The late uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) veteran Aaron Tiro, has been described as a resolute and disciplined member of the movement.
These were most of the sentiments echoed during his Special Provincial Official Funeral Service at Lekubu village in the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality in the North West.
Tiro is amongst the 42 liberation fighters whose immortal remains were repatriated to the country three months ago.
He went into exile after participating in the 1976 student uprisings.
Tiro, who could have turned 68-years-old this year, received military training in Bulgaria, and was later based in Angola as an army commander, specialising in anti-aircraft combat.
He died in Lilanda, Zambia, after he was hit by a vehicle.
Tiro’ sister Mmabontle Lenkoe, described him as a loving and protective brother.
“He was a very obedient person, who respected and listened to our parents, he was not a confrontational person and was always there when you needed him.
He was exceptionally good at school and was often promoted to higher standards because of his good exam marks,” said Lenkoe.
She detailed years of harassment by the apartheid government police, after his brother left the country to join the African National Congress (ANC) in exile.
“Police used to come to our house in the early hours of the morning, looking for my brother.
Not only that, but what hurts me the most is that they used to insult my mother about her son.
They wanted documents, pictures and letters related to him.
It was so sad because we had to burn everything that belonged to him, everything, as the police wanted something to use against us and him,” explained the sister.
She applauded the government for repatriating the remains of the freedom fighters and affording them decent re-burial ceremonies.
Meanwhile, MK veteran Zacharia Tolo, heaped praise at Tiro, for playing a pivotal role to set-up underground structures in Lekubu, Mokgola and other areas in Lehurutshe.
He said in honour of Tiro and those who dedicated their lives to fight for freedom, the government must ensure that the needs of the citizens are taken care of.
“I call on the government to ensure that it delivers services to our people, to honour people like Tiro and the others.
We must fight corruption, fraud, and the misuse of state funds.
Officials must be held accountable,” pleaded Tolo.
He urged the government to rename either the local clinic or the village main road in honour of Tiro.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of Premier Lazarus Mokgosi, the MEC for Education Viola Motsumi, paid tribute to the heroes and heroines of Bahurutshe who stood against the unjust laws of apartheid.
She cited Ramotshere Moiloa, Getrude Mphekwa, Onkgopotse Tiro, and many others, adding that the province indeed contributed a lot to the struggle against apartheid and such stalwarts must be celebrated.
“The question is are we celebrating that or not.
Or are we going to become that province that’ll feel sorry for itself, as if we didn’t do anything in contribution to the struggle and the democracy that we’re enjoying today.
It’s homework for everyone, especially the government, it’s our responsibility to check how best we can celebrate them.
Not only when they’re no more, but we must give them flowers when they’re still alive,” explained Motsumi.
Government said the Exile Repatriation Project is a symbolic reparation that enables families to receive the remains of their loved ones with dignity and help them to find healing and ultimate closure.
