11 Mar 2024

Masses from the music and entertainment industry those from all walks of life thronged Tonota on Sunday to bid farewell to Thabo ‘Mapetla’ Ntirang.

Thabo, affectionately known to his followers as ‘Skhokho,’ died on Sunday March 3 in a car accident in Gaborone.

Different speakers described him as a people’s person who was passionate about keeping a close knit friendship. 

A relative, Edward Robert said Mapetla had created a legacy that they would forever cherish even in his absence.

He said since his passing they had received enormous support from his legion of followers and supporters. 

He appealed to the friends and supporters to continue with the spirit and extend it to his relatives and in particular his mother as well as his younger sister, who is also in the entertainment industry.  

“As much as his mother’s door was open to all that were friends with him during his time, it shall remain open even in his absence,” he said 

His aunt, Tebogo Ntshumbiwa also shared similar sentiments about Mapetla, noting that they were well-known because of the late musician.

She noted that he showed his artistic inclination from an early age and that he was multi-talented from traditional dancing to singing.

Besides being an icon and a celebrity, the aunt said he was also a doting father to his two children, Weno and Mila, adding that he wanted to be with them even on his tight schedules.

She also emphasised that although he was a people’s person, he remained humble and respectful to his elders and executed duties he had been assigned without fail at home despite his status. 

As for his friend, Thabo Osekeng, he said although he was older to Mapetla, they were age mates more so that they were born on the same date although different months. 

He said he valued their friendship and would ensure that on a daily basis they got in touch. 

“There was never a dull moment when we were together,” he said.

As a radio presenter, he said he ensured his music was played and appealed to radio stations to keep his legacy alive by continuing to play his music.

Mapetla is survived by his two children, a boy and girl as well as his mother and younger sister.

The funeral was also attended by Ministers Fidelis Molao and Beauty Manake as well as former minister, Thapelo Olopeng. ENDS