The untimely death of a Makhado Municipal ward councillor has left many stunned and shocked. Cllr Selinah Gundula died last Tuesday after a short illness. Gundula (49) was a councillor for Ward 24 at the time of her death.

The list of people who visited her home at Gogobole village in the Sinthumule area last week to pay their respects, included the Deputy Speaker of the Limpopo Legislature, Ms Miriam Ramadwa, the executive mayor of Vhembe District Municipality, Cllr Florence Dzhombere and Makhado Mayor Cllr Mavhungu Luruli-Ramakhanya.

Ngundula was depicted by many as a charismatic, disciplined and dedicated leader. Gundula was an active member of the African National Congress. She had served as a secretary for the Muhovhi ANC branch since 1997. Gundula was also a member of the regional executive commitee of the ANC and a regional executive committee member of the ANC Women's League in Vhembe.

Gundula, who was a teacher by profession for many years, had just resigned to become a councillor. She had taught at Tshiungulela High School for many years.

Vhembe District Executive Mayor, Cllr Florence Dzhombere said Gundula's death came as a shock to her. "She still had a lot to do, both for the community and the government," she said, adding that it would be very difficult to replace her.

She narrated how difficult it was for Gundula to become a councillor. "We fought as women of this district that Gundula could become a councillor. Her death to us is unbelievable. We lost a committed leader who dedicated all her life to serve the community," said Dzhombere. Gundula had served as an ANC councillor for the Makhado Municipality for two consecutive terms.

Makhado Mayor Cllr Mavhungu Luruli-Ramakhanya, who worked very closely with the deceased, said that she felt it was too soon to lose a hard worker like Gundula. Luruli added that her death happened at a time when she still expected Gundula to assist with the building of municipal wards. "She was such an experienced councillor and we expected her to assist in grooming the newly appointed councillors at the municipality," she said.

She added: "Gundula was one of our councillors who understood how local government works. She had remarkable experience and people learned a lot from her. Her death is a loss to both the municipality and the ANC."

Luruli added that Gundula will always be remembered for her good work in the community and within the ANC. Gundula was not only a politician but also feared God. She was a member of the Zion Christian Church.

Gundula will be laid to rest at a local cemetery in the village tomorrow (Saturday).