By BAKANG MOKOTO

THOUSANDS of mourners from various arenas came out in numbers to witness the burial of SABC radio and television broadcaster, Cebo Mnyaapelo who passed away last week Wednesday after a long illness. Taung-born renowned sport presenter’s funeral was held at North West University (NWU) Greater Hall in Mahikeng.

Former soccer player and SABC commentator, Marks Maponyane said he shared good memories with Manyaapelo.

“We will always cherish Manyaapelo’s life and his charismatic personality. I will remember the moments we shared together. Manyaapelo always loved his family, his sport, and most important his birthday. He will normally not come to work on his birthday on the 7^th of May.

“Manyaapelo said life is too short and people tend to take their birthdays for granted. Truly, I mulled over these wise words and started to take my birthday serious. Manyaapelo taught me many life lessons and he has a unique personality,” Maponyane said.

He further said ‘CC’ as Clement Cebo Manyaapelo was affectionately known in the sport fraternity always dressed-up for his own birthday. Maponyane added that Manyaapelo believed that “life is a party.”

Former colleague and friend, Aubrey ‘JR’ Motloung shared the same sentiments. Motloung said Manyaapelo left a void in his life.

“Manyaapelo lived his life to the fullest and no one will ever replace him. The sport fraternity lost one of its integral members. However, we will soldier on and always learn from his life,” Motloung said.

Another colleague, Alpheus Koonyaditse said: “Manyaapelo taught us to value and appreciate people around us. He always loved his family, friends and colleagues. It is imperative to appreciate what we have. Looking back now, you begin to realise that life could be taken away from you when you least expect.

“Some of us who were able to see him, we were beginning to believe that he was recovering well. Manyaapelo also promised to join us back at work, but God had other plans. Indeed it was a shocker last week Wednesday when I received a call that Manyaapelo has passed on,” Koonyaditse said.

SABC spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said: “The SABC Board, management and staff of the SABC would like to send its heartfelt condolences to the Manyaapelo family and friends. Manyaapelo will be remembered for his immense contribution at the SABC as the former Motsweding FM’s breakfast host for the programme ‘Re tla dula re thabile’ in 1998.

“He later became a Sports Presenter for ‘Mamepe’, a sports programme on Motsweding FM. He continued with ‘Mamepe’ as well as being a television Sports commentator, for ‘Laduma’ since 1998 until his untimely death. He worked on big special events where SABC was involved, like the FIFA World Cup in 1998 and 2010 and the AFCON 2013 and 2015.”

Kganyago further said Manyaapelo has a rich history in broadcasting environment which dates back from 1984 as a sports presenter for the erstwhile Radio Bop. He added that Manyaapelo was affectionately known to the millions of South Africans as one of the best sports commentators in the country.

“His in-depth, factual, well informed and yet playful commentary captivated many football fanatics to the SABC channels. His ability to use Setswana for football commentary inspired many youngsters and attracted them to the sport field. The country has lost a very great man in Cebo Manyaapelo.

“His work will continue to bring us great insight and understanding of the world of sport for decades to come. Manyaapelo’s talent was not only confined to South Africa, but he represented the SABC beyond the borders of South Africa where his skills were equally appreciated,” he said.

North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo said they will name Leopard Park Golf Course after Manyaapelo. 

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