The Azanian People’s Organization (AZAPO) said it is devastated by the untimely death of the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM) militant and intellectual, Dr Gomolemo Mokae.
This after Mokae’s lifeless body was found by neighbours at his home in Ga Rankuwa Zone 1 north of Pretoria on Wednesday evening.
The 61-year-old Mokae was a renowned medical doctor, author, and political commentator.
Gauteng police said the motive for his death isn’t known at this stage.
“A case of murder is opened for further investigations after the body of a 61-year-old man was found decomposed in his house at Garankuwa on 05 March 2025.
The circumstances surrounding the incident and cause of death are subject to police investigations,” said police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi.
AZAPO said it is shocked and dismayed about Dr Mokae’s passing.
“He has served AZAPO and black people in this country in a manner that is unimaginable.
His contribution to us as AZAPO is far greater than we can ever imagine.
We’re saddened and we pass our condolences to the family and to those that were close to him.
His dreams and ideals that he fought for the true liberation of this power haven’t been achieved.
His passion was “without land we have not been liberated,” said AZAPO spokesperson, Jabu Rakwena.
Furthermore, Rakwena said Mokae was a staunch active member of the organisation, who served in critical positions.
“Prior to 1994 he was the deputy chairperson of Transvaal, national spokesperson.
Many people will remember him as someone who could hold an argument, was a very astute commentator who could argue his position and very convincingly so.
The tower, people’s doctor, freedom fighter, Black Consciousness giant and author.
He was a towering inspiration to our generation of Black Consciousness activists,” explained Rakwena.
Dr Mokae was born in Ga-Mokopane, Limpopo, in 1963.
He acquired his MBCHB degree at the University of Natal Medical School, now Nelson Mandela School of Medicine.
He was a staunch promoter of African languages, had numerous literary works published and television dramas broadcast.
The published works include Masego, Short, Not tall stories, Kaine le Abele, and the The secret in my bosom amongst others.
In 2003, the then Vista University awarded him an honorary doctorate for his literary works and for his political and social activism.
