Rifleman Karabo Edwin Matsheka was celebrated during his funeral with shouts at a military state funeral service held at the Barolong Boo-Ratshidi tribal court in Mahikeng on Saturday.

Paying tribute to and saluting the 28-year-old late Matsheka, who was buried in an exclusive cemetery alongside the Barolong Boo-Ratshidi chiefs, Premier Thandi Modise urged poets, singers, writers and dancers to ensure that the deceased’s name was upheld by future generations.

Modise said Matsheka’s name and those of the 12 other SANDF members of the 44th Parachute Battalion, who died in the Central African Republic (CAR), would forever be engraved in the hearts of South Africans as protectors and defenders of peace, stability and democracy not only in their country but across the continent.

“South Africa has never wanted to be a ‘big brother’ on the African continent.

“As a pioneer for the construction of the Organisation of African Unity into the African Union however, we owe it to the continent to work towards the creation of peace, stability and plant seeds of development in the mother continent as it began in most African countries during the years of humiliation and oppression,” the premier said.

Maj-Gen Titus Matlakeng said the SANDF would pursue the services of the fallen heroes.

“Their lives speak for the strength, dignity and decency of those who served and that is how they will be remembered.

“Let us draw strength and courage in the wake of the loss and sacrifice in the line of duty and grieve the loss of our colleagues, compatriots and friends while celebrating their lives in the service of the South African nation,” Matlakeng said.

Matsheka’s cousin, Keresepe Moncho said his cousin was a man of discipline and would be remembered by his family for his reserved stature.

Matsheka is survived by his 95-year-old grandmother, 44-year-old mother, his fiancée and a three-year-old son.