People converged in large numbers to pay a last tribute to the late Cllr Benson Maphanga of Musina Municipality. The official funeral took place at MTD Stadium on Sunday.

A dark cloud of mourning hung over proceedings as speakers praised the good work performed by Maphanga in his lifetime.

Maphanga, commonly known as ‘Oom Benny,’ was born in Nancefield, Musina, on August 13, 1936.  He started his primary education at Messina Primary school and then proceeded to Zebediela near Lebowakgomo, to complete his primary education at Lehlasedi Primary School. He then proceeded to Mahladi Secondary School, where he completed his secondary education.
He was first employed as a clerk at the JCI Mine in Gravellotte before he went to Phalaborwa to work at Foskor Mine, also as a clerk. He then came back to Musina where he was employed by MTD Copper Mine as a store man. Due to his hard work, he was later promoted to store manager. He was in charge of facilitating trading between the mine and neighbouring states. He was later promoted to director until the MTD Mine closed down in the nineties.

He then received an offer to work at Venetia Mine and Mopani Boarding School, but as a person who loved kids, he decided to work at Mopane Boarding School as the first African Boarding Master.

He was an uncompromising supporter of the liberation movement and a member of the ANC. He served as deputy-chairperson of Makushu Branch in 2005 and recently as an additional member, until his death. He was approached by the ANC to serve as its ward candidate for local government elections in 2005 and became the first ANC candidate to win Ward 6 since the first local government elections in 1996.

He served as councillor for sports, arts, culture and education and was appointed on several occasions to serve as acting mayor.