THE humble and loving professor has been laid to rest.
Professor Mochichi Samuel Mokgokong (71) was given a provincial send-off by the Gauteng government. He was buried at the Pretoria East Cemetery in Tshwane on Thursday, 1 February.
He died on Wednesday, 24 January at Life Groenkloof Hospital in Tshwane.
Professor Mokgokong was known as the first black South African neurosurgeon. He was also celebrated for being part of the surgical team that separated conjoined twins Mpho and Mphonyana Mathibela at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital on 7 December 1986.
Mourners described him as a humble man who loved and feared God.
Speaking at the funeral service, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said this was how as a country they wanted to thank the family for giving "us their son".
"We are all surrounding the Mokgokong family so that no one knows who is mourning them. On behalf of the Gauteng government, we would like to thank Mokgokong’s family for accepting our gesture of saying goodbye to this brave son of our country," he said.
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Lesufi said that Professor Mokgokong was a special person, highly talented and a leader who headed various institutions.
"I would like to thank President Cyril Ramaphosa for granting Professor Mokgokong a state funeral in the province," he said.
The deceased's cousin, Dr Anna Mokgokong, said she thanked everyone who supported the family.
"One thing that humbled us as a family was the announcement by Lesufi that President Ramaphosa supported the proposal that Professor Mokgokong should be given a state funeral in the province," she said.
She said Professor Mokgokong belonged not only to them, but to South Africa.
Another family member, Kwena Mokgokong, while reading the obituary, said Professor Mokgokong's interest and endeavour was not limited to the professional world as he had a keen interest in the Christian faith.
"His greatest pride and joy were his family. He will also be remembered for his tireless commitment to improving healthcare, education, the church and society as a whole," she said.
She said he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Matsie Mokgabudi, chairwoman of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to work with Prof Mokgokong.
Pius Mokgokong, who presented the honour on behalf of the family, said: "Professor Mokgokong was very humble and a hard worker."
He is survived by his wife Puleng Mokgokong, three daughters Mokgethoa De Almeida, Basetsana Mokgokong, Moloko Mokgokong and grandchildren Kamogelo, Thato, Elaina De Almeida and his siblings.
Dignitaries who attended the funeral include former president Kgalema Motlanthe, Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla, Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, and ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba.
