Mogolo Moses Gama: Funeral service of Mogolo Stephen affectionately known as Bra Steve Mathosa
23 June 2020
Speech by the Chairperson of the Board, Mogolo Moses Gama, at the sad farewell of Mogolo Stephen affectionately known as Bra Steve Mathosa, a man in the Clap N Tap music fraternity who contributed immensely to Arts and Culture, Ekurhuleni, Vosloorus
Programme Director Archbishop Dr A Mpai,
Members of the family in particular Mama Mathapelo Mathosa, Salome, Danny, Gogo, Emanuel,
Spiritual leaders led by SAAC President T Lebina,
Leadership of Ekurhuleni Municipality,
Music directors of choirs,
Members of choirs,
Vosloorus community,
South African Clap N Tap School League leadership
National Clap N Tap Arts Council leadership,
Mmino Wa Clap N Tap Awards leadership,
Fellow mourners I greet you all in the name of our lord Jesus Christ amen!
I am here as a social entrepreneur partner, a friend to bid a sad farewell and pay tribute on behalf of the National Clap N Tap Arts Council, Mapostola ~ the daughters and sons of Mr Steven Mathosa in honouring his formidable strength and leadership in the struggle to bring change in our industry.
Long live the defiant spirit of Mr Steven Mathosa long live!
The National Clap N Tap Arts Council on behalf of Clap N Tap music fraternity convey their deepest condolences on the passing of an icon, a father, a mentor, a disciplinarian, a leader, a role model in the clap and tap industry who went to be with the Lord early morning of Wed 17th June 2020.
Mr Stephen aka Bra Steve Mathosa retained presence as Founder & President of Setshabelo Sama Israel, founder & president of Mmino WA Clap N Tap Awards, Co-Founder of Arising Stars School Clap N Tap School Music Challenge that birthed South African Clap N Tap School League, one of the South African Apostolic Council founding members and Co-Founder of National Clap N Tap Arts Council Representing the dominant clap & Tap industry. Mr Mathosa was a leader who cared for not just his family, but community and clap and tap industry at large because his kindness and skills touched the hearts of many individuals, groups and leaders. His leadership ensured initiatives by the Council and Mmino Wa Clap N Tap awards among many others were successfully executed.
Mogolo Steve Mathosa remained an epitome of humility, Discipline, kindness and a lesson that should never depart from the people in clap n tap. We shall remember him as one activist who stood and fought to bring change in our industry and within choirs. This icon inspired courage in our people to be proud in being a “Mopostola”
Mr Mathosa represented our industry so well and we shall pick up his spear and make our vows that we will continue to fight for a mission of bringing tangible change to our industry. This man had a creative vision which he shared with us in different ways through his varied roles. Mr Mathosa remained at the centre stage of our craft by making strategic use of creating opportunities for mapostola
Mr Mathosa I’m here to express our deepest condolences to your children whom I know and your family. I am here to look at mapostola at large and tell them that you are an icon we will forever honour. We are all gathered here today to evoke the spirit of the one who put Mapostola first above her family. You trusted that your mission of putting Mapostola 1st was embraced by an organisation you loved very much.
Mapostola never forget the name Stephen Mathosa and the best way to remember him is to continue working hard to bring tangible change in our industry. This man fought for what he believed was right, possessed only by his love for our industry and people and restoration of the dignity of our industry. In this fight you were persecuted and disowned by your own but you did not give up and wanted to reach your goal of bringing tangible change.
We Bid farewell to you Mogolo, Thank you for the contribution you have made and how you have touched many lives. Your ministry will live on and your name will be written in the eternal book of change ~ the book for the betterment of all.
The entire leadership of associations you affiliated with, choirs, music directors, religious and the community are here because they proudly and unashamedly associated with you and what you stood for while you were still alive.
We shall mourn the death of our father in a dignified manner we shall forever display the highest form of discipline as you would’ve wanted.
In closing we shall never forget this icon “Le ha dipelo di robehile, le moya o dubehile, Jehova retshepile “Mam Mathosa, Danny, Salome, Gogo, Emanuel and entire family God be with you because this too shall pass.
U sefate se seholo! The baobab has fallen!
Rest in Peace Mogolo Stephen aka Bra Steve Mathosa you will forever be missed
Ngiyabonga!!