The late Teboho Letshaba’s positive legacy, from which future generations can learn and use to build on their personal and professional paths, will carry on. Various role players across the public-private sector, including his colleagues at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), attest to the fact that he left an indelible mark across the broader society.
Friends and family stated this during a memorial service held in Bloemfontein on Wednesday (12/04), and then during his funeral in Letshaba’s hometown of Viljoenskroon on Saturday.
They also heaped praise onto Letshaba for leaving behind such a rich, admirable legacy. Scores of mourners attended his funeral to pay their last respects.
Letshaba held the position of provincial editor at the broadcaster’s bureau in the Free State at the time of his demise. He died after a short illness, after having shown symptoms of ill health in early March.
Letshaba’s legacy and successes were attributed to being the by-product of his implementation of three pillars: education, work ethic and humanity.
Evidence to his valuing of education are the prestigious feathers in his cap, namely university qualifications and coveted awards. His qualifications include an MA degree in Communication Science, two BA honours degrees in Communication Science, a Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree, a diploma in Office Administration, a certificate in Advanced Computer Literacy, and a certificate in Media Studies and Journalism. Before his passing, Letshaba was working towards his PhD degree.
In addition to his educational accomplishments, Letshaba authored five books in Sotho, which were published between 2008 and 2018.
Letshaba’s approach towards work ethic included a passion for the profession of journalism, and a willingness to go the extra mile for his colleagues.
He aided his team of journalists with their sourcing and, in doing so, ensured that they presented reliable and newsworthy stories.
For his efforts, Letshaba duly received coveted journalism accolades aknowledging his brilliant work in both the news and sport categories.
Among Letshaba’s humanitarian pursuits was his willingness to encourage people to further their studies, and help them in achieving goals they had set for themselves – be it in their career, or pertaining to their studies.
His childhood friend Sidwell Mamatela testified that Letshaba had remained true to his values and impacted positively in his life and education as a source of inspiration and encouragement.
Sidwell Guduka also attested to Letshaba’s sense of humanity, stating that he and Letshaba had fostered a good friendship between them.
He went on to state that Letshaba was able to extend this natural ability of forming lasting connections with others not only to those within the media industry, but also outsiders.
“Letshaba was always striving for perfection and would push everyone in the newsroom to have pride in his or her work,” said Tsietsi Mohoaladi.
Mamontha Motau, Lesedi FM business manager, described Letshaba as a goal-oriented and strong-willed character, basing this description on his ability to execute his duties in the various managerial positions he held efficaciously and him succeeding in being shortlisted as a finalist for top positions that he applied for.
“Letshaba’s ability to address a prejudiced letter penned by one of the listeners of Motsweding FM whilst he was the programme manager, stands out among other aspects. That left me with a deep sense of pride. He illustrated an understanding of what constitutional rights had entitled people to do,” said Motau.
“You do not have to live a long life to leave behind a lasting legacy and impact positively in the lives of many people. Letshaba is classic proof of that. At the prime age of 40 years, he showed it is possible. He was ahead of his time,” said Tseliso Mosalane, manager of the Sesotho Literary Museum in Bloemfontein.
He was reacting to the outpouring of emotion that Letshaba’s passing evoked from the public, especially given his death during what was considered his prime.
Those who followed the path his career took believe that Letshaba’s achievements were proof that he was free from impediments or restrictions.
Letshaba’s stint with the broadcasting corporation spanned 15 years, having started his career in Bloemfontein in 2008.
Rastman, as Letshaba was affectionately known, was an avid reader and football fanatic.
He was a sport and healthy lifestyle enthusiast, with an active and avid interest in body building.
Letshaba was the third child of four children born to Mateboho Letshaba. He is survived by his mother, son, two sisters and brother.
Letshaba was always strivingfor perfection and would push everyone in the newsroom to have pride in his or her work
– Tsietsi Mohoaladi
