By Karabo Ntanzi
“I love you all.” Those were the last words uttered by Kelebogile Vanesa Voss to her family before she took her last breath. Her funeral service was held on Tuesday, 9 January 2024, at the Recreation Hall in Galeshewe.
Those who knew Kele as she was affectionately known described her as inspiring, loving, caring, having a zeal for life and being a spectacular dresser. As a teacher, she was a mother not only to her four children but extended her love to her learners.
She was a Phatshimang Teachers’ College and St Boniface alumni. She taught at Kgabong Combined School, Vuyolwethu High and was at Beacon Primary School at the time of her death.
According to her sister, Leratoeng Mokubung Kele succumbed to cancer and was diagnosed in 2021.
Obakeng Leepe, a bosom friend, told mourners that their relationship was based on mutual respect. He mentioned the good and the bad times they went through and praised his friend for being strong, independent and for her immecable motherhood skills.
Goitsemodimo Godisamang, brother to the deceased, said you depart from the earth after serving your purpose. He encouraged people to know themselves to understand their life purpose.
Zodwa Batyashe, Spokesperson for the Mokubung family, appealed to Kele’s children to look up to their aunt, Loratoeng. She reminisced about their childhood and mentioned that the last time she was with Kele, was at their aunt’s party. The duo used the opportunity to catch up and share challenges as parents.
Thelma Tlhalogang nee Voss, spokesperson for the Voss family, said they had known each other since grade 12, although they were not from the same school. Thelma attended extra classes at St Boniface, where Kele was a leaner. “I was stunned by her beauty when my friends informed me that she was Bazil, my brother’s girlfriend. Her beauty radiated from the inside out”. Tlhalogang encouraged both Mokubung and Voss families to stand together and support the children.
Wilfred Archie Koos, Principal at Beacon Primary School, explained that although she was a teacher and the school, they were related through the Voss family. He commended Kele’s commitment to her work. “She was energetic, reported early at school and executed her work excellently. Learners preferred to talk with Mrs Voss about their problems. A hard worker who pushed herself even when she was in pain”, lamented Koos.
According to Boingotlo Louw, a former learner and “adopted daughter” they met in 1993, when Kele was her teacher. Soon, their relationship blossomed into a mother-and-daughter relationship as she was an orphan raised by her granny. “If it wasn’t for Ms Voss, I wouldn’t have had an Identity Document. She assisted me to obtain a birth certificate. At some stage, I was her children’s nanny. She took me wherever she went, even on holidays”, said a distraught Louw. Despite Kele not being impressed with her pregnancy, she supported her through thick and thin because the baby was sickly.
Wonga Mbombo, the son-in-law, said he gained a second mother when he met Kele.
In 1990, Kele was married to the late Bazil Voss and were blessed with three daughters, a son and seven grand-children. She is survived by three siblings.
Comments are closed.