Preparations are underway at Pella village near Rustenburg where the remains of a freedom stalwart Moses Kotane will be re-buried in two weeks’ time. Most of the community members don’t know him as they were told by their grandparents about Kotane.
Kotane, who died in exile in Russia in the 70’s, did not tell his family when he left the country but only his nephew, Matlakala Kotane, who was staying with him in Alexander. He says his uncle told him not to inform anyone about his departure out of the country.
“I was born and bred at Moses Kotane ‘s house in Alexandra. He left while I was 7-years-old. He told me that he is leaving and I should not tell anyone. When my uncle left the country, he was wearing a brown overall, and said he doesn’t know where he was going. He said he will always remember me.”
Moses Kotane ‘s nephew, Seoketso Moscow Kotane, was named after Russian Capital, Moscow as a part of remembrance where Moses Kotane was buried.
Moscow says, “My dad named me Moscow because he said I remind him of his brother, who was in exile at that time. I was born in 1951 and was named Moscow so that my father could always remember where his brother was. Most of the people thought this is my nickname. Kotane died in Russia that is why i was named after the Capital, Moscow.”
The community of Bakwena ba Morare at Matlhako in Pella Village hope that the re-burial of Moses Kotane will give their village a recognition that will bring some developments. At the moment preparations are underway at the village preparing for the re-burial of the freedom fighter. Top politicians are expected to attend the re-burial.
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