The life of an illiterate old man, Mr Frans Maelula Mukheli, who, against all odds, made sure that all his children and several others received an education, was celebrated during his funeral service.

Mukheli (99) of Lwamondo Vhungwili was buried over the weekend after a memorial service at his home. During his funeral, held on a rainy Saturday, speaker after speaker described the good things the old man had done for the community and his family.

Among the many community initiatives, he is credited to having founded the village burial scheme, which he served with dedication throughout his life. He used his vehicle for burials to assist his community.

His son, Stanley, eulogised him as someone who lived life to the fullest. "My father was everything to us. He made sure that all his children received education as he believed that it was the only tool that could bring development in the community."

He was also a dedicated member of the school governing body at Shondoni Secondary School and Maphuphe Primary School.

Mukheli leaves 13 children, 54 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.