A large number of people paid their last respects during the burial of well-known businessman, community builder and sports developer Mr Jessie Ntanganedzeni Muthige of Thohoyandou Unit E, Hamagidi, on Saturday.

Muthige (78) was born on 13 May 1936 at Dzimauli-Mutavhanani village outside Mutale. He started his school life at Tshifudi Primary in 1945 and completed his secondary education at Mphaphuli Secondary in 1955. He completed his teaching qualification at the Vendaland Training Institute (Tshisimani Teacher's College) in 1957.

He taught at Ngovhela, Mulenzhe, Tswinga, Tshakhuma, and Phaswana, among others.

He was a member of the then Venda National Assembly, chairperson of the Thohoyandou Business Forum, the owner of taxi services and he owned a restaurant in Thohoyandou, which is in operation currently.

Muthige loved sports, in particular soccer, and he cut his sport administration teeth when he served as secretary for Sibasa Fast Eleven in the 70s. He was also a key establisher of Tshipako Black Leopards FC, now Black Leopards, in 1983.

Muthige passed away on 15 February, after a long illness. He is survived by his wife, Vho-Chianzi, four daughters and one son and 11 grandchildren.