The late Pesa “Mosotho” Pheko will be celebrated at the second edition of the Bana Ba Thari Cultural Festival, taking place in Botshabelo on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Although he left this world too soon, his memory and legacy continue to resonate with the many lives he touched.
Lebohang Moroe, organizer and founder of the festival, shared that Pesa Pheko, along with the late Thabo Kobeli, will be honored for their substantial contributions to the cultural and creative industries in Botshabelo and across South Africa. Moroe reflected on growing up with both Pheko and Kobeli during the vibrant arts scene of the late ’90s, which inspired him to establish the festival last year as a platform to recognize and celebrate local talent.
Last year, three individuals were honored, and for this edition, Pheko and Kobeli’s legacies will take center stage. To ensure their contributions are remembered, festival awards will be renamed in their honor. The Best Actor Award will now be known as the Pesa Pheko Excellence Award in Theatre, while the dance award will be renamed the Thabo Kobeli Excellence Award in Dance.
Moroe emphasized the importance of embedding the names of these artistic legends within the festival, stating, “Those who will win these awards will feel proud receiving accolades under the names of Pesa and Thabo.”
Special trophies will be awarded in both categories, serving as lasting symbols of gratitude for the duo’s impact on the arts.
In addition to the awards, the families of Pheko and Kobeli will receive recognition as part of the tribute, reaffirming the festival’s commitment to preserving their legacies.
Khausu Pheko, Pesa’s elder brother, welcomed this thoughtful tribute, expressing pride in the effort to honor both Pesa and Thabo.
“We are thrilled to see their work being acknowledged, and we are committed to keeping their legacies alive.” He said.
Thabiso Kobeli, Thabo’s younger brother, echoed these sentiments, noting the rarity of such honors being bestowed outside of television. He praised Moroe for recognizing his brother’s contributions to the dance scene in the Free State and ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
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