By Karabo Ntanzi
The funeral service of Joseph Thapelo “Fatchie” Selatolo, was held on 19 June at his home, the only house decorated with the Kaizer Chiefs emblem in Modiakgotla Street.
Renowned saxophonist and trumpet player, humanitarian, a God-fearing man, a devoted catholic and an avid Amakhosi supporter, were attributes used to describe Selatolo. There was a strong presence of blue and black blazers with colorful badges representing various organisations that he was involved in. A few “old-timers” could be spotted wearing background coats, Brandwood trousers, Flosherm shoes and berets.
Fatchie was the firstborn son of eight siblings to Motseothata Ouboy and Johana Hilda Selatolo. He began his schooling at Ethel Street Primary and completed his matric at St Boniface Boys High School. He worked for De Beers Consolidated Mine for 32 years.
According to his son, Vicky Lucas, the 79-year old was recently diagnosed with Dementia. He remembers the chilling words uttered by his father to Ntsiki his wife, “I am going,” the last time he left for the hospital. Vicky said he will always cherish the values they grew up on, “love and peace.” Although Fatchie was a disciplinarian, he always taught them the consequences of their actions.
Vicky cannot remember his father being angry or cross but said he was a sore loser. “We knew that he would be in a bad mood if Kaizer Chiefs lost,” he explained. Their house was used as a rehearsal venue by the band and a refuge to many, including the needy.
Neighbour Morechane, said as a believer, he will not grieve for the deceased but will remember him in spirit. He praised Fatchie for his neatness and expensive taste in clothes, calling him a busy bee.
“He would wake up early in the morning, clean the yard and later line his collection of shoes on the stoep and clean them,” recounts Morechane.
Two members from Legends, a band established by Selatolo, Jiya and Tebogo Segaetsho, said he was a father figure who instilled in them discipline and the fear of God. He also encouraged them to care for their families.
A member from the Kaizer Chiefs Supporter’s club, Oupa Thage, acknowledged that the club had lost a loyal supporter.
Fellow Alumni from St Boniface High School, Bangi Moyo explained the purpose of maintaining the alumni is to uphold the values that were imparted to them. They raised funds and assisted with the upkeep of the school including organising bursaries. Wherever he went, Fatchie always carried his musical instruments and played at various gatherings. “We went to Johannesburg to bury Brother Dollen, a former teacher at St Boniface High School, as the coffin was lowered to the grave, Selatolo played ‘Amazing Grace,” he recalled.
Moyo mentioned that Fatchie was a fashion guru and remembered how dressing up helped them attract attention from the opposite sex during those days.
A spokesperson from the Lucas family said Fachie was not a son-in-law to them but was part of the family. “In fact, he was a parent to all of us,” he said. The spokesperson, spoke highly of the deceased, his passion for music and Kaizer Chiefs and the pair of boots painted in black and gold by Selatolo, “The only kind that I have ever seen,” noted the in-law.
A representative from St Boniface Catholic Church and St Joseph solidarity, Mr Dithebe, commended Fatchie’s regular attendance of the daily 6am mass service before the pandemic and his ability to synchronize and balance all the activities he was involved in and still make time for his family.
The deceased is survived by his wife, Nontsikelelo, two sisters, five children and eight grandchildren.
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