Family, friends of late Titus Mafolo gather to honour his life

The family and friends of the late anti-apartheid activist Titus Mafolo have gathered in Centurion to honour the life and times of the 69-year-old.

Mafolo passed away after a brief illness last week.

He’s being remembered at a Special Provincial Official Funeral in Centurion, where Deputy President Paul Mashatile is among the mourners.

A businessman, former United Democratic Front (UDF) leader and later a prominent African National Congress (ANC) member, Mafolo also served as adviser to the former statesman Thabo Mbeki.

His wife, Wilhelmina, delivered a heartfelt tribute to her high school sweetheart.

“Your departure feels like the main switch in the house has been switched off. Where there was your warm embrace, towering stature, and a sweet presence, there's a heartbreak and a difficult attempt of trying to make a home without you. My life and our kids will never be the same again.”

Former Transnet executive Brian Molefe told mourners about Mafolo’s final moments.

“On the night of his passing on the 11th of December 2025, Bra Ti was watching the interview of Advocate Menzi Simelane on television. At the end of Advocate Simelane's interview, Bra Tu posted on the Kelemo WhatsApp group, and I quote, ‘it was vintage Menzi Simelane.  You ask yourself, how can we sideline such a clear and intelligent person?’  I loved his vision about the NPA [National Prosecuting Authority].”