Community builder, counsellor, taxi owner and staunch member of the United African Apostolic Church’s (UAAC) Mrs Sara Ratshibaya (71), who died a fortnight ago after a short illness, was buried at the Madombidzha cemetery on Saturday.

Thousands of mourners from different parts of Limpopo attended the funeral. Mourners described her as a woman of humour, respectful, friendly, very humble and a dedicated community builder. Her funeral was characterised by the blue and white regalia of the church and the beating of drums, in line with the Zionist beliefs.

Her son, Mr Victor “Maradona” Ratshibaya, described his mother as "an angel who brought up her children with love and affection. We wipe our tears, because we know that she served the Lord every minute of her life," he added.

He said his mother’s death had left a big void in the family. “She was everything to us and she was our main source of inspiration,” he said. He said she was a visionary and good leader who loved all people without discriminating or taking sides. “For me she was like a friend and not a mother, because we shared ideas,” he added.

A representative of the UAAC, Vho-Elisa Miriri, described her as a pioneer, a born leader and a woman of vision. She said the whole community gathered with heavy hearts because she had been influential in the area. The family, church and community were in great pain after losing a respected beloved.

She urged all to follow the good example left by Ratshibaya. "She had a vision to complete the house of God. I urge all of you, especially the children, to complete the project in order that her soul will rest in peace,” she said.