Community members paid their last respects to a well-known Lutheran Church veteran and younger brother of  the owner of Phadziri Bus company, one of the founders of Gogobole Bucs FC and community leader Mr Ronald Phadziri, who was laid to rest at Gogobole on Saturday.

He recently died at the age of 81 after a short illness.

All speakers described Phadziri as a pioneer, a born leader and a man of vision.

According to Mr George Maphala, Phadziri was a good man who helped everyone, despite the circumstances. He said the family and church members were in great pain after losing one of their beloved members. "We are greatly saddened by his death, but we will have to accept it, because God’s will has been done.”

His son, Makana, said that his father was very solemn, restrained and dignified man. “For so many years, he served selflessly and faithfully in parishes throughout the country, and in those dark days he made himself available day and night to all who needed him,” he added.

On behalf of the Gogobole Royal Council, Mr Muswolwa Malema he said the grief which the family was experiencing “also touches us and we will always remember him, because he had done so many good things for this community.”