COMMUNITY PAYS THIER LAST RESPECTS TO RODNEY MANKOBI RAPHOTLE AT SHOTONG.

SHOTONG | The late Rodney Mankobi Raphotle was laid to rest at Madibeng Village today on Saturday, 29 August 2026.

The funeral service was held at Shotong Community Hall where the community of Bolobedu and beyond gathered in numbers to bid farewell to Rodney Mankobi Raphotle. Mourners filled the venue to capacity with tributes pouring in from family, friends, learners, colleagues, soccer teams, hiking clubs and stokvels.

Rodney Mankobi Raphotle was born on 30 May 1992 at Moshakga Village and met his untimely demise on 22 August 2026. He was the third child of Mokete Lindah Leope and the late Metebe David.

The late Rodney Mankobi Raphotle was described by his family as a kind and selfless person full of life and love. His younger brother, Nicholus Raphotle, delivered an emotional tribute, saying he was very close with Rodney and had created many unforgettable memories together.

His friend Gotlieb Ramalepe expressed that Mankobi brought so much joy into their lives and further reiterated that was he was loyal and kind. He thanked his friend for all the time that they shared together.

The students from Mahlabezulu Primary School also paid an emotional tribute, describing that Mankobi’s impact was most felt at the school with one learner stating that Mankobi carried himself with dignity that commanded respect and thanked him for the discipline he instilled in them.

Another learner said that his chair may be empty but his voice will never leave the walls of the classrooms. The Acting Principal of Mahlavezulu Primary School, Mam Khosa said that Mankobi was dedicated to his work, adhered to deadlines and it was a joy to work with him.

Beyond the classroom, the late Rodney Raphotle was described as an active participant in social and community activities, where he co-founded A-Team Stokvel and The Balobedu A-Team Hiking Club.

Representing A-Team Stokvel, Moses Lethabo Rampja described Rodney Mankobi Raphotle as a hardworking man who gave his best in all he did, while Sewela Rangwato of The Balobedu A-Team Hiking Club said that he was an active leader and the mountains will be quieter without him.

The late Rodney Mankobi Raphotle loved football and even founded a football team named Rapho Kickers. He also attended and participated in the local games and tournaments. Lebea David Masilu, speaking on behalf of Shooting Stars, Super Warriors and Iketleng Masters said he was an entertaining stricker loved by everyone, fashionable, and loved to dance.

Mpho Sekomane, on behalf of The 4MT Legacy Games remembered him as an active participant full of love and kindness.

Further proving his love for football, the late Rodney Raphotle was also part of Bolobedu Mamelodi sundowns Branch. The branch Secretary expressed that it’s impossible to speak about him without mentioning his sense of humour and also described Raphotle as a dedicated supporter who brought joy and unity to the branch and urged those who knew him to continue telling his stories and preserving his legacy.

The late Rodney Mankobi Raphotle was described as loving, selfless, humorous, dedicated, joyful and will be dearly missed by those who knew him. He is remembered as a warm and loving spirited man who used his talents to bring people together.

Compiled by Mavis Mmakobo Masetla

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