There was sadness when Makhado municipal officials paid their last respects to one of their colleagues and a friend who had recently passed away after a short illness.

Many officials are still shocked about the untimely death of a dedicated, committed, disciplined and charismatic official, Mr Peter Nevondwe (34), who was working as a disaster management officer at the municipality when he passed away. Nevondwe was laid to rest at the Vleifontein cemetery last Saturday.

“We are very saddened about the untimely death of Nevondwe. We have really lost a dedicated and disciplined official who was always committed to his work. Our municipality has been robbed of a committed employee and we will miss him," said the Makhado Municipality´s community services director, Mr Elias Mugari, at a memorial service that was held at the Louis Trichardt Show Grounds last Friday.

Nevondwe joined the municipality in 1995 as a temporary worker. He was permanently appointed as a driver in 2002, before he was promoted to a cashier, based at the Vleifontein municipal offices. He was also promoted to the disaster management officer post, where he worked at the municipal head office in Louis Trichardt until his death.

The funeral was attended by all management officials, led by the Municipal Manager, Mr Shadrack Tshikalange. Nevondwe is survived by his wife and three children.

Speaking at Nevondwe´s funeral, the chairperson of the South African Municipal Workers Union, Mrs Dyna Mphephu, said the organization appreciated the cooperation and commitment shown by the municipal management during the funeral. "It is a good thing to see that the municipal management was very supportive to the family throughout the funeral. This is a historic day at Makhado to see management at a junior employee´s funeral," she added.