Hundreds of mourners paid their last respects to the former mayor of Makhado Municipality, David Mutavhatsindi, who died last Sunday after a short illness at his home at Vuwani. He was buried on Saturday at Malonga graveyard and the service was held at the Vuwani sports grounds.

The ceremony was attended by scores of mourners, which included Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha, MEC for Health Dr Phophi Ramathuba, MEC Jerry Ndou, MEC for Education Ishmael Kgetjepe, MEC for Roads Nandi Ndalane, members of parliament Dikeledi Magaze and Moses Tseli and mayors from different municipalities. Thovhele Vho-Mbangiseni Masia, Chief Livhuwani Masia and community members also attended the funeral.

All speakers described Mutavhatsindi as a pioneer, a born leader and a man of vision. His son, Mr Lutendo Mutavhatsindi, described his father as “an angel who brought up his children with love and affection. We wipe our tears, because we know that he served the Lord every minute of his life. God has done his will and ours is to accept,” he added.

Premier Stan Mathabatha 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 and the ANC”. According to Mathabatha, Mutavhatsindi was a good man who helped everyone, despite the circumstances. He said the family and organisation lost one of their most beloved members. He described Mutavhatsindi as a very solemn, restrained and dignified man.

“For so many years he served selflessly and faithfully in the ANC and community structures … and in those dark days he made himself available day and night to all who needed him,” he said.

Senior traditional leader Thovhele Vho-Mbangiseni Masia described Mutavhatsindi as a pioneer, a born leader and a man of vision. He said the whole community gathered with heavy hearts because he had been influential in the area.