By BAKANG MOKOTO

Thousands of mourners came out in numbers to witness the burial of SABC’s Motsweding FM presenter, Modiko Mothupi. A 56 year-old broadcaster passed away on Monday after a short-illness and he was buried at Mmabatho Cemetery in Mahikeng on Saturday.

SABC News Provincial Assignment editor, Winston Mphahlele said Mothupi served the organization for more than 15 years.

“He was a disciplined, dedicated and determined announcer, DJ and presenter. Mothupi was a colleague who spent his better part of life in broadcasting. He was the example of the crop that was chosen and came into the industry with passion. Mothupi did not join the SABC for personal gain, but because of passion.

“He went through thick and thin, but he continued to serve the organization unconditionally. Mothupi was also a soft-spoken and kind individual who was easy to associate with. He was also a devoted Christian and he was so creative when coming to his work,” he said.

Mothupi’s longtime friend and colleague, Lawrence Kuntwane shared the same sentiments.Kuntwane said: “We wish we could have a person of his calibre, especially when coming to traditional Setswana music. Our emerging presenters could take a leaf out of Mothupi’s life. Mothupi was a simply man who never regarded himself as a celebrity. He was the voice of the station.”

Kuntwane said: “We wish we could have a person of his calibre, especially when coming to traditional Setswana music. Our emerging presenters could take a leaf out of Mothupi’s life. Mothupi was a simply man who never regarded himself as a celebrity. He was the voice of the station.”

Judge Bafshoe, who was Mothupi’s neighbour said: “Mothupi loved God and he was always vibrant. He believed in himself and always encouraged people to work hard.”Mothupi was also advocating a fight against women and children abuse. He was well-known and blended well with his neighbours.

“Mothupi was also advocating a fight against women and children abuse. He was well-known and blended well with his neighbours.”

Bafshoe added that Mothupi played an integral part in making sure that they become a one big family.

“I will miss him and I hope God will grant his family serenity,” he said.

Keorapetse who is Mothupi’s daughter said: “We will always cherish your presence in our life. You also encouraged us to study harder as you believed in education. We hope you will always look down on us from heaven and we were grateful to have a father like you,” she said.

ANC acting Provincial Secretary, Sussana Dantjie said: “Mothupi was so passionate about his job. He promoted Setswana language and culture. Mothupi has been dedicated to his job as a Setswana broadcaster fordecades and contributed to our society’s history and development.

Mothupi leaves two children, Keorapetse and Oarabile Mothupi behind including his wife, Brenda.

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