Thonias “Ray” Malele honored with Category Two Official State Funeral

Mourners convened at Jack Botes Hall in Polokwane to pay their last respect to a fallen hero. Recognized for his contribution to the liberation struggle, Thonias Malele, affectionately known as Ray was awarded a category two official provincial funeral held on the 25th of January in Polokwane. Born on 7th November 1962 when South Africa was still at the height of the apartheid regime, he joined the Congress of South African Students in 1979 which played a significant role in becoming a key figure in the freedom movement.

In efforts of wanting to see South Africa being liberated, Ray skipped the country to Angola and USSR where he received military training tasked with the responsibility of securing life and properties of the Umkhonto WeSizwe combatants in all military establishments. Ray therefore, took the task head-on by displaying high level of bravery.

Upon his return to South Africa in the late 1980s, Thonias continued to operate underground with other liberty fighters. After South African’s first democratic election, he was deployed to render his service in the public sector where he exceptionally served the people of Limpopo province while under the Department of Public Works. He dedicated his time to the newly formed democratic South Africa’s Public Administration.

Some of his formal education he obtained includes Marketing, Military and Political Strategy Planning from Moscow, coupled with a degree in Development Administration, and a Master’s of Science in Engineering Business Management from the University of Warwick in England. He occupied executive positions within the Limpopo Provincial Government ranging from being a Chief Director in 2001, and becoming an acting Head of Department until he retired in 2018.

Speaking on behalf of his siblings, Taurus Malele spoke fondly of his father for being a great and supportive dad who provided for his family despite being a nation’s father.

“My father was always the most kind with a gentle heart, he had a way of making us feel that we can achieve anything we wanted no matter the challenges. He taught us the power of love, and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life will remain a life lesson for us.”

Delivering the eulogy, Premier, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba told mourners that Ray was a torchbearer of the struggle for freedom who carried the hopes and dreams of an oppressed South African nation.

“Comrade Malele’s contribution to the public service achievements include the introduction of progressive systems, ensuring applicants were informed of job outcomes and eliminating ghost workers. Under his leadership, the Department’s Employment equity Plan became a model of transformation,” said the Premier.

Ray will be remembered not only by his family and friends, but he will also be remembered for his contribution to the Limpopo Provincial Government, particularly for the good governance he demonstrated of the years as a public servant. EC