The mood at the Springs Mining and Military Museum was that of restless anticipation as the event of the day got underway.
Word War II hero Job Maseko was given a befitting and dignified memorial service in the presence of family members, military personnel and select members of the public on Saturday.
The intimate ceremony was opened by words of encouragement and a prayer by Pastor Jonathan Coates.
He spoke about the importance of times past and how we are all connected through time.
“We are made up of our past and we are also made up of our future,” he said.
Coates also reminded the attendants that through the honouring of Maseko, nothing is above hope.
“In our struggles and dire moments, in our happiness and celebration and our tears there is hope,” he concluded.
Founder and director of the museum, Tony da Cruz, said the moment was about remembering exceptional bravery and valour.
“Maseko is a Springsite and he executed an admirable feat and we should never forget it,” he said.
He mentioned how honouring Maseko has always been in their minds and hearts.
“He was not just a soldier but a man of humble beginnings.
“His story is pivotal to this space, that is why he has been placed in the centre of the museum,” he said.
Da Cruz narrated how he thought Maseko must have felt in the moments following the momentous decision he had taken.
Maseko sunk a German ship at Tobruk in 1942.
“To tell someone I’m going to sink a ship at the risk of my life and that I’m going to do it all on my own with my little mining experience must have taken absolute bravery,” he added.
He further mentioned how the youth don’t know about Maseko.
“Our schooling system didn’t allow us to know about him and that needs to change. We need to encourage the youth to ask questions and to remember,” said Tony.
The officer commanding the Job Maseko Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Mogamathuri Lekgau, narrated the regiment’s history.
“As of August 2019, the regiment was named after Lance Corporal Job Maseko, a truly selfless hero,” he said.
An emotional last post and two minutes of silence were observed by those in attendance and were led by Lieutenant General Reece Davis. Bongani Nkosi, Maseko’s great-grandson, said that it’s been an honour to see Maseko being remembered.
“It breaks my heart that people do things for him without letting us know. I am very happy that they will remember him as we do,” he said.
