Peter Papiki Dikobo was born in Magaliesburg, Seekoeihoek on the 24th October 1955 to the late William Matsobane & Sheila “Amo” Dikobo. The Family relocated to Diepkloof in 1961.
Peter attended his Primary school in Magatle, Zebediela. He subsequently started his secondary schooling at Madibane Comprehensive High School and completed his Matric at Orlando West High School in 1976.
As a devoted student activist, Peter participated in what is now considered the pinnacle of student activism in South Africa, the June 16 1976 Student Protests and faced the retributive apartheid justice system along with other student activists of the class of ’76. He was subsequently arrested and served a nearly year-long suspended sentence wherein he had to report to John Vorster Police Station during that year. As a result, he was unable to write his matric exams in 1976 but rather concluded his Matric in 1977.
In 1978, after completing a compulsory Bridging Course conducted by Wits University, Peter entered the hallmark gates of The University of the North (today the University of Limpopo, popularly called Turfloop), the centre of political innovation and mobilisation at the time. An astute academic, and in record time, he graduated with a Bachelor of Administration in 1980.
As an outstanding sportsman and sports fanatic, Peter played goalkeeper for Masters at Turfloop. His brilliance earning him a comparison to the great Peta Bala’c.
After returning home from University he joined Brave Lions under the leadership of the late Ntate Galane where he continued with his exceptional goalkeeping skills. Together with some of the members of Brave Lions, they founded Ipolokeng Burial Society which remains in existence to the present day.
Peter was recruited from Turfloop by the British multinational oil and gas company “BP”. He completed a two-year Management Trainee Programme with BP and was subsequently appointed as a Regional Consumer Representative for the multinational.
Being an entrepreneur at heart, Peter started Lesedi Petroleum Pty Ltd in 1995, his own successful petroleum distribution business specialising in paraffin & gas, an affiliate of BP.
As a result of market shifts, Peter exited the Petroleum industry in 2010, took a well-deserved break and subsequently joined the Financial Services Industry as a broker with Batho Batsho Bakopane Group (B3).
In 1982 Peter married Bertha “Ankie” Motsepe and they were blessed with three beautiful daughters, Loraine, Kgomotso & Thato.
After separation from first marriage, he moved from Leondale and settled in Diepkloof where he later got married to Mologadi Matilda Dikobo (née: Masethe), and they grew their home with love and adventure as they consistently took leisure holidays across the country. As avid entertainers, they hosted many luncheons and braai’s at their home for family and friends, often into the wee hours of the morning.
He started experiencing health issues in 2012 and was subsequently diagnosed with cancer of the stomach. He underwent a series of operations until he was discharged from hospital into the care of his loving wife. Peter having a strong personality, resilience and tenacity, coupled with the support of his wife, children and family, he soldiered on as he carried out his daily responsibilities despite all the difficulties. His health deteriorated further over the past 3 years. After a well fought battle, he finally succumbed to his illness on 24th December 2018 at the Donald Gordon Medical Centre.
Papiki was a pillar of strength to the entire family. He was selfless and always available to assist financially, morally and otherwise.
Empathetic & God fearing. An eternal Jazz enthusiast & Collector. A brilliant jazz dancer.
The Giant has fallen. He leaves behind his loving Wife, three Daughters, 3 Grandchildren (Boikanyo; Peter; John Jr), a Sister, three Brothers, Brother & Sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Robala ka Khutso Tlou
Motho wa bo jika, o boele Tshwane O hlagetse.
Wa bo seforo, sa bo Mokgaetse
Watch Video: The Dance
