The funeral service of Hamilton Tshwaro Mocumi known as “Oom Tshwa” was held on Saturday, 30 June 2018 at St Pauls Anglican Church. The church was filled to capacity with mourners from Vryburg, Rustenburg, Mmabatho and other parts of the country to celebrate his life with a combination of sad and jubilant emotions. The church was transformed with a spectacular display of government flags, an indication that this was not an ordinary man.
Oom Tshwa was born on the 12 March 1958 in Kimberley, the third child to Leonard Dijo Koos and Elizabeth Ouma Mocumi (nee Makadu). He started schooling at Sol Plaatje Primary School, preceded to Tidimalo High School currently known as Dr EP Lekhela High School and obtained his teaching qualifications from Taung Teachers Training College and Rand Afrikaans University, currently known as The University of Johannesburg. He further studied for a Specialisation Art Course with the then Transvaal College of Education.
He began teaching in 1979 at Greenpoint Higher Primary School (Currently Sinothando Centre), then later known as Redirile Senior Phase. He held various positions within the Department of Education in Kimberley and Kuruman between 1989 until February 2004.
In March 2004, he was appointed District Director by the Department of Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs in the Dr Ruth Segomotso Mompati District in Vryburg, North West a position he held until he passed on.
A loving father to his children; Pinkies, Moosa and Naledi; an educator to both young and old, a sports lover and a cultural activist, that’s how speakers described Oom Tshwa.
Mr Mathakgane, a neighbour who later became his friend, said “Tshwaro brought a township vooma to Marico Street; there were cars driving up and down the moment he moved in.” They use to joke a lot including his illness, the rare genetic disease. He said the deceased touched many lives and leaves behind a rich legacy.
Ms L Mogorosi who spoke on behalf of the care giver, Ms Kele Moea, told mourners that Kele nursed him from the day he was diagnosed until his last day, fulfilling the deceased wish. She took a month leave to be on his bed side when he was admitted in Pretoria. His affection for her was unmistakeable, affectionately called her “my love”. Ms Mogorosi narrated all the challenged that the couple went through fighting for Oom Tshwa’s life.
Mrs Goieman and Mr O Mocumi, representatives from the Makadu and Mocumi families, raved about his leadership qualities and the ability of bringing the families together. Whether it was arranging family gatherings or officiating at ceremonies Oom Tshwa did it with excellence. He was kind to those he didn’t get along well with.
Childhood friend, Goody Plaatjie, also praised the deceased’s organising and negotiating skills. He said OOm Tshwa was known for his good sense of humour; his fond joke was the deceased first time on an air plane, when Oom Tshwa came back from his journey he said “I’m probably the third from the Mocumis to board a plane.”
A family friend, Father Kubheka, vividly remembers Oom Tshwa in attendance at his first sermon at St Pauls in 2001. Whenever there was a misunderstanding amongst parishioners, Oom Tshwaro was the peacemaker. “I consider myself part of the Makadu-dus and the Mocumi-cumis”, said Fr Kubheka. He vowed to mentor and guide his friend’s the children.
His colleague, Head of the Department in Vryburg, Mrs N Bapela remembers his dancing skills; humility; devotion and dedication to the arts. Bapela said Oom Tshwa was a hands on leader and a team player who gave feedback whenever it was requested.
Mr X Nouse, his nephew said he will never forget the love and support he received from his uncle when he lost his father and grand father separately. Oom Tshwa was there for him, coaching, mentoring, guiding and holding his hand throughout his bereavement process.
His children, Pinkies and Moosa confirmed everything the speakers said about their father. They said they understood why their father insisted on celebrate his 60th birthday two weeks prior to his death. His daughter, Pinkies read from Romans 8:28 at his birthday party and funeral.
His fellow congregants, the program director, Mr P Mosegomi; Block Leader, Ms S Chababa and the Parish Priest, Mrs Kea Masetswa, all said he was a devoted Christian who fulfilled his obligations and never missed mass, he used to sit on the third row from the front. He could recall the content of the prayer book even when he was sick in hospital.
Mourners were entertained by Nomtiti Cultural Group from Vryburg, their performance brought tears to some of the family members and Desmond Galane, an ex-leaner, a Saxophone Player, played a few popular hymns, confirming that indeed he was an Artist of a kind.
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