“One of the beliefs of Ntshavheni Joseph Lukhwa was the importance of being authentic with people. I always admired how he never judged or forced his opinions on anyone but offered valuable and truthful advice that I will surely miss.” These were the words of a former MEC for Health, Ms Miriam Segabutla, during the funeral service of Mr Lukhwa (49) at Mukula-Tshirunzini, north of Thohoyandou.

Lukhwa was part of the support staff who worked closely with Segabutla during her term in office. He played the role of messenger and driver in the MEC’s office and he was admired by all the staff members who regarded him as a fatherly and friendly figure because of his dedication to his work.

Lukhwa’s childhood friend, Tshimangadzo Netshidzivhani, said: “He requested me to come and see him, and I spent two days with him shortly before he died. He always kept his sense of humor, even when he was in hospital. I said to him that I wished I could take away his pain. I kept on telling him that he would be fine one day but unfortunately, he could not recover and he left us. As a friend, I learnt a lot of good things from him and I will always cherish his love, smile and the spirit of sharing. He would give you his last money, even if he did not know where his next meal would come from. He was such a kind friend.”

Family representative Dick Lukhwa thanked friends, colleagues and the community for supporting them in the difficult time after losing their loved one. “We accept humbly that Joseph is gone, but we are comforted by your presence here today. We might not understand why he died so soon, but God has all the answers.  Now our hope is that he rest in peace, knowing he did all that he could and that the family will be fine. We love him so dearly and it’s so comforting to know that he will always be with us in our hearts.”

Mourners wailed uncontrollably as motivational speaker Humbelani Netshandama read verses from the Bible as Joseph’s coffin was lowered into the earth.