By Karabo Ntanzi
Mourners gathered at Gaska Community Hall, Kimberley to pay tribute to Mpho “Tshasa” Patrick Pholo, twin brother to Mphonyana Patricia Pholo, the second set of twins born to Margaret and Zachariya Pholo.
Mpho was born on 1 September 1963 in Greater No.2, Kimberley. He schooled at Montshiwa, Boitshoko, Tlhomelang and matriculated from Tshireleco High School in 1983. Pholo joined the Department of Justice in 1984 until his retirement on 28 February 2022.
“Mr P” as he was popularly known by co-workers from different Magistrate Courts in Kimberley, served as a Court Interpreter or Language Practitioner for 38 years. “An icon, a trendsetter, with an impeccable sense of dressing. A brilliant translator, who did not distort the message. He was part of a seven-member team, which fought tirelessly for the profession to be formalised. In 2001 he obtained a Diploma in Court Interpreting from the University of Potchefstroom,” remarked a colleague.
The memorial service held at Kimberley City Hall was attended by the Judiciary members, Prosecutors, SAPS and Law Enforcement structures. Colleagues testified about his humility, selflessness, dedication, reliability, stubbornness and demand for a cup of tea in the mornings. Mr P was praised for the love he had for his family especially his twin sister, Mphonyane who often fetched him from work.
At the funeral, held on 26 March, a proud Mphonyane said, “I would not have been a teacher today if it wasn’t for this man.” She told mourners that her twin brother was the breadwinner and he financed her tertiary studies.
“Even when he bought his own house, he kept sending money home. Although he spoke very soft, he was the voice of reason, when things got tough, we all flocked to Ipeleng to seek counsel,” added Mphonyane. She reminisced about their childhood and how their mother raised them on a meagre domestic worker’s salary.
Family members described him as the pillar of strength, “A talented singer, a devoted Christian, hence it was befitting to summon the St Martin Men’s League and Mr Letsilibe to administer Communion just before his passing,” said Abram Nkadimeng a member of the family.
“My brother has been seriously ill since September last year. As brothers, we had our disagreements, he used to scold me but I understood that he wanted me to be a better person,” lamented Abram.
A spokesperson from the Maseng family encouraged all members of the clan to embrace each other.
Nonsikelelo Mdluli indicated that their neighbourly started in 1989, “A quiet, humble and respectable man who was addressed as Mr Pholo in our neighbourhood.” She praised Pholo’s love for his deceased wife and the bond that he had with members of his family, “They loved him dearly. His nephews, especially Tumi used to come and clean the house,” explained Mdluli and further attested to Mr Pholo’s dedication to the church.
Although Mpho was a man of few words, his integrity and leadership ability spoke volumes. He grew within the ranks of St Martin Lutheran Church starting from the Youth, Church Choir, and Men’s League to being a Church Elder for 11 years and an all-time Translator.
A man of many talents, Pholo played soccer for the Dangerous Darkies Football Club and later became the Secretary in 1987. He was a chorister and Chairperson for the Diamond City Boys, a male choir, singing gospel and Scathamiya (a type of music that originates from KZN).
Mpho is survived by five children, two sisters, and other family members.
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