A cloud of sadness still hangs over the Makhado municipality, after the death of a dedicated municipal worker, Ms Tshiwela Maphala.

She passed away last Tuesday in a hospital at Polokwane at the age of 44. She died of her injuries after a vehicle accident that occured on the Elim road last month.

She was laid to rest at the Makhado cemetery on Sunday. The funeral was attended by all management officials, led by the municipal manager, Mr Isaac Mutshinyali.

“We are greatly saddened about the untimely death of Tshiwela. We have really lost a dedicated and disciplined official, who was always committed to her work. Our municipality has been robbed of a committed employee and we will miss her," said Mutshinyali.

Tshiwela joined the municipality in 2000. At the time of her death, she worked in the department of water and electricity services.

The chairperson of the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union, Ms Tshilidzi Morodoba, said the union appreciated the cooperation and commitment shown by the municipal management during the funeral. “This is a historic moment to see members of management at a junior employee's funeral," she added.

Maphala is survived by two daughters, sisters and brothers.