10 Jan 2025

Born and bred in Digawana in June 1941 to Monnamogolo Kwenayabeng and Ketumile Leepile, Nelson Leepile took his last breath early this week after a long illness.

According to the family spokesperson, Edwin Leepile, Nelson led a simple life such as cattle herding and tending to his parents ploughing fields as a young boy.

Leepile started his primary school in Digawana and later transferred to Kanye, then proceeded to Seepapitso Secondary School.

While in Kanye their parents would often leave Edwin and his siblings under the care of Nelson as he was the eldest and they lived harmoniously in an extended family setup.

“After finishing his secondary schooling he was then employed by the Department of Information and Broadcasting as a reporter,” Edwin Radio said.

Nelson made his mark in the journalism industry as a budding reporter under the mentorship of the likes of Mmolotsi Sekgoma, David Matshediso and Anthony Mabeo. 

A soft spoken and jolly individual, there was never a dull moment when Nelson was around, according to Edwin. In Kanye where he started his work, it is said that Nelson was a die-hard supporter of Kanye Swallows and many other community clubs, something that earned him much respect from the community.

For his part, Township Rollers spokesperson Pako Lebanna said Nelson was well known not only as an avid sports reporter, but a long serving Rollers club member.

He pointed that Nelson was one of the elders of the team
who would often help Rollers with financial contributions and
advice whenever the need arose, adding that he religiously attended training sessions and annual general meetings.

“He was at some point entrusted with taking care of the Rollers ladies team after he retired from civil service,” Lebanna said.

Nelson Leepile leaves behind his wife and three children. He will be buried in Digawana tomorrow. ENDS