14 Mar 2021

The COVID -19 pandemic safety restrictions saw a handful of people bidding a farewell to the renowned female rapper, singer and song writer, Sarona ‘Sasa Klaas’ Motlhagodi.

Among them was the First Lady, Neo Masisi, the Minister of Mineral resources, Green Technology and energy Security, Lefoko Moagi who is also the Member of Parliament for Ramotswa and other dignitaries.

The Mmamongwato hit maker, who was born on May 17, 1993 died on March 6 following a helicopter crash near Sojwe.

She was laid to rest in Gaborone on Friday  at Phomolong Cemetery.

When she took to the dais, Sasa Klaas’s mother who is also the Minister of immigration and Gender Affairs, and Member of Parliament for Gaborone Bonnington North, Annah Mokgethi, eulogized her daughter as a strong willed and independent character who fully lived her life without fear on matters close her heart.

She said Sasa Klaas had a positive impact in lives of many, noting that besides music, she actively engaged in anti-Gender Based Violence activities such as being featured on billboards among others.

Mokgethi said Sasa Klaas started displaying her interest in music at the age of four  during a dance competition at Woolworths. “She took to the stage and emulated Macarena dance moves and won the competition. At the age of nine she also participated in a dance competition at Sun City in South Africa and also won,” she said.

She said Sasa Klaas came public about her performing capabilities at local poetry night event and that became her foundation into the creative industry.

Mokgethi said Sasa Klaas was academically gifted and also excelled well in extra-curriculum activities and though her family had thought she would engage in a white collar job, she settled in the music industry.

“When she told me that she wanted to quit her studies at Limkokwing University where she pursued her Degree in Film and Television Production, to venture into music an early age, I relented, and today I am proud of all her achievements in the time that was granted upon her,” she said.

Solly Dipheko who stood on behalf of Mokgethi family also described Sasa Klaas as a superstar and a balanced versatile child who was adored by many.

He said Sasa Klaas was talented in many ways, and always remained humble and collected and knew well that God was her creator and all her talents were bestowed upon her by her creator, hence any chance she got she praised God.

Dipheko said Sasa Klaas always fought to be the best in anything she did and this enabled her to push beyond limits and settled well in a male dominated field.

Former assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Planning and former Member of Parliament for Kgalagadi South, Frans Van Der Westhuizen, said Sasa Klaas was a fearless individual who lived her life in her own principles.

Van Der Westhuizen who is also Sasa Klaas’ uncle said Klaas was his father’s name, adding “the way Sasa Klaas lived her life explained why she choose to use my father’s name, she emulated most of my father’s characters such as being an independent, hardworking, visionary and a persistent individual”.

He said he learnt from Sasa Klaas that life was to be lived in a present moment not tomorrow nor yesterday because we never know what would happen next.

Van Der Westhuizen said when Sasa  Klaas ventured into music he become anxious with the fear that she would not penetrate the industry considering that she was young and it was  male dominated.

However he said she managed to navigate it all and made an incredible mark locally and internationally.

A message of condolences from President Eric Masisi and his cabinet that was read by Minister Lefoko briefly described Sasa Klaas as a gem of the country who contributed immensely in the entertainment industry.

The statement said although she departed too soon, her music will continue to transcend across borders and put the country on spot and will continue to sway the youth in a positive manner, especially those who wished to venture into the music industry.

Sasa Klaas coloured well her path in the entertainment industry, some of her achievements included becoming a  Television presenter on e-Botswana in 2011; hosting Next level programme.

She also developed her solo project titled HADSAN which also became her clothing line.

In 2014 Sasa Klaas signed a deal with Virgin Brew and in 2015 she released a hit song Mmamongwato which won hearts of many and became household name.

She has shared the stage with international artists such as Rick Ross, HHP, Khuli Chana and others; she also collaborated with local artists such as Samantha Mogwe, Oats, Dona and Veezo View.

In 2019 she relocated to South Africa where she co-hosted Highly Inappropriate with Phat Joe’ on Dstv and she later returned home to work on some collaboration.

Sasa Klaas also attracted endorsement deals with different entities, which reflected the level of influence she  gained in the market with over 200 000 followers across various social media platforms. Ends