Khoi chief is laid to rest

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Chief Jerome van Aswegen, or Khoi Tiekie, as he was known in Mossel Bay, was laid to rest on Saturday, 9 December.

At his funeral in the AFM Family Worship Church, D'Almeida, Paramount Chief Gail Baatjies said Khoi Tiekie had a full life as a chief in the Gouriqua Khoi Khoranna Kraal.

"He was truly a humble soul, a person who made life easy for those around him. I will miss this man every day of my life. Leaders like him are rare.

"His wisdom and jokes were what made him loved by so many. A great tree fell in Mossel Bay, a library of information about the history of Mossel Bay indeed."

He leaves his son Winston van Aswegen and daughter Janine van Aswegen behind.

Baatjies said the task of filling his shoes would be difficult.

"He loved to say 'Don't call me Pastor; call me Khoi Tiekie'. We will miss you, Khoi Tiekie.

"Our mayor, Mr Dirk Kotzé said a very true thing: 'Many a great person had great visions; the visions became a reality, but sadly they were no longer here to witness it.

"The work and projects he started with us will be a sweet reminder of his presence. Thank you to all who were part of his last !XNHAU (rite of passage)."

Chief Jerome van Aswegen (Khoi Tiekie).