South African Icon Dr. Motsoko Pheko Awarded Special Provincial Official Funeral by President Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has accorded Dr. Ernest Motsoko Pheko, a veteran of the Liberation struggle and former President of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), a Special Provincial Official Funeral. The venerable leader took his last breath on April 19, 2023, at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy engraved in the annals of the country’s history.
This honour was announced following a request from Premier Panyaza Lesufi, with the Gauteng provincial government confirming the President’s decision. “This act by our President signifies the monumental role Dr. Pheko played in our shared history of resilience. It’s a mark of respect not just to him but to the indomitable spirit of all those who fought alongside him for a liberated South Africa,” explained the statement issued on Friday.
Throughout his life, Dr. Pheko remained a steadfast advocate for the Pan Africanist ideology, committing decades to the struggle against apartheid and its aftermath. His contributions extended beyond political activism; Dr. Pheko’s varied roles included that of a lawyer, author, theologian, academic, and historian. With an impressive bibliography of 45 books, he offered invaluable insights into the PAC’s lineage, the harrowing realities of the apartheid era, and the path towards reconciliation and democracy.
“He wasn’t just a seminal figure in our liberation; Dr. Pheko was a guiding light, whose teachings and written works continue to kindle a spirit of progress and unity in improving the lives of all South Africans,” Premier Lesufi reflected.
Post-1994, Dr. Pheko’s commitment to his country didn’t wane; he served diligently as a Member of Parliament for a decade. His portfolio spanned critical committees including Foreign Affairs and Safety and Security, and he also held the significant role of PAC representative to the United Nations.
Dr. Pheko’s passing has elicited a wave of condolence messages, with President Ramaphosa expressing profound sadness at the loss of such a pivotal figure in South Africa’s narrative of freedom. “It’s a sad moment for our nation, but also a time to reflect on the towering legacy of Dr. Pheko. Let’s draw inspiration from his life as we continue working towards the vision he had for South Africa,” stated President Ramaphosa.
Details regarding the memorial service and funeral, set to be a fitting homage to Dr. Pheko’s extraordinary life and contributions, will be shared by the Pheko family in due course.

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