By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
A prominent lawyer, businessman and freedom fighter,Tiego Moseneke was laid to rest in Pretoria on Wednesday after he died in a car accident last week.
A funeral service was held for him in Pretoria,which was attended by hundreds of people, including Deputy President Paul Mashatile, former president Kgalema Motlanthe, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and EFF leader Julius Malema.
Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke remembered his brother as an intellectual freedom fighter who spent his life creating opportunities for others.
He also spoke about his acumen for politics and business.
Among the children, who took the podium to share their fondest memories of Moseneke, were nieces who said he assumed the role of their father when their own died.
Moseneke’s daughter, Didintle, also gave an emotional tribute as she described what an incredible father he was.
“My darling daddy, I wish you left once you walked me down the aisle or perhaps after I drew more lessons from your incredible mind,” Didintle said.
His wife, Koketso, spoke about a philanthropic educational project she spearheaded with him.
“We built two classrooms within two months at a budget that was absolutely reasonable, but I look at the budget allocated to classrooms today, for one classroom I could build three, I know because there are so many hands that need to be washed before you build a classroom.”
Moseneke said the best way to honour her husband’s memory would be through contributing towards the project or starting similar projects in other townships.
Mashatile, who gave a tribute, said he was heartbroken to learn about the death of Moseneke, whom he regarded as a brother and comrade.
“It was the most devastating and depressing news to process,” he added.
He recalled how he and Moseneke served in the United Democratic Front (UDF) during apartheid and how they were arrested and held in Johannesburg Prison for around two years.
Mashatile said although prison was terrible, being incarcerated with Moseneke meant there was a lot of laughter.
“He would tell interesting stories, and you would laugh and forget you are in prison. He would keep you laughing all the time.”