Hamba Kahle ‘Mkhonto’: ANC Senior Councillor Joseph Sephiri laid to rest in Welkom

A humble and joyful servant of the people, the late Motlalentoa Joseph Sephiri was laid to rest in emotional send-off at his hometown of Thabong, Welkom on Saturday, 03 July 2021.

Matjhabeng’s ANC Senior Councillor Sephiri passed away on Sunday, 27 June 2021 aged 46.

In his formative years, the late Sephiri attended school in Mokwallo, Vredefort headed to Tswelopele Primary School in Thabong, and furthered his studies at Lebogang High School.

He began to work as a Paralegal at Welkom Magistrate Court.

The political activist served the municipality with distinction. He joined Matjhabeng Local Municipality in 2000 after transition as a part time PR Councilor.

He was part of the council that adopted the new name of Matjhabeng for amalgamated Local Municipality.

Matjhabeng Executive Mayor Nkonsinjani Speelman paid a genuine tribute to the former Chief Whip:

“The community of Matjhabeng watched with great interest to how Cde. Sephiri went about to do his job.

Mayor Speelman said vividly about the late Sephiri.

“Today, nobody can deny that with all his faults as a human being, Sephiri was able to whip councillors of Matjhabeng to ensure they fell in line.

Your legacy and love will live on through us,” he added.

According to his obituary, he was defined a political giant, intellectual of high caliber and a humble servant of the people.

Despite being the Chief Whip of the Council for over a period of 15 years, he also served in several strategic roles within the ANC, including being member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety and Transport in 2011 and in 2016 he was appointed as the Chief Whip and Council Whip.

Later Sephiri contributed immensely to the establishment of the SANCO in Lejweleputswa in 1990/91 in which he served as a member.

During his early days, Sephiri played a significant role in student development activities, as he was part of the COSAS and Student Representative Council.

His love for politics was defined as unequivocal. He will be remembered by his pivotal role in intervening in the matter between Lisilophaka Crisis Committee led by Kholekile to help in the formation of SANCO in Alfred Nzo zone.  

 ‘Chivovo’ as he was affectionately known, was hailed as a long serving member of the Regional Executive Committee of the ANC in Lejweleputswa and actively contributing in sub committees of the ANC structures.

Various representatives from opposition parties such as Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters, Congress of the People, and Independent United Front offered messages of support to the family.

Sephiri is survived by his two children, two sisters and three grandchildren.