The Department of Labour´s Thohoyandou Regional Office bade farewell to three long-serving employees who have reached retirement age.

The function was held at Nandoni Dam on Friday afternoon. The retired officials are Mr Luvhengo Simon Ravhutsi (65) of Tshitereke, Mr Mafanedza Nelson Nwambi (67) of Thengwe-Tshithuthuni and Mr Musandiwa Nelson Neluvhola (65) of Mukula Phindula. Each of them has served the department for more than 20 years.

Luvhengo and Neluvhola were client service officers, whereas Ndwimbi was a labour inspector.

Speaking during the farewell function, the department’s Thohoyandou regional manager, Mr Lacton Ramulongo, said he had lost hardworking foot soldiers who will take a long time to replace. "They were very special and their unique skills are irreplaceable. They worked wholeheartedly for the development of the department and they have remained our role models time and again."

Ramulongo urged other employees to emulate the three, as they have set good examples. "We never had problems with the three and we hope others will learn from them. They have dedicated their lives for all these years, sacrificing their time and energy. They are true hard workers whose contributions will always be seen."

One of the retiring employees, Mr Luvhengo Ravhutsi, said he was leaving the department with a warm heart because he had played his part wholeheartedly. "I now hand over the spear to the young generation to take over. I will never rest; I am going to continue my education with UNISA."