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On 28 September 2024 Galeshewe community, the Hlakudi family and relatives bid farewell to 81-year-old Kenneth Morewane Hlakudi, also known as “Dire”, a man of great stature. A Requiem Mass was held at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine. He was a devoted Catholic who regularly attended mass, including the 6:30 mass often celebrated during the week at St Boniface or Our Lady of Fatima Shrine and prayed the Rosary on his way.
He was the first child out of five siblings, born in Barkley Road. He attended St Matthews Primary, where he joined the Boys Scouts Movement and later matriculated from St Boniface High School. He is one of the founding members of the St Boniface Alumni.
Hlakudi’s passion for boxing led him to occupy several positions within the fraternity from being a Boxer, Coach, Trainer, Referee, Ring-side Announcer and Promoter for Sandie Sadler Promoters. He wished to see regular fights that would create opportunities for up-and-coming boxers.
In 1988, Hlakudi contested and won the Galeshewe City Council election as an independent candidate (Blockman) for Sobantu, serving the community with diligence and pride.
He worked at various places, including BP Jones, the Municipality’s defunct Beer Halls and lastly at De Beers where he retired in 1993.
During retirement, he continued serving the community.
Morewane Hlakudi the first Manager for Maphalane Trust, focusing on projects that dealt with differently-abled people. He also served as the Chairperson of the Galeshewe Association for Caring of the Aged (GAASCA), where he secured funding opportunities for the Centre which is housed in the old Hostels in Dingaan Street. He also served as the Provincial Chairperson of the Older Person’s Forum.
As a community member, who actively participated in the Sobantu Neighbourhood Watch (Sobneiwa) he often reported suspicious movements around his neighbourhood.
His children and grandchildren will cherish the last trip to Limpopo. A combined journey to introduce then to his origin and a family holiday, he led the family in praying the Rosary on their way. Little did they know that they will return without him, he died peacefully at his fore fathers’ land.
He was married to the late Sannah Hlakudi, they were blessed with eight children. He leaves behind 22 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
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