Members of the media are advised that President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Special Provincial Official Funeral Category 2 for the late Mr Motlwaahatshe ‘Laaities’ Keupilwe. A Special Provincial Official Funeral Category 2 is reserved for distinguished persons specifically designated by the President of South Africa on request by the Premier of a Province.
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 to the late Mr Motlwaahatshe Keupilwe.
A Provincial task team has been set up by the Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, with representatives from the Keupilwe families and different government departments that have been involved in all aspects of preparing for the funeral.
The Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr. Zamani Saul and a select number of mourners representing Provincial Government and the family will be in attendance at the funeral to pay their final respects to this leading musician, leader and founder of the Ngwao ya Chona Setswana Traditional Group. He also greatly 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 has won several music awards ranging from the South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMA) for the Best Setswana Album and recently won an award for the Besr Setswana Traditional Music Legend. He was indeed one of the best Setswana Poets and Praise Singers of his generation.
Due to the Coronavirus COVID -19 lockdown regulations, the maximum number of mourners at the funeral will be limited to 50. All Covid-19 regulations will be adhered to.
Details of the Official Funeral are as follows:
Date: 9 January 2021
Time: 6h00
Venue: Takeng Village, Kuruman
Media participation:
Members of the media may view the funeral live via streaming 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
Media Enquiries:
Ms. Bronwyn Thomas- Abrahams, 083 447 6586, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE PREMIER