By Karabo Ntanzi
Picture sourced
Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre resembled a South African Communist Party (SACP) conference during the funeral service of Companero Christopher Tshepo “Che” Matlhako on 30 April, a political activist who played a crucial role in liberating South Africa.
Matlhako grew within the struggle by building youth structures such as Galeshewe Student Organisation (GASO) and Galeshewe Youth Organisation (GAYO); after that, he developed and participated in other liberation platforms, including the United Democratic Front (UDF) and Congress for South African Trade Unions (COSATU).
Companero Che held various positions within the SACP and worked tirelessly in strengthening links with other solidarity groups, including the Swaziland Solidarity Networks (SSN), Friends of Cuba (FOCUS) and Zimbabwe Solidarity Forum (ZSF), to mention a few.
Mourners descended from all nine provinces, including the alliance partners, the African National Congress (ANC) and Congress for South African Trade Unions (COSATU).
The Galeshewe-born Matlhako grew up in No.5 from a loving Catholic home to Sanna and Matlhako Matlhako. He received his foundation phase education from St Peters’ both Pre-School and Primary school, then proceeded to the then St Boniface Matlhakotian Brothers School, where he was expelled and completed his studies at Dr. EP Lekhela High School.
Obtaining education was not easy for Matlhako as his studies were constantly interrupted by being arrested, abducted and often kept in solitary confinement. However, he continued his tertiary education under challenging conditions at the University of Fort Hare and the University of Western Cape.
According to his uncle, Seatlholo Matlhako, Chris was an avid reader from a young age, which might have molded his political career and honed his analytical skills as he led newspaper discussions when he was detained with other youth. He authored published articles on behalf of the SACP.
A representative from his life partner’s family, Phera Masoleng, said he could not fully understand him because of his quiet nature. He praised Matlhako for being humble, caring for their daughter and respecting the Masoleng family.
Boitumelo Matlhako paid tribute to his younger brother. He mentioned their sibling rivalry and how they confused the police and he ended up paying for Matlhako’ political sins. Boitumelo affectionately referred to him as “Jah man.”
Diana Mahumapelo, a healthcare provider and friend, said their friendship started around 1995 when she organised an event for Public Servant in the Northern Cape.
“In 2011, Matlhako came to visit and met his lifetime partner, Moliehi Masoleng, at my house and they have been inseparable ever since. His illness started in 2015 when he returned from China. Since then, he has been in and out of hospital”, she continued.
Childhood friend Darius Babuseng proclaimed that Matlhako was a symbol of greatness who adored his family and the SAPC. “He lived a simple life often seen in the dusty streets of Galeshewe and taxi ranks devouring junk food. We met at a football pitch during our school days. He was this big tower and giant. He continued with his football career until at varsity,” stated Darius.
He mentioned that Matlhako was instrumental in signing Jimmy Tau’s contract. “Except politics, he loved Hip Hop music and the Cuban leaves”, he informed mourners.
When delivering the eulogy, SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila told mourners that, Matlhako passed on when China was preparing to send a medical team to check on his illness. The team succeeded, but Matlhako couldn’t return for further treatment because the Covid pandemic had already started.
“He was very independent, and made his traveling arrangements. The Party was not impressed when he drove 2 264km, an equivalent of 31 hours in a small car, representing SACP in the Frelimo Congress in Quelimane”, explained Mapaila.
He always organized accommodation for comrades to stay at other comrades’ homes, saying, “We can’t build the party from the suburbs; we must build the party from the township.”
Matlhako holds various acad
emic qualifications from international and national universities, including a Master’s Degree in Governance and Political Transformation.
Provincial Secretary, Cde Kabelo Mohibidu, conducted the funeral service. It was solemn moment when Mohibidu played the trumpet as coffin was lowered to the ground.
ChristopherHe will be dearly missed by his immediate family, the SACP, Matlhako, Sebeela and Masoleng.
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