The Premier of Limpopo Province, Mr Sello Moloto, described the three youth leaders who died in a car accident as honest and dedicated revolutionaries who were the pillars of the country’s democracy. He was addressing hundreds of mourners who attended a joint funeral held at Makonde stadium on Sunday.

Avhatakali Nethononda, Farisani Mathuli and Takalani Gundula died shortly after attending a youth summit at Khalavha Village. Mathuli of Khubvi Village, Nethononda from Tshitereke and Gundula from Makonde, were active participants in the youth activities of the Thulamela Municipality.

Moloto told mourners that, although the deaths of the youngsters are painful and difficult to accept, it is also important to celebrate their short lives which were lived well. "We are gathered here today with heavy hearts and we can’t remove the sadness which goes along the gathering of this nature. Had it been natural deaths, we would console ourselves, because we would have witnessed them suffering in pain. This is a tragic death and that is why we mourn more than for a normal death. The government is very worried about the number of youths who are dying tragically because their lives are helpful in future development."

Moloto encouraged other youths to emulate the deceased comrades because they chose the right way in life. "These comrades lying cold and still here before us had decided very early in their lives that they would dedicate their lives to the constitutional development of our country. They had chosen the side of the people and they deserve the honor by the people whose side they have chosen. However, we need to accept their sad departures because this is part of God’s will, irrespective of how much more time we would like to spend with them. These fallen heroes had desires, wills, ideals and wishes but our best honor is to make sure that their desires are realized although they have departed. Their premature death is a terrible blow to our democracy."

Moloto said the government is expressing heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and relatives of the fallen youths. "The grief which the family is experiencing also touches us and we will always be there for you in these difficult times. We salute the courage and commitment displayed by these youths and it will take a long time before our painful wounds are healed."

Thovhele Kennedy Midiyavhathu Tshivhase said: "We came here to bury soldiers who were in the forefront of the war against poverty, ritual murder and illiteracy. We sadly accept their deaths, but we console ourselves by the achievements they accomplished in their short lives. We do not dwell on the years lived but we invest in the quality of life lived, no matter how short it was. We do not have proper words to explain how they will be missed. May their souls rest in peace."

After a joint service at Makonde stadium, the coffins were delivered to their respective villages for burial. Gundula was buried at Makonde, Mathuli at Khubvi and Nethondonda was laid to rest at Tshitereke.