He died this week following a lengthy ill-health.
Ntsabo, was the owner of a well known Lengau Tours in Rustenburg- North West Province that eventually grew to become Lengau Africa Group.
He ventured into tourism after a stint with then North West Parks & Tourism as a research technician, were the love of the industry was developed- (talk of when the bug has eaten, there’s no turning back).
Born and bred in Bokone Bophirima, he founded the company Lengau Tours with the advice and mentorship of the gargantuan oak and tourism walking encyclopaedia Charles Vuyisile Ndabeni, then CEO at NWP&T, who introduced me to Lester and from then on we befriended each other until his untimely death this week.
He grew his business profile by venturing into Long Distance Bus Business, that resulted in providing fleets services at the world’s favourite playground Sun City- of which is still operational. Although unconfirmed, he partly owned shares at Vacation Club and other establishments in Rusty (as Rustenburg is commonly known).
Brett Hoppé, General Manager at Sun City says he was disheartened by the news after being informed by the family on Lester’s passing.
“He was a crucial figure in our system having worked with us at Sun City for years in terms of providing services such as fleet and scholar transport through his company.
As Sun City management and staff, we send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all affected by his passing.”
He won several awards in the tourism sector for having created jobs ordinary folks in the province, amongst others.
During the era of Platinum Stars FC (Premier Soccer League outfit), he was involved in the club’s operations, though on small scale capacity. He became a close confidante of Jabu Mahlangu (Pule) the wayward midfielder then.
A street smart figure who had a penchant for finer things in life, loved life, and because of his stylish sense of dressing, owning German made cars, Lester was also loved by all including politicians, business-people and ordinary masses (he ‘dined with Kings and adored by Queens’).
He was a chairperson for the Bojanala Tour Operators Association.
Lester lives a wife, two kids- boy and a girl and two sisters. He was 54.
His memorial service will be held on Thursday at Mpheni House, White Building, next to Rustenburg Municipality from 12 until 2pm.
Funeral will take place on Saturday at Rustenburg Civic Center from 8am.
Rest eternally in Peace my brother.
Robalang ka ntho madi a tshologe booNtsabo!
Image SUPPLIED (Lengau Africa Group founder Lester Ntsabo receiving the ‘MEC Special Award’ from former NW Tourism MEC Desbo Mohono years ago. Ntsabo will be buried this Saturday in Rustenburg).
