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Makoko died at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital last week, aged 49. He lived at Helderwyk Estate, Brakpan.

Makoko, who matriculated at Barolong High School in Mahfikeng, North West, and graduated at the University of Limpopo (Turfloop campus, garnered popularity as a marketing manager for companies including Corobrick, Invest North West, the defunct New Nation newspaper, Gold Reef City and PG Glass in Lesotho.

Even though he was not a political activist, in the 1980s Makoko helped with "logistical support" for activists, who included his brothers Kapeng and Dichakane .

Kapeng was an ANC activist, while Dichakane - who died about six years ago - was a freedom fighter for the rival Pan Africanist Congress.

Makoko helped his brothers when they were in detention, and later when they went into exile, especially when they required transportation to hide arms or handle banned literature.

Cherishing those adventure-packed memories of that unique role, Makoko used to regale all who cared to listen, adding that it had demonstrated that the liberation struggle in South Africa was not the risky work of only the overtly political, but of all who were affected.

As a marketer, particularly one with a community development streak, Makoko - as an entrepreneur - helped pioneer the establishment of cellphone retail shops and arcades in Ekurhuleni's Katlehong and Vosloorustownships.

Makoko also ran a recruitment agency which specialised in the placement of black professionals.

He was part of the Ezenkeni Crew, a large social club of "movers and shakers" inKatlehong, who were dedicated to networking and communitybuilding.

He was a natty dresser who loved to joke about "laaities in plastiek skoene" (young upstarts in plastic shoes), to encourage a genuine fashion sense and self-love among the local youth.

Makoko is survived by his wife Naledi and six children - Kgothatso, Tiisetso, Thando, Lesego, Katlego and Lebo.

A requiem mass in his honour will be held at St Peter's Chains Anglican Church in Katlehong, Germiston, tomorrow from 7.45am.

The cortège will head for the cemetery in Elspark afterwards.