Tributes are pouring in from across the country, following the untimely passing of Andries Lekhoanyana Moleko on the Eve of Easter after a brief hospitalisation.
Moleko was a business pioneer who was born on 11 June 1961 in Mamahabane, Ventersburg. He was the son of the Fusi and Makholoana Moleko.
He began his schooling at the Mamahabane Primary School then matriculated at the Dikwena Secondary School in Qwaqwa. He furthered his studies at the Damelin Business College where he attained a diploma in Business Management.
At 23 years old, Moleko pursued his childhood dream of owning a driving school – at first, struggling to get funding from the banks.
This did not deter his spirit as he resorted to selling clothes in the streets to raise capital to buy his first vehicle.
His dedication and discipline paid off as a year later (1984), his dream was realised at the establishment of the first black-owned driving school in Virginia, Moleko Driving School, later renamed to Tswelangpele Driving School.
His business acumen, spanning 41 years, saw the birth of the Moleko Group. The group has several subsidiaries: a driving school, car washes, restaurant, residential and commercial property, and a conference facility.
Moleko was a devoted servant who took great pride in worshipping the Lord at the Meloding Methodist Church.
His life journey on Earth was one marked by love for his family and community, his ambition, compassion and unwavering faith in God. Andries would often buy advertising space in Vista to publish a weekly inspirational verse.
His children say they will remember him as a shining light on all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. Lebohang Moleko said his father was a hard worker with incomparable work ethic.
His passing has left a void in our hearts and many more whose lives he touched. We ask that you remember Papa not for the sudden way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and the profound impact he had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him
“His passing has left a void in our hearts and many more whose lives he touched. We ask that you remember Papa not for the sudden way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and the profound impact he had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.”
He leaves behind his older brother Lehlohonolo, sisters Makhoana and Disebo, children Lebohang, Madisebo, Mamello and Katleho, and grandchildren.
His funeral service will be held on Friday, 25 April, at 08:00 at the Meloding Methodist Church before proceeding to his final resting place at the Virginia Cemetery.
Vista, too, will remember Moleko for his unbending ethics, his fine humour, and his love for people and for God.
