A memorial service will be held on Tuesday at Jantjie’s private residence in Magwagwe village
THE FUNERAL of traditional leader Kgosi Kgosienewang Emmauel Jantjie II will take place at his homestead in Magwagwe village on Thursday, October 15.
The chairperson of the Northern Cape Provincial House of Traditional Leaders, Kgosi Pelonomi Toto, said on Sunday that a memorial service would be held on Tuesday, October 13 at Jantjie’s private residence in Magwagwe village, starting at 10am.
“The Members of the Houses of Traditional Leaders, traditional councils and communities are saddened by the passing of Kgosi. We acknowledge his role and work during his tenure. We commit to work with Boora Jantjie Royal Council during this period of mourning and guide them on the processes in accordance with the customary laws and practice of our people.”
Jantjie was the chairperson of the Seokama-dichaba regional authority and served as the deputy chairperson of the first house of Northern Cape Provincial House of Traditional Leaders in 2009.
He represented the Province at the National House of Traditional Leaders from 2012 until 2017.
At the time of his death Jantjie was the deputy chairperson of the John Taolo Gaetsewe Local House of Traditional Leaders.
Toto stated that among his achievements, Jantjie, who was an ardent cattle farmer, established a goat breeding scheme and launched a rice project in 1985 in Manyeding.
“He built traditional offices without any architectural plans and was actively involved in building community schools and clinics through the community initiative and Yskor mine. He campaigned for the installation of telephones and tar roads to his people.
“Throughout his tenure Jantjie was deeply saddened by the unknown and unidentified grave of his great great grandfather, Kgosi Luka Jantjie, who was beheaded during the Langeberg rebellion against the British. He always called for the repatriation and/or identification of graves belonging to Kgosi Toto I and Luka Jantjie,” added Toto.
The Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr Zamani Saul, has expressed sadness over the death of Jantjie, 72.
Kgosi Jantjie was installed as Kgosi of Batlhaping on June 1, 1972 at the age of 24 years.
Saul stated that Jantjie served his people and the Province with distinction.
“At this hour of great loss, our thoughts are with his wife, Mma-Kgosi Jantjie, and the Boora Jantjie royal household, the Batlhaping Ba-ga Jantjie traditional council and the community. Our sincerest condolences also to the various Houses of Traditional Leadership and everyone who has come to know, love and respect this remarkable man,” said Saul.
