A special provincial official funeral category 2 will be held for musician, leader and founder of the Ngwao ya Chona Setswana traditional group, Motlwaahatshe “Laaities” Keupilwe.
A SPECIAL provincial official funeral category 2 will be held for musician, leader and founder of the Ngwao ya Chona Setswana traditional group, Motlwaahatshe “Laaities” Keupilwe in Takeng village, Kuruman on Saturday January 9.
Spokesperson for the Office of the Premier, Bronwyn Thomas-Abrahams, said the request to hold a special official funeral by Premier Zamani Saul was approved by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“The President has instructed that the national flag fly at half-mast in the Province on the day of the funeral as a mark of respect.
“A provincial task team led by the Premier along with representatives from the Keupilwe families and different government departments have been involved in preparations for the funeral.”
She added that Saul along with selected representatives from provincial government would attend the funeral to pay their last respects.
“Keupilwe influenced the music scene in the country across many generations, inspiring, entertaining and educating society through his secular and traditional songs. Laaities, as he was affectionately known, covered the teachings of life, social culture and was well known locally. He won several music awards ranging from the South African Traditional Music Awards for the best Setswana album and recently won an award for the best Setswana traditional music legend. He was indeed one of the best Setswana poets and praise singers of his generation.”
Thomas-Abrahams stated that due to the Covid-19 lockdown regulations a maximum number of 50 mourners would be allowed to attend the funeral that would start at 6am tomorrow.
“All Covid-19 regulations will be adhered to. The funeral proceedings will be live streamed on the Northern Cape Government Facebook page and the Northern Cape Provincial Government Youtube channel. The funeral will also be broadcast live on Kurara FM 98.9.”
