A befitting farewell for ‘Mme’ Pontsho Makhetha in Johannesburg

Family, friends, colleagues and fans gathered for a memorial service for the late Mme Pontsho Maria Makhetha at the SABC Radio Park Studios in Johannesburg on Thursday, April 4.

Makhetha passed away last month (March) in hospital, evening surrounded by family and loved ones, after she was involved in a car crash.

In a heartwarming memorial service held yesterday, in honour of veteran Lesedi FM presenter and news anchor, there was long list of people who took to the podium to say a few more words at Makhetha’s memorial service.

Reverend Morapedi Diutlwaneng prolonged the sermon, which was done on purpose to pay a special tribute to Mme Makhetha.

“She was a distinguished educator and an exceptional teacher. Her passing is a significant loss, as she was a prominent leader in our community. Mme Pontsho was a symbol of strength, power, and authority, triumphing over pain, death, and the grave. SABC, Lesedi FM, PANSALB, Wesile church members, Makhetha, and Mahasane family, do not mourn. Even in the midst of life, death is inevitable. May Mme Pontsho rest in peace,” Reverend Diutlwaneng expressed.

Makhetha worked for SABC for over 30 years. She started working at the SABC in 1986 as a Radio Sesotho (Now Lesedi FM) presenter, producer and translator of women, children, youth and educational programmes.

In 2004, she joined the SABC Education Department as head of two units, adult and training together with public information and social development.

Makhetha has participated in broadcasting conferences and seminars in countries like Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, India, America, Britain, to name a few.

Before retirement, she was responsible for all units – drama, entertainment, religion, education, factual, children and licensed local and international content that acquire content for SABC 1,2 and 3.

She retired on 29 February 2016 working as General Manager of SABC TV ContentHub.

Surekha Singh, the Commissioning Editor for Video Entertainment at SABC Education, reminisces about the occasion when she first encountered the late Makhetha during her interview for a role.

She vividly remembers how Mme Makhetha posed a challenging question, which served as a catalyst for Surekha to gather her strength and provide a compelling response.

This impressive display left Mme Makhetha thoroughly impressed with Surekha’s abilities, leading them to embark on a remarkable journey together. Their collaboration resulted in numerous accolades and the creation of highly-rated content for both radio and television platforms.

“That was the start of the remarkable journey we had, an outrage was just striving back in those days. Mam Pontsho led the public education with a force, she was a general in the army,” says Surekha.

Breaking in tears, Danie Swart, Head of SABC Education & Children’s content paid a special tribute to the late Makhetha.

“Today is a sad day moment for me, I never believed that I will be standing here speaking of the relationship we had in the past [in tears]. Today we are saying farewell to one of my best friends, I still can’t believe she is no longer with us is like a dream, it’s like I will receive a WhatsApp from her, I will reminiscence on our past events,” said Swart.

Lemmy Mule, self-published author and close ally of Mme Makhetha, started by praising the late Makhetha for endorsing education.

“Education itself make us what it want us to become, how to live and how to behave, the leadership showed by this mother who is resting here today has made changes in our lives and the guidance provided by the mother we honor today has truly impacted our existence, ka bo kgutshwane – Thuto ha etsofallwe,” said Mule.

“As a teacher, she remained a teacher until she met her death, let’s allow Pontsho to rest in perfect peace and I pay my deepest condolences to the family of Mme Pontsho,” said Mule.

Lilian Dube, a veteran actress and close friend of Mme Makhetha, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mme Makhetha.

The news has profoundly affected her, and said she has find it difficult to come to terms with the loss. Dube’s greatest anguish stems from not being present during Mme Makhetha’s final moments on this planet.

Jerry Mofokeng, a renowned actor, honored the late Makhetha by singing songs of praise and paying a heartfelt tribute to her as one of the most influential Basotho pioneers.

“Mme Pontsho has made a mark on this world, we thank you SABC for giving Mme Pontsho the opportunity to be the best of herself, death is painful, but is simply a bridge between life and everlasting life. On behalf of the family we thank you all for the support you have provided to our family. It is truly appreciated,” said Mofokeng.

Mme Makhetha has been honoured and laid to rest at emotional funeral service today in Johannesburg.