Mourners from around and outside the Limpopo Province paid their last respects to the former manager of Phala Phala FM, Mr Joseph Gert Sadiki (62). The funeral was held at the Vleifontein cemetery on Saturday.

Sadiki worked for the South African Broadcasting Corporation for 31 years, before he resigned early in 2000. He is survived by his wife, two children and six grandchildren.

A former colleague and former manager of Munghana Lonene FM, Mr Christopher Phephenyane, described Sadiki as someone who was always there for everybody when they needed him. He said that he made sure that they got the best and encouraged them to set themselves goals in life. "He has left a void that cannot be filled and I will respect and miss him always," said Phephenyane. Dr Ben Sadiki, a family representative, said that they were very humbled by the love and support shown by the people of the Limpopo. He said they would not have survived without the help they received from the community. He further said that they were happy as a family that they were burying someone who lived life to the fullest.

Cllr Dudgle Malete said he was touched when he heard about Joseph death and decided to come to his family and support to them in their time of need. He further said that the Sadiki was someone who put Vleifontein on the map through his voice and managing skills. Malete concluded by saying the community and family had suffered a great loss with the death of Sadiki. The SABC Limpopo regional manager, Mr Victor Ravhuanzwo, said that as the public broadcaster "we loss a great soldier, who helped us each time we needed advice".