We will always remember Mr. Ragga

Happy New Year beloved readers. It is my prayer that the Lord will sustain you and your families this year. I learn as I grow older that life comes full of ups and downs. That no one can run away from challenges. But above all, I learn that God will never leave nor forsake us. He is faithful even when we are faithless. He never changes and He is the same yesterday, today and forever. On January 7, I lost my brother - my only sibling. Even though my mother and I had been taking care of him the few days he was not feeling well until his last breath, his death hit me really hard. My life changed instantly when I received that early morning call from the hospital staff announcing his death. My brother Moagi Duncan Onkagetse ‘Ragga’ Ditlhase was my friend. We grew up together, raised by our single mother in a difficult environment. Growing up, we saw our mother work hard to put food on our table and to ensure we get educated. Moagi, being the first born, was like the father of the house from a young age. He was a nerd but in between his studies, he would do piece jobs like working at a filling station to assist our mother. He was a multi-dimensional man who never wanted to be suppressed. Even when we did not have electricity at home, my brother would assist people in the neighbourhood with fixing their electrical appliances and stuff. O ne a le segwabanyana from a tender age. My brother was also a creative who loved music. He spent his teen years mixing school with playing for Ramatea Brass Band in Kanye, the band that was owned by the late German Mr. Schneider. They would travel the world and coming back home always meant new clothes and toys for me. In 2014 he released a Kwaito album called ‘Monate Ga o fele’ - various genres. That was my brother. He was a creative at heart. I always tell people that I don’t remember having a physical fight with any other person except my brother. He was shorter than me, and there were times he thought ke a mo talela. But again, I hear it is a common characteristic of short people that they always think people undermine them. Moagi was always overprotective of me. Bullies stayed away from me at school. Flaws and all, he was always there for me. Even as adults, my brother played a fatherly role to me. We would at times fight over it but he remained unbothered. I will always remember him as a lover of life, likeable and a man in touch with his soul. I thank God that during his last days with us, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Personal Saviour. He will always be cherished. On behalf of my family, I would like to appreciate everyone that supported us during his funeral. Special thanks to his employer Kweneng District Council and the community of Molepolole for the love they showed my brother in life and in death. May the Lord reward you for your kindness. (Ruth 1:8). Facebook/Instagram: Yvonne Tshepang Mooka Twitter: @yvonnemooka Email: [email protected]