SECRETS by Matshidiso P. Taleng

Thami Moleko remembered

It was a sombre occasion interspersed with celebration as the late Thami Moleko was remembered fondly in the City of Roses. Speaker after speaker extolled his contributions to arts and culture during his rather brief life. The opening and welcome was done by the convivial MC, Icebound Makhele. After the official opening, Mr Mike Nthuping, a mentor to the late Moleko went down memory lane explaining how his talents blossomed under difficult circumstances as he was struggling to possess basic resources. He said: “I arranged with other comrades to assist him with basic needs such as food, transport and clothes. I was delighted later on to hear the many good things he went on to do for fellow artists including providing platforms for budding artists to express themselves,” Many other speakers described Thami as a man of his words, a man of integrity, a honest literary and arts giant who never reneged on his decision to appease his subordinates. The main memorial lecture was presented by Mr Kingdom Moshounyane, a lecturer from the University of Technology in Pretoria. “The life history of the late Thami was anchored on sacrifice and determination.” He took this opportunity to encourage artists also to remember other artists like Gilbert Modise who came before and after. The event was blessed with revolutionary poems by the likes of the iconic Jah-Rose, Hector Kunene, Charmaine Kolwane, Magic Khotseng and others. Jah Rose and Icebound fondly stated that they were part of those groomed by Thami. The vote of thanks was done by Charmaine. - Raselebeli Khotseng