The funeral service of Obakeng “Bucks” Benjamin Plaatjie, a politician, an artist, and a loving father, who constantly spoke about his children, was held at St Martin Lutheran Church in Galeshewe on Saturday, 20 May.
Plaatjie was born on 24 August 1973, he started his schooling at Sol Plaatje Primary School, then proceeded to Thabane High School and ended at Fort Hare University where studied Law and Governance.
Those close to him described him as stubborn, and rigid but a leader, a person who was full of life, and a father to many. He mentored and coached many young people and started many cultural organizations. A staunch ANC leader who served as a ward councilor for Ward 16 in 2015.
Pelonomi Plaatjie who cared for her uncle and witnessed his passing with other family members, said it is not only the family who took care of the deceased but the whole community from Promised Land. She attested to the love that the deceased had for his nieces and nephews.
Piet Van Wyk, a friend, testified that Plaatje took pride in his children and taught them about their origin. “There was a glance and a smile whenever he spoke about them. Keorapetse, you, must look after your family,” an instruction to the deceased first-born son.
“He was an inspiration to all even at varsity and politics was in his veins. Very stubborn. Although he could not say “sorry”, he listened when reprimanded you could see by his behavior. We have lost a great leader,” lamented van Wyk.
Keorapetse Dooi, the firstborn son accompanied by his siblings dedicated a poem and referred to his father as a Pioneer. He told mourners that his father instilled a lot of values in their lives, “He told us to strive to make right for each wrong and become the change we want to see in others. We are proud of him. At the memorial service held at the Kimberley Theatre, I cried tears of joy because I knew my father was happy, looking at all those performances in his honor”, he said with pride.
Letlhogonolo Nche, a former colleague from the National Arts Council explained they worked together in 2013 and the deceased was responsible for the Cultural Dance desk. He often complained about the status of the arts in the province. In 2016 they were nominated to be advisors to the council to formulate a policy on the Arts. “Plaatje resigned in 2015 to pursue politics. A proud family man, who spoke about his family and carried pictures of his children. His name will be mentioned when the President signs the Policy on how to incorporate the arts in education”, he commented.
Themba Gomba, a Branch Chairperson of the ANC said Plaatje was a Comrade of many facets with a strong character. “He missed the opportunity of being developed and placed in the right position. Even during difficult times, Bucks was the voice of reason”, he lamented.
Sakhi Mandela, an artist and founder of Zakheni Cultural Group, their friendship started at high school when they established cultural groups in High Schools. According to Mandela, the two were inseparable. “There was an opportunity for one of us to go to London when we were younger. We lost out on that opportunity because we could not decide who should go.”
Family representatives from both the Plaatje and Dikwidi family attested to the type of person the deceased was. Mr. Mosiapoa who was part of the delegates during the marriage between the deceased and his niece, Mercy appealed to the Plaatje family to support the widow. “He served the community. GOD called us for different reasons hence some people will serve the community but remain poor because they are not doing it for wealth”, remarked Mosiapoa.
Obakeng Benjamin Plaatjie and his wife Mercy, were blessed with five children, one has passed on. He leaves behind his wife, four children, and grandchildren.
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