Hundreds of people joined the family of EFF leader Julius Malema for the funeral service of Koko Sarah Malema at the Ngoako Ramahlodi Sports Complex in Seshego, Limpopo, on Saturday morning.
A number of prominent ANC members, including Rivonia trialist Andre Mlangeni, Zizi Kodwa and the ANC Youth League's Ronald Lamola, put aside their ideological differences with Malema's party to pay their respects to Koko Malema who died on May 4.
In his tribute to his beloved grandmother, Malema said she was his confidante, the person with whom he discussed matters that nobody else were privy to and that she would be taking "those things" to the grave with her.
He commended her for her openness and honesty and for passing that on to him. "I speak truth openly because I learnt this from my grandmother. She lived an honest life."
CIC @Julius_S_Malema paying tribute to his grandmother #RIPkokoSarahMalema https://t.co/gwdXBYCQhn
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) May 11, 2019
"My grandmother knew all of us by name and our responsibilities. Not only did she check on us but she checked on our children today," Malema said.
Malema saluted Koko Sarah's strength and commitment to her family, who she raised as a single parent.
"Winnie Mandela, Sarah Malema and all the township women provided for the children without a man. They are proof that a woman doesn’t need a man to be able to provide. And yet we believe that for a woman to succeed, they need a man. It’s not true.
CIC @Julius_S_Malema about to give tribute to his confidante, his cool shade someone who never dismissed the EFF as a mission for younger people.
Her untimely death has left a void in the life of the Malema family #RIPkokoSarahMalema pic.twitter.com/PrgHA4MoQ1
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) May 11, 2019
"My grandmother raised 9 kids in a four bedroomed house and added to that were her grandchildren. It’s not unique to the Malema family because this is story for many black families," Malema said.
EFF spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi led mourners in song before the eulogy was delivered.
Today we lay to rest a Fighter, someone who responded, to the clarion and generational call, that we must form an alternative political party that will fight for Economic Freedom in our Lifetime #RIPkokoSarahMalema pic.twitter.com/OyCnvVcGZ6
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) May 11, 2019
When the rain clouds have gathered and we do not see the sun in the horizon, Lord you’re the only thing that makes sense. We need you. @DrTumisang #RIPkokoSarahMalema pic.twitter.com/Gnb3ojVg15
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) May 11, 2019
Le ha dipelo di robehible, le moya o dubehile, Jehovah re tshepile wena #RIPkokoSarahMalema pic.twitter.com/B9Gb8clFeD
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) May 11, 2019
ANC veteran and Rivonia trialist Tata Andrew Mlangeni is also here to offer condolences as we lay our grandmother to rest #RIPkokoSarahMalema pic.twitter.com/hKRUFvRgs9
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) May 11, 2019
Dr Rebecca Malope is also here today, to pay tribute to a fallen heroine and our cooling shade of comfort. #RIPkokoSarahMalema pic.twitter.com/vO2E0LbHYG
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) May 11, 2019
Also among the mourners were billionaire Patrice Motsepe, Zenani Mandela-Dlamini; the daughter of Nelson Mandela, Fortune Charumbira, the vice president of the Pan-African Parliament, and iconic gospel artists Rebecca Malope and Lebo Sekgobela.