22 Jan 2019

Multitudes from Botswana and Southern Africa on January 19 paid their last respects to the legendary Reverend Ramfi Seoke of the Dutch Reformed Church in Botswana (DRCB).

Rev. Seoke or Moruti Soaks as he was affectionately known was a historical figure and an icon of the DRCB who was blessed to live for 87 years.

Rev. Seoke was not only a reverend, but a traditionalist who worked closely with Bakgatla tribe and its leadership, a humble and outspoken man.

However, Rev. Seoke, who was the first black person in the Dutch Reformed Church left no stone unturned in his mission of leadership.

For his part, Professor Nlisi Mofokeng from the Dutch Reformed Church South Africa, a friend to the late Rev. Seoke explained how grateful he was for having worked with Moruti Soaks.

Professor Mofokeng stated that Rev. Seoke participated in the programmes and events of the former Mochudi Circuit, which comprised of Mochudi, Sikwane and Moruleng and the Dutch Reformed Church in Africa Synod up to 1979 when DRCB gained autonomy.

Rev. Seoke, an iconic figure that he was, advocated for the training of pastors while undertaking a theology course in South Africa.

He was among the people who pioneered the formation of the then Botswana Council of Churches, Botswana Bible Society and the Radio Botswana preaching programme, of which the Dutch Reformed Church is an affiliate.

“I and Soaks worked together in building Botswana Council of Churches to what it is today. Seoke, who had a liberal mind when it came to church dealings, served God diligently,” Mr Felix Kgolo from UCCSA highlighted.

Meanwhile, Mr Aupa Seoke, who spoke on behalf of the family, explained how thankful he was for the support the community gave out since Rev. Seoke’s sickness.

Kgosi Bana Sekai stated that indeed Rev. Seoke had done his part in growing the Bakgatla tribe.

Kgosi Sekai emphasised that the reverend attended tribal meetings in South Africa to uphold the Bakgatla culture.

“Soaks used to attend tribal meetings with other Bakgatla whenever they were called to Moruleng. Back in the ’90s during Kgosi Linchwe’s reign, he would call kgosikgolo and his headmen to talk about how they can preserve the Bakgatla culture.
We haven’t just lost a reverend, but an impactful person in the society,” Kgosi Sekai said. ENDS