South African radio personality Penny Lebyane has shared a heartfelt message of appreciation from her family following the funeral of her father, Papa Rufus Sunnyboy Lebyane.
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Her father passed away on 30 October 2026 and was laid to rest in Pimville, Soweto, where family, friends and loved ones gathered to bid him farewell.
Following the funeral, Penny took to social media to share the family’s message, thanking everyone who offered support, comfort and condolences during a difficult period.
Alongside the message of gratitude, a moving traditional praise poem (sereto) celebrating the Lebyane family name and lineage was shared in honour of the late family patriarch.
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The tribute opened with the emotional words, “Sethlare se segolo sa ga Lebyane se wele!”, expressing the sorrow of losing a great figure of the Lebyane clan.
The praise poem honours the family’s ancestry, identity and heritage, referencing Mother Phutela, Kgolokwane Lentswe, Mother Khati, the Baroka and the Bakone.
It also includes traditional praises celebrating the strength and legacy associated with the Lebyane name.
One of the closing lines repeats the family name in honour of their heritage:
“Lebjane! Lebyane! Lebyane! – Mokone.”
The tribute ended with an emotional farewell to the late patriarch:
“Robala Ka Khutšo, Papa Rufus Sunnyboy Lebyane.”
The words mean rest in peace and serve as a final expression of love and respect for the departed family member.
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Celebrating a father’s legacy
The sharing of the traditional praise poem highlights the importance of preserving family history and celebrating one’s roots, particularly when saying goodbye to an elder.
In many African families, sereto carries deep cultural significance, connecting generations through clan names, ancestral history and traditional praise.
For the Lebyane family, the tribute was not only a farewell to Papa Rufus but also a celebration of the family identity and legacy he leaves behind.
As the family continues to mourn their loss, Penny’s message of appreciation acknowledges everyone who stood by them and offered comfort during their time of grief.
Featured image: Instagram/@pennylebyane
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