29 Nov 2016

Hundreds of mourners, among them the Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Patrick Ralotsia paid their respects to the ambassador of Polka dance, teacher, coach and a friend of one and all, Johannah Ramantele who was laid to rest in Kanye on Saturday.

Speaking during the funeral service, Ralotsia described Ramantele as a straight talker and selfless individual whose life has touched many other lives.

Ralotsia said the nation was blessed to have had someone like Ramantele, a teacher by profession, who had dedicated her entire life to the service of humanity beyond her call of duty.

He explained that teaching was for her not just a job, but a calling.

Ralotsia challenged teachers to take a leaf from Ramantele who used the comparative advantage that was provided by her job to develop and empower others.

He said Ramantele's many exploits in her service to humanity would forever immortalise her in the hearts and minds of many.

Kanye Swallows Football Club representative  Mosimanegape Nnaasau described the deceased as a fair and courageous nation builder who led the male dominated team for many years without taking sides.

Nnaasau further said Ramantele's leadership gave rise to the formation of Kanye Swallows Ladies Football team which is now in the national elite league.

In 2011, Ramantele, who was born in Gakhibana in Kgalagadi South 54 years back, formed Honey Polka dance group in Kanye according to a relative Johannah Visagie.

Visagie explained that Ramantele used the group to export the dance which was little known outside the area at the time to other parts of the nation, especially the southern part.

She noted that in 2011 there were only six registered polka dance groups but the number has since increased to 37 due to Ramantele's indefatigable spirit.

Area councillor and deputy Southern District Council chairperson, Thamiso Chabalala said Ramantele’s legacy would forever live on.

Among her many achievements, she was the manager of the national Under 20 football team since 2010 until she passed on, and was adorned with a BNOC award in recognition of her unrivalled contribution to sports in 2008.

She was also the runner-up for Thari ya Sechaba awards in 2008.

The spirit of the competition was to recognise women who have contributed to nation building.

She also formed Kanngwe Primary School and Kanye Swallows netball team respectively and extended Polka dance to Kuto Primary School where she worked until her untimely death.

She is survived by her husband, two girls, a boy and three grand children. ENDS