Rest in peace Makoko, you did your part
Former MK operative lived in the service of others
Born: October 10 1972
Died: May 12 2017
Funeral: Tomorrow, at Thokoza Auditorium, Khumalo St (next to the police station)
Burial: Thomas Nkobi Memorial Park, Boksburg
Sipho Makoko started his schooling at Tshwaragano Primary School, then went to Katlehong High School and later Wits University.
Makoko joined Congress of South African Students (Cosas) at a very young age, stemming from his interest in the liberation of his people.
He was very active in Cosas, an organiser who shunned formal leadership roles but became one of its most known and active members.
Makoko also became a member of the Thokoza Youth Congress, which after the unbanning of political organisations, became part of the ANC Youth League.
He got recruited into the underground structures of Umkhonto weSizwe and played his part in the fight against apartheid.
Makoko began his career assisting people to register businesses and complete tender application forms, among other things.
Remaining very active in civic movements, the SACP and particularly the African National Congress, Makoko became part of the Progressive Business Forum that funded the ANC.
This all-rounder earned himself the MK operative name “Teaspoon” from then ANCYL president Peter Mokaba. The ANC also enlisted him as part of its VIP security for its prominent leaders.
Makoko died at the 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria, after driving himself there when he fell sick.
He leaves behind a legacy and lessons of self-sacrifice, generosity, selflessness, love for family and loyalty to friends.
He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Lizah Motloung, daughter Karabo and mother Patricia Makoko.