Peter Ngobeni delivering the Ngoako Ramalepe 41st Anniversary Lecture in Kgapane
By: Molebatsi Masedi
A Gathering to Honor a Youth Leader
Communities gathered recently to look back at history and honor a young freedom fighter who gave his life for South Africa.
The memorial lecture marked the 41st anniversary of the martyrdom of Comrade Ngoako Ramalepe. He was only twenty five years old when he was killed by the Lebowa Police on October 18, 1985.
The event took place in Kgapane, Modjadjiskloof. It was hosted by the African National Congress Moses Phosa Branch and joined by the Ngoako Ramalepe Branch. Family members, former students, and activists from the United Democratic Front and the Kgapane Youth Congress filled the venue to remember his courage.
Highlighting a Life of Courage and Sacrifice
Peter Hassani Ngobeni, who is the ANC Norman Mashabane Regional Spokesperson, delivered the main memorial lecture. He walked the audience through the important chapters of Ngoako Ramalepe’s short but impactful life. Ngobeni highlighted the heavy sacrifices made during the dark days of apartheid and Bantustan rule, reminding everyone how freedom was won.
Modjadji College: A Centre for Student Activism
Ngoako Ramalepe arrived at Modjadji College in February 1984. Right away, he became a fearless leader. He helped start Students Representative Councils and branches of the Congress of South African Students.
Modjadji College quickly turned into a shelter for political education and a safe haven for freedom fighters. The apartheid system and the feared Lebowa Police felt threatened by the new bravery shown by students and the community. At that time, an encounter with the Lebowa Police meant you might not return home alive.
A Brutal End to a Brave Life
The timeline of his final months shows profound bravery. In September 1985, Ngoako walked as a pallbearer at the funeral of Shadrack Mafokoane in Mankweng. Mafokoane had also been shot and killed by the Lebowa Police. Just a few weeks later, on October 18, 1985, Ngoako led a protest march in Kgapane to oppose the hanging of Benjamin Moloise. During this protest, the Lebowa Police brutally killed him.
Recognized by National Leadership
His sacrifice did not go unnoticed by national leaders. In January 1986, during the ANC January 8 Statement for its 74th anniversary, Ngoako was officially recognized as one of the heroes and martyrs of the struggle.
At his funeral, a special message from ANC President Oliver Reginald Tambo was read to the grieving mourners. Later, in 1986, which marked ten years since the 1976 uprisings, OR Tambo called for the recognition of revolutionary youth who shifted the country toward a more militant path against the apartheid regime. This call led to the declaration of National Youth Day.
Alignment with the Broader Labour Movement
The memorial also touched upon the broader labour movement of that era. On December 1, 1985, the Congress of South African Trade Unions was founded to pursue the ANC call for working class unity. By 1986, International Workers Day on May 1 was celebrated for the first time in South Africa under powerful themes like one union, one industry and one country, one federation.
Lessons for Leadership and Justice
Speakers at the event emphasized that current ANC leaders must always stay connected to the real needs and aspirations of the people. They stressed the importance of remembering veteran families and checking on what they go through, ensuring they are supported by the movement their loved ones fought for.
People were urged to read and write about Ngoako’s life so that future generations can learn how the struggle was fought and how freedom was achieved. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission later found the Lebowa Police responsible for his death. Speakers noted that perpetrators should still be pursued so that victims and their families can find proper closure.
The Role of Local Government Today
Ngobeni concluded his lecture by shifting focus to modern governance. He noted that local government sits at the front line of service delivery. He reminded leaders to fulfil the basic objects of local government as written in the Constitution. When parties deploy mayors, they must answer a critical question about what they truly want to achieve in local governance to serve communities better.
Moving Tributes and Closing Proceedings
Before the main lecture started, emotional tributes were shared according to the day’s official program. The agenda opened with standard proceedings, welcome remarks, and the acknowledgement of guests.
Moving tributes were then delivered by representatives of the Kgapane Youth Congress and United Democratic Front activists, the Ngoako Ramalepe Branch, a former schoolmate, and the family of Comrade Ngoako Ramalepe. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, announcements, and a final closing, leaving all attendees inspired to keep his memory alive forever.
Part of the audience at the Ngoako Ramalepe Memorial Lecture.