The day began like any other in the Mamarege household. The local rooster crowed, announcing a new dawn, as the family stirred to life. They were well-known vendors in the community, rising early to prepare food for sale at clinics, hospitals, and pension payout points. Their modest profits were key in supporting Noko’s legal education.
That Friday was significant for Noko; he was set to travel from Temba to Polokwane for his graduation. The ceremony was scheduled for the following morning at the iconic Great Hall in Mankweng Village, a venue steeped in history. It was the same hall where Onkgopotse Tiro delivered his powerful “Turfloop Testimony” in April 1972, a speech that led to his expulsion just days later.
Before embarking on his journey, Noko made a heartfelt stop to say goodbye to his two-year-old daughter, Lorato, and her mother, Mamma Kolokota. His love for them was evident; whenever he returned from university, he always visited Lorato first. This morning, as he prepared to leave, his heart was filled with pride and anticipation for the future.
Two of Noko’s peers were also preparing for the graduation ceremony. Ferrington Oupa Motaung was studying towards his LLB law degree, and Godfrey Mpolayeng Modise had earned his Bachelor of Pedagogy undergraduate degree. Their families brimmed with pride and excitement as they prepared for the celebratory weekend. Oupa’s mother, Ausi Nkele, worked tirelessly as a single parent at the local Babelegi Industrial Park. It was from her meagre earnings that she managed to support Oupa through his legal studies. Mpolayeng, known for his dapper appearance, aspired to be a teacher, and his family’s taxi business funded his education.
What was meant to be a weekend of celebration turned tragic. That evening, Noko, Oupa, and Mpolayeng’s car was struck head-on by another vehicle driven by Moses Sehlodimela, a teacher at Phiri Kolobe High School, who also died in the collision. The impact was devastating, causing the vehicle to burst into flames, and all three young men were burned beyond recognition. Their close friend, Herman Mashaba, and Noko’s partner, Mamma Lamola, passed the accident scene early that morning, unaware that their loved ones were among the wreckage.
On the morning of July 3, the university registrar called Noko and Mpolayeng`s names during the graduation ceremony, but their seats remained hauntingly empty. The Great Hall was filled with anticipation, but as silence enveloped the room, the absence of the three young men was felt deeply. Herman and Mamma sat in disbelief, still unaware of the tragic events that had unfolded. As news of the accident spread across campus, the grief was immediate and overwhelming.
Prof. Sekepe Matjila, a close friend of Oupa, recalls how he had planned to travel with them. By a twist of fate, he changed his plans and travelled instead to Kagiso with another friend. When the news of the crash broke, Prof Matjila’s mother feared the worst, believing her son was among the victims. It was only later that day, while visiting a family in Mamelodi, that he learned the heartbreaking truth. By then, the story had become breaking news on the radio and television, leaving the Temba community in shock.
The mass funeral service held on July 9, 1988, was one of the largest the community had ever seen. Noko, Oupa, and Mpolayeng were laid to rest side by side at the Temba Cemetery in Hammanskraal. The sombre occasion united friends, family, and community members, all mourning the loss of three promising young leaders whose lives were tragically cut short.
As we mark the 37th anniversary of their passing, it is poignant to reflect on the potential lost during a time when South Africa was on the brink of political change. Between 1985 and 1990, significant figures such as Govan Mbeki, Walter Sisulu, and Nelson Mandela were released from prison, signalling a new political era. Noko and his peers, armed with knowledge, vision, and deep community roots, were poised to play a vital role in education, law, and national reconstruction.
Their stories continue to inspire today’s young leaders. Noko was not only a student but also a mentor, guiding many through the challenges of higher education. He believed in the transformative power of education and its ability to uplift communities, and this belief continues to empower others, even decades later.
Although Noko Mamarege was taken from us at just 30, his legacy as a brilliant legal mind, devoted father, and pillar of the Temba community endures. His journey, like those of Oupa and Mpolayeng, reminds us of life’s fragility and the impact we can have. They may be gone, but they will never be forgotten, living on in our memories.
This tribute is dedicated to Lerato Mamarege-Lamola and to all whose lives were touched by their legacy.