His-Story

Kaone Lobelo was born in Taung, on May 5 1958. His father was a school principal and inspector as well as his mother. In October 1976, he and nine fellow pupils sneaked across the border into Botswana. His older brother Derrick, better known by his nom de guerre Vusi Mayekiso, left South Africa to join MK at about the same time as Kaone, but was later executed in 1977 in an ANC camp in Angola called Novo Catengue, after cadres suffered severe, but not fatal, food poisoning. Kaone Lobelo did not see his home again for 18 years.

The 10 were promptly arrested by the Botswana police and thrown into Lobatse prison. They were released in late December, joined the ANC and were flown to Angola. In January 1977, Kaone Lobelo was sent to East Germany for military training. When he returned after six months he was involved in reconnaissance operations in Bophuthatswana with a view to setting up military bases in the homeland.

On the eve of Zimbabwe's independence in April 1980, Mr. Lobelo was involved in joint operations with the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army to plan future incursions from Zimbabwe into South Africa. He spent several years in Maputo, in Mozambique, working for the ANC's department of information and publicity on propaganda pamphlets that were smuggled into South Africa.

In 1983, he was moved to Lesotho. He was in Maseru during a raid by South African special forces in 1985 which killed a number of ANC cadres. Soon thereafter, the administration of prime minister Chief Leabua Jonathan was overthrown in a bloodless coup led by Lesotho army chief General Justin Lekhanya. As part of an agreement with South Africa, Lekhanya deported 60 ANC cadres to Zambia in January 1986.

Kaone Lobelo was one of those deported. Soon after arriving in Lusaka, he was sent back to East Germany for a one-year course in politics. He returned to Lusaka where he married a Zambian woman before being sent to Botswana in 1988. For the next three years, he was involved in the highly dangerous task of smuggling AK47 rifles, grenades, pistols, explosives, ammunition and trained cadres into South Africa. He would pack the weapons and ammunition into a false bottom welded underneath his bakkie, drive it across the border and unload its contents in pre-arranged hiding places. Or he would take the weapons across on foot and hand them over to reception parties.

Kaone Lobelo, whose nom de guerre was "City Mmusi" (Mmusi was his middle name), also had to transport trained cadres to the border and arrange their crossing into South Africa. He also received cadres coming from South Africa and sent them to safe locations. Spies and informers were everywhere and the fact that Mr. Lobelo evaded them was regarded as testimony to the tight discipline with which he ran his networks.

In 1991, he was sent back to Lusaka as an aide to the ANC's chief representative in Zambia. He liaised with donor countries, agencies and embassies and after the unbanning of the ANC helped to organise the repatriation of cadres to South Africa.

Kaone Lobelo returned to South Africa in 1994 after years in exile, bringing with him a vision of rebuilding communities and contributing to the development of democratic nation. His return marked the beginning of an impactful journey of leadership and activism, deeply rooted in serving his community and broader South African society.

Reconnection with the SACP and Foundational Activism

Upon his return, Lobelo sought to reconnect with the South African Communist Party (SACP). Through Molefi Mojaki, he was introduced to Howard Yawa, the Provincial Secretary of the SACP. Lobelo played a central role in the establishment of the SACP across the Bophirima District. Pampierstad was identified as the springboard for building the SACP under the new conditions of legality, thanks to his organisational skills and dedication.

In 1998, he was elected as the Deputy Provincial Secretary of the SACP, deputizing Howard Yawa. His leadership strengthened the party’s presence and influence throughout the region. Lobelo also contributed significantly to the establishment of the Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association (MKVA) structures in the North West Province, ensuring that the contributions of veterans were recognized in building the new South Africa.

Early Leadership: Councillor and Community Development (1994-2000)

In 1995, Lobelo was elected as one of the first ANC councillors during South Africa’s transition to democracy. He led the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) and the Masakhane Campaign, focusing on rebuilding communities, improving infrastructure, and fostering civic responsibility. His work also included establishing organs of people’s power known as Village Level Committees (VLCs), which empowered communities to participate in governance and development.

As Chairperson of the Stella Transitional Council, Lobelo oversaw governance in areas including Taung, Vryburg, Kuruman, Christiana, Swartreknek. His efforts focused on creating inclusive local government structures, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring community involvement in decision-making processes.

Leadership as District Mayor

In 2001, Lobelo was elected as the Executive Mayor of the Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality. During his tenure, he worked tirelessly to improve service delivery, promote social economic development and enhance the quality of life for the districts residents. His leadership extended beyond the district, as he was also appointed Chairman of the North West Provincial Chapter of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA). In this Role, he championed the interests of municipalities across the province, fostering collaboration and advocating for improved governance and resources.

Stabilizing Leadership in Taung Municipality (2011-2016)

In 2011, Mr. Lobelo was called upon by the African National Congress (ANC) to serve as a Mayor of Taung Municipality. This intervention reflected the party’s confidence in his ability to stabilize leadership and guide the municipality during a critical period. His tenure was marked by decisive action, community engagement, and a focus on addressing pressing local challenges.

Service on National Boards

Beyond his mayoral responsibilities, Lobelo made significant contributions to governance at a national level. He served as Chairman of the Sedibeng Water Board, where he played a pivotal role in ensuring sustainable water supply and management across communities. As chairman of the Demarcation Board, he oversaw critical decisions that shaped municipal boundaries, fostering better service delivery and governance structures.

A Visionary and Nation Builder

Kaone Lobelo’s life was a testament to unwavering dedication to public service, activism, and governance. From his role in establishing the SACP in Bophirima District, now renamed Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, to his leadership in local government and national boards, he has left a legacy of community empowerment and development.

Through the Kaone Lobelo Foundation, his vision of a united, prosperous, and a equitable South Africa lives on, inspiring future generations to build on his enduring contributions.