A requiem for Punza
Kesego Kebelaele Okie | Monday May 29, 2023 06:00
A selfless giver of wisdom, the epitome of compassion, an incredible transformational leader and life coach, the kindest most sincere being, witty, humble, free-spirited, driven, hardworking, kindest and jolliest at any given time.
Most inspirational about ‘Punza’, was her consistency and pure love to see others grow in the different areas of their lives. Social media has been awash with many beautiful tributes and pouring testimonies of the impact ‘Puni’ made to the lives of many she met in this life.
This has been most comforting indeed. It’s difficult penning this, it’s painful to think we will never hear her distinct laughter, nor see her radiant smile ever again. It therefore, gives me joy and soothes my soul, to reminisce on some of these beautiful farewell messages about ‘Puni’, as shared by some of those she impacted greatly. “Ever so cheerful! Her passing on has shattered me indeed! She had time for everyone.
So selfless. So loving. So motivating. Encouraging. She was born to lead” Maureen Kalane “So sad we lost such a wonderful patriot” Obakeng Matlou “Life is but a journey. She ran her race. She was a mentor, big sister, mother, friend, advisor to all. A serious personal upliftment coach and you’d never miss her presence wherever she was; church, board meeting, community work, sports, etc” Dando Kingsley Moleleki. My blood, as I called her, the cousinhood, a descendant of Mothudi from Moshupa, ‘Puni’ was joined in holy matrimony to an amazing man, Sechele Sechele, affectionately called Teleka or Sech to many. The lovebirds celebrated their 30th anniversary just on May 6, unbeknown that a few days later, death would do them apart.
Anyone who knows the couple would attest that theirs was true love. Infact, on her anniversary post on Facebook she put up a picture of the both of them with a caption “Marriage lets you annoy one special person for the rest of your life”. I always wondered how Sech coped with Puni’s incredibly high energies and loud being and would just burst in laughter thinking about this.
My late father, Mmiga Mothudi, would remind me that I carry Puni’s vibe and energy; whimsical, talkative, adaptable, intelligent, dependable yet stubborn. I found that comparison to be quite hilarious yet true. She definitely “annoyed” Sech for the rest of her life. It is well Sech. It is well. Thank you for loving her, for being her strength, for embracing her, for choosing her as your forever, and for being you. You are appreciated and loved. My go-getter cousin was one of my biggest cheerleaders who absolutely believed I, like many others she coached and mentored, could achieve anything put before me.
The joy I would get in learning countless times that she rooted for me in front of strangers and in my absence, would just melt my heart. She will be remembered by many for all these beautiful, unique qualities and more, for her love for humanity, her patriotism, immense leadership skills, devotion, enthusiasm for health and wellness, contagious smile, open heart, beautiful soul. Rest with the Angels my cuz. Thank you for loving us all. You truly exemplified what it is to be a change maker, a trailblazer and a staunch patriot. Love and warmth to all saddened by your demise, most especially to your dear husband, Sech.
Your mini-you cousin.