In a heartfelt memorial service streamed live on YouTube, family, friends, and members of the local motorsport community came together to honour the life of Moshe MoGee Gololo, a beloved figure whose boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm left an indelible mark.
Moshe passed away on Friday, June 21, 2024, after the driver of a Volkswagen Polo ran a red light near Bon Acord in Pretoria and crashed into Moshe’s car, striking the driver’s side door and killing Moshe instantly. Moshe was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
Moshe’s lifelong passion for all things motorsport, from high-performance bikes to high-speed racing, was a central theme throughout the tributes. As his close friends, eloquently described, “Moshe lived and breathed the adrenaline of motorsport.
Fellow motorsport enthusiasts echoed this sentiment, recalling Moshe’s skill and dedication: “He was a true master of his craft, pushing the limits of what was possible on wheels. But what made him truly special was his willingness to share his knowledge and mentor anyone who shared his passion.”
Moshe’s impact extended far beyond motorsports, as evidenced by the outpouring of heartfelt memories from those whose lives he touched. In family messages, his cousin, Tebogo Legodi spoke of his unwavering loyalty and support, saying, “Moshe was always there for us, no matter what. He celebrated our triumphs and carried us through our darkest moments with his trademark positivity and warmth.”
In a message read on behalf of his mother, Ms Maboleki Gololo said, “Moshe was the glue that held our family together. His infectious laughter and genuine concern for each of us made him the centre of our world. We will miss his bright spirit and endless love more than words can express.”
His longtime friends echoed this sentiment and recounted Moshe’s ability to uplift those around him: “His smile was infectious, and his encouragement was like a beacon of light. He had a way of making everyone feel seen, valued, and inspired to be their best selves.”
As the tributes continued, a clear picture emerged of a man who lived life to the fullest, leaving an indelible mark on his community. Thabang Busang, a fellow biking enthusiast, summarized it best: “Moshe’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the events he helped organize, and the pure joy he brought to everyone lucky enough to know him. He was a true inspiration, and we will carry his spirit with us always.”
Other speakers from the family included his aunts, Ms Chono Legodi, and Ms Titi Gololo and his uncle Mr Mpho Molefi. Dr Victor Phume, a long-time friend of Moshe’s father, delivered a moving sermon. The resounding message was one of gratitude and admiration for a life well-lived, a life that continues to inspire and motivate those left behind and that Moshe MoGee Gololo’s passion, positivity, and profound impact will never be forgotten.
As the funeral procession made its way to the gravesite, Moshe’s fellow bikers played a crucial role, guiding traffic and performing awe-inspiring displays that captivated the thousands who had gathered to pay their respects. The massive turnout took Moshe’s family by surprise, as they witnessed the groundswell of support from a community that had embraced him as one of their own.
The outpouring of love and reverence for Moshe MoGee Gololo was on full display, not just during the sombre memorial service, but in the vibrant after-funeral celebration that spoke to the profound impact he had on his beloved motorsports community.
Back at the family home, the crowds spilt out onto the main road, which soon became a stage for a remarkable display of car-spinning stunts that lasted well into the early hours of the morning. “They are refusing to let go of their hero,” remarked one attendee, “the glue that had held this community together.”
Among those in attendance were motorsports captains Feroz Cassim and Zwikhodo (Ziko) Nembambula from Limpopo and West Side Garage in Central Pretoria, respectively. Both men spoke of Moshe’s pivotal role in professionalizing the spinning sport, which had long been relegated to the margins of the more traditional motorsports landscape.
“Moshe understood that this sport, born in the townships, had the potential to be so much more,” Cassim explained. “He didn’t just talk about it – he went out and convinced the industry leaders to take it seriously, to seek the sponsorships and structure it needed to thrive.”
Ziko echoed this sentiment, noting that Moshe’s passion and persistence had been instrumental in elevating spinning into a legitimate, sponsor-backed discipline. “Moshe saw the value in these young enthusiasts, the raw talent and unbridled energy they brought to the table. He knew that with the right platform, they could become true professionals, respected and celebrated for their skills. He was a petrolhead into all types of motorsports, spinning, stance, bikes and drag racing”.
The outpouring of support at the family home, with spinning members demonstrating their spinning prowess with “skill and precision,” underscored just how far Moshe had come in realizing his vision. “This was something the people of Temba had never experienced before,” remarked one of Temba’s entertainment industry members, Mr Rueben Makgatho, “a testament to Moshe’s ability to bring people together and elevate a sport that had long been overlooked.”
For Moshe’s family, the celebrations were both a testament to his impact and a source of profound questions. “Was he a CEO in waiting?” they wondered, “a leader we didn’t even know he was becoming?” The answers may never be known, but what is clear is that Moshe’s legacy extends far beyond the motorsport racetrack, into the very fabric of the community he cherished.
Moshe’s father, a local pastor, Mr Bishop Gololo, played a pivotal role in shaping his son’s emotional intelligence and ability to unite diverse groups. Growing up in the township, Moshe navigated the challenges with an unwavering positivity and an innate knack for problem-solving. “Let’s make a plan,” he would often say, “don’t worry, it will work out.” This combination of street smarts and empathy allowed him to bridge the gaps between the marginalized spinning community and the more established motorsports industry.
The funeral events yesterday included spinners and bikers representatives from various teams and clubs: Toy Gang, HDR from the Mabopane Patrolheads, Hammaskraal Stance Society, Drop Squad MCC, Smanje MCC, Rascals MCC, Pheli Riders, The Y and Sons from Polokwane, Mahoney from Atteridgeville, Team 95 from Soshanguve, and Mzansi 4 Sure and Team BGB from Hammanskraal.
In the end, Moshe MoGee Gololo’s life was a testament to the transformative power of passion, humility, and a relentless dedication to lifting those around him. His legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of motorsports enthusiasts, who will carry on his mission of professionalism, inclusion, and the boundless joy of speed.
