have not produced what Rre Mangope produced. So, it’s nothing, as far as I’m concerned, but jealousy. I honour the North West Provincial Government for having tried to do that. I’m going to raise this matter in Parliament when I speak.”

Retired Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke says Mangope deserved respect for his legacy.

Moseneke was attending the funeral service of Kgosi Mangope in Motswedi in Lehurutshe near Zeerust, North West.

Moseneke says Mangope contributed a lot during his time as president of Bophuthatswana, and his legacy can be seen today.

“Like him, hate him, he has made a tremendous contribution in a particular part of our country where he comes from. And I think he deserves recognition, respect. No leader is perfect. But, we must recognize true and great leadership, and those parts of the leadership which deserve our respect. I’m here to bring that respect.”

Moseneke would, however, not be dragged into whether Mangope deserved a state funeral.

“I don’t want to get into state or not state funeral. Respect doesn’t depend on state funerals; let’s not get confused. Respect comes from the nation.”

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