“Distinguished journalist and communicator” buried

The Minister of Mineral Resources, Adv Ngoako Ramatlhodi, described the late Jack Maropeng Mokobi (46) as a distinguished journalist, communicator, educator, political analyst and a son of the soil. He was addressing thousands of mourners who attended Mokobi’s funeral service at Musina Show Grounds on Saturday.

Mokobi died on Christmas Day after a short illness. He was laid to rest at the Musina Cemetery.

“This man we are burying here today has played a major role in the development of government communication in this country. His legacy will continue to guide the young generation to defend our democracy. He will always be remembered for his fearless revolutionary spirit. His contribution to the attainment of democracy in this country will never be forgotten. May his soul rest in peace,” Ramathlodi said.

The mayor of Musina, Cllr Mohloti Ramoyada, emphasised the contribution of Mokobi in the development of the town. "At this critical time of celebrating 20 years of freedom, we have great need for outstanding patriots such as Jack Mokobi. We need not a thousand Jack Mokobis. We will always remember his contributions to bring a better life for all.”

Mokobi was born on 9 September 1967 in Musina (then known as Messina) from a working-class family. He started his primary school at Bonwa Meetse Primary School, moved to Musina High School and matriculated at Marumofase High School at Indermark village.

From an early age, he demonstrated deep love and interest in the field of communication and media. His first post-matric qualification was a Freelance Journalism Diploma from Success Correspondence College in 1987. He then acquired his teacher's diploma from the then Transvaal College of Education in 1990.

He completed a course for senior managers with the South African Management Development Institute Academy in 2000 and also studied and completed a certificate in Public Finance Management with the Public Finance Management Academy in 2000.

He then received a scholarship from the British Council to further his studies in the United Kingdom, where he completed a Post-Graduate Diploma in Media and Communications at the Birmingham City University in 2000. The following year he completed a Master of Arts Degree at the same university where he researched a dissertation titled: The battle for the soul of the SABC, how commercial advertising influences the SABC’s news and programming values.

On his return home, he registered with the University of the Witwatersrand and obtained a certificate in managing corporate communication. He then completed another certificate with the same university on finance for non-financial managers in 2009.

With the unbanning of the ANC and other political organizations, Mokobi became head of publicity and information for the ANC in the then Northern Province in 1992. It was during this time that he started the ANC newsletter called Way Forward. He also played a critical role in the establishment of the Communication Directorate in the Premier’s Office.

After serving as Head of Communication in Premier Ngoako Ramatlhodi’s office, he was recruited to the office of former Pres Nelson Mandela as the deputy director of communications from 1996 to 1998. He returned to Limpopo in 1998, where he was appointed as director for marketing and communications and was later promoted to chief director.

Mokobi resigned from the public service in 2003 to run a consulting business, Morokoro Communications. He returned to government in 2007, where he was appointed by the then premier, Mr Sello Moloto, as his special advisor. He later resigned from the State to join MPPJ Property and Infrastructure Developers as a managing member.

During his last days, he returned to government to join the Limpopo Department of Education as a senior manager. He is survived by his mother, wife Joy, two children, Frank and Moloko, brother David, sisters Suzan, Martjie and Emma.

Date:09 January 2015

By: News Correspondent

Correspondent journalists from all over the region supply us with news and sport articles. 

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