One of the most dedicated members of the African National Congress, a physical-fitness fanatic and a former liberation fighter, Mboniseni 'Bruno' Mapasa, was buried at his home village of Tshitereke on Thursday (10 November). Mapasa passed away two weeks ago after collapsing at his house in Yeoville, Johannesburg.
Speaking at his funeral, ANC stalwart and political guru Mr Rembuluwani Mantsha told the mourners how Mapasa had joined the ANC Youth League in 1986. "This was before the Thulamela and Vhembe District Municipalities were formed. He did not join the ANC for tenders, as it is happening today, but for the love of his people."
He described Mapasa as a true son of the soil who dedicated his life to the liberation of his people. "Even though he was harassed, detained and lived under the surveillance of the Apartheid forces, he never gave up. Mapasa kept on telling those who were close to him and his comrades that, until Africans attained economic freedom, Africa would see no peace as hungry people are always angry and look at other alternatives, legal or illegal, to survive. He always maintained that 'we will see no peace until poverty is eradicated in South Africa and [everyone] shares in the wealth of this country'," Mantsha said.
While Mapasa worked at the University of Limpopo, he was tasked with integrating MK members with the local communities. "A spear has fallen. In his memory, we must pick it up and fight those who are looting state funds, depriving the poorest of the poor from much-needed services," he concluded.
Mapasa is survived by his toddler daughter Muneiwa Mapasa, partner Moipone Madumo, parents Mr Jackson and Mrs Tshimangadzo Mapasa and sister Livhuwani Mapasa.