"GOODBYE, mum Lucy."
These were the words of mourners who paid tribute to Lucy Mputla (69), founder of the Special Springbok Troop.
Mourners described her as the Mother Teresa of Makapanstad in North West.
Lucy's emotional funeral service was held at her home in Makapanstad on Saturday, 9 May 2026. She was later laid to rest at Makapanstad Cemetery.
Lucy collapsed and died at a funeral in Makapanstad on Friday, 1 May 2026.
Community in shock
Mourners said they were still struggling to believe their beloved Lucy was gone. They described her as disciplined and organised.
Family, friends, troop members and former teaching colleagues said Lucy touched many lives. Richard Moloto remembered his aunt for the love and energy she shared with people.
"She was a good disciplinarian and a very organised person. If I tell her story, it will be long," he said.
He said he was heartbroken by her death.
Lucy's niece, Sinah Maimela, said: "Brothers and sisters, we have lost, but God in this minute is standing with us."
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'She touched many lives'
Lucy's sister, Sabbath Modiba, described how her sister died while they were welcoming a troop member who had previously died.
She said Lucy was declared dead at a local clinic.
Meisi Lefifi said: "She was touching people's lives in a different way. She left a void in our hearts. We will keep her spirit alive. She was the Mother Teresa of Makapanstad. Let's carry her legacy until the end of time."
Billy Boshomane, a member of the Special Springbok troop, said: "Lucy never let us go back home without giving us food. She was a generous person. We don't know who will now give us food as we are used to."
He described her as a loving, caring and disciplined leader.
Troops promise to continue her legacy
Sello Dire, leader of The Russians Level 5, said: "We believe that the Special Springbok troop, an old troop group, will not end because the leader is gone."
He said the purpose of starting a troop was to bring children together.
"It's not only the Special Springbok troop that lost. We all lost. All the troops in Moretele have lost. The question is, who will talk to us now," he said.
