City’s former Speaker dies
Politicians and Limpopo at large are mourning the passing of the former Polokwane Municipality council speaker, Caiphus Mathiba.
POLOKWANE – Mathiba passed away at Mankweng Hospital on Monday after a short illness.
He served as the council speaker for two terms and he also worked for various government departments.
According to Tau Mathiba, family spokesperson. Mathiba did not show any signs of sickness and his death came as a great shock to the family.
“He visited me in Pretoria in December and all was well. I was surprised when I was told that he was admitted to hospital. He was admitted for a period of two weeks,” said Mathiba.
He further described Mathiba as an active person who liked to help the community.
Since 1994 he served in various positions, including the Provincial VIP Protection Unit, as Manager for Risk Management at the Department of Health, and as Chief Whip at the Polokwane Municipality.
An ANC member, who was deployed to assist the family, Judas Rakobela, said “the congress movement dips its banner in memory, honour and respect of the late comrade Mokgafi Caiphus Mathiba.”
“He was born to a generous and lovable working class family of the late Malemetsa and Madikana Mathiba on 19 August 1966 at Saulsville. His family eventually settled in Mankweng Township. As a youngster, the deceased became exposed to and participated in the youth, students and community struggles at an early age having growing up in a township in which the once highly politically active University of the North is located. Comrade Caiphus will always be remembered for his outgoing character and his charisma,” said Rakobela.
He further said Mathiba was a community builder who contributed in the moulding of the lives of many people, young and old. “He was a prolific actor who featured in various television series such as Mokgonyana Mmatswale, Wardrobe (Comedy), and Virus”.
He was also a passionate cultural activist who produced plays such as Tshiwana, Our Pride, Bazothini; Decade of Hope, Morality (Musical), and the Noble Man which is currently showcasing at the Johannesburg Market Theatre.
He was also part of the organising team for the establishment of the provincial theatre.
Before him passing on, he was involved in the Maletjema Foundations dealing with event management, arts and culture, a pre-school and children centre; and also at an agricultural project called Rise and Shine.
The memorial service will take place on Friday, Mankweng community hall at 11:00 and the funeral service will be held on Saturday at 06:00 at the Great Tiro Hall at the University of Limpopo.
Caiphus Mathiba will be laid to rest at Mankweng Cemetery on Saturday.
