FORMER Bojanala ANC Women's League secretary and Madibeng municipal chief whip, Elsie Kgautle (63), was laid to rest at Sephai Cemetery in Sephai, North West on Saturday, 16 March.
Kgautle died on Friday, 8 March, after a short illness.
Her cousin, Bonny Nthite, said: "We're grateful that our sister was given a civil funeral by Madibeng Local Municipality fit for a heroine in recognition of her contribution,"
He said she has served as a role model, always seeking to make a difference.
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ANCWL NEC member Boitumelo Moiloa said Kgautle contributed a lot towards the emancipation of women.
"The ANC Women's League has lost a giant that was committed to addressing women's struggles," said Moiloa.
ANC North West treasurer and MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari, said that Kgautle was a development activist that had worked tirelessly for rural communities.
“She had initiated food security projects for child headed households, roads maintenance projects, housing development, water projects, and hygienic toilets. With her, the ANC has lost a servant leader and a mother," he said.
Speaker of Madibeng Municipality, Ditshego Mbezi, said Kgautle led a vast ward that has ten villages that had different headmen.
"She, however, maintained a good relationship with all of them. As a single whip of council, she commanded respect across the political divide in terms of maintaining decorum during council meetings. She was all about serving her community," said Mbezi.
She is survived by two sons, family members and relatives.
