By Doreen Mokgolo
The villagers of Mathibestad in North West have lost their king, Kgosi Lepono Jacob Mathibe, and their queen, Mmakgosi Ankie Johanna Mathibe.
The couple was admitted to Jubilee Hospital on 28 May. The queen died the following day.
The Bahwaduba king pleaded with the royal family not to bury his wife in his absence and to wait for him to be discharged.
Mathibe was transferred to Dr George Mukhari Hospital on 16 June, where he died just four weeks after the Queen’s passing.
Royal family spokesperson Lacey Mathibe said they prayed and hoped for the chief’s health to stabilise to honour his wishes, but unfortunately, his health deteriorated.
Moretele mayor Masango Manyike said the passing of the village’s most powerful leaders will leave a deep scar.
“This is the turning of an era where highly respected leaders, parents, and community builders are passing on. This is a great loss not only to Bahwaduba but to the community of Moretele,” he said.
Award-winning gospel musician Solly Moholo, who is also a family member, said Kgosi Mathibe’s passing was a sad time in the village as they were still mourning and trying to come to terms with the passing of his wife.
“We are still trying to make sense of this, and it will only make sense with the passing of time. It still feels like a bad dream we will all wake up from, and the king and queen will still be alive.”
A Mathibestad resident, Nthati Motaung, said the two will be remembered for always prioritising the villagers’ needs and pushing for development.
The couple will be laid to rest at the Mathibestad Royal Cemetery on Saturday, 29 June.
Pictured above: Kgosi Lepono Jacob Mathibe.
Source: Supplied
