True son of the soil

TRIBUTES: SOWETO UPRISING STALWART MOKGATLE LAID TO REST >>> Death marks end of an era for 1976 generation.

- Eric Mthobeli Naki

Black consciousness movement stalwarts paid tribute to one of the 1976 Soweto students uprisings leaders, Barney Mokgatle, 73, who died recently without fanfare or publicity befitting of a leader who led one of the historic phases of the anti-apartheid struggle.

The funeral was held at Bapong, the rural home of Mokgatle, on Sunday, after his death on 12 November.

He was the last surviving leader of the Soweto trio who included Tsietsi Mashinini and Khotso Seathlolo.

Azanian People’s Organisation president Nelvis Qekema and General Hlomani Mabasa were among those who delivered eulogies.

Thabo Ndabeni, a 1976 stalwart, said Mokgatle played a critical role as part of the core leadership, which spearheaded the student uprising.

“At a particular point he had to also leave the country, to be with Mashinini.

“In exile, he was charged with the responsibility of driving the international campaign to raise awareness on the Soweto 11, who were charged with sedition and terrorism for leading the 1976 uprising.