Well-known local politician Mr Timothy Maanda died in a vehicle accident on Saturday morning along the Madombidzha road west of Louis Trichadt.

He died after his vehicle hit a stray cow on the road. The stretch of road is notorious for its stray cattle and has been the scene of many similar vehicle accidents over the last couple of years.

Maanda started his teaching career in 1990 at Vele Lambeu High in the Nzhelele area and he left the profession in 1999 when he joined the Democratic Alliance. In 2000, he became a proportional representative (PR) councilor for the DA in the Makhado Municipality, and in 2002 became the district chairperson of the DA.

From 2004 to 2007 he represented the DA in the provincial legislature as chairperson of the education portfolio committee. In 2005, he became the provincial chairperson for the DA in Limpopo. In 2007, however, he joined the ANC.

A family representative, Mr Steven Maanda, said that the family had accepted the loss, although it was difficult to cope without him. “It is important to acknowledge the community support we have received since hearing the bad news. God has done His will and there is nothing we can do because but to accept it,” he said.

The Vhembe district ANC chairperson and district mayor, Mr Falaza Mdaka, said although the family, friends and government accepted what had happened, it would be difficult to forget that his death had robbed the community of an energetic leader who was full of zeal and courage.

Maanda is survived by his two wives, Annikie and Mpho, and 7 children. He will be buried on Sunday at the Gogobole cemetery and the service will start at 06:30.