In 2006, during a celebratory party at Tshilidzini, anti-apartheid cleric Dr Nicolaas Johannes Smith wept uncontrollably and lamented about the pain he had caused black people. He had come back to the Tshilidzini area where he had initiated clinics, schools, hospitals and other institutions.

He had become such a part of the community that he requested that, should he die, part of his body be buried at Tshilidzini and part in Mamelodi. “When I die, part of my body must be buried here,” said Smith. But when he died in June this year, he was cremated in Pretoria and his ashes were kept by the family ever since. Last Sunday, his wish was granted when part of his body was given a burial at Tshilidzini.

Dr Helena Faul, widow of Dr Smith, handed over his ashes in a small coffin to the congregation for burial at Tshilidzini. It resembled a real funeral, where some in the congregation wept openly and the Smith family members had to be supported to keep them on their feet.

Local traditional leaders, church members, local community and staff he worked with at Tshilidzini and those who crossed his path during his stay in Venda came in their numbers to witness the historic moment. Speaking during the service, the late doctor’s eldest daughter, Marietha Laubscher, said the day was indeed a sad and happy one for the family as they had managed to bring his remains to an institution he started many years ago. Marietha said it was for love of the local community that her father chose to be buried at the hospital.

“When my father left this place, he was given the cow horn, which symbolizes the respect accorded to chiefs. We believe as a family that his soul will rest in peace at a place he chose to be buried,” she said. The family had brought the horn with them and they requested one of the church members to blow it in the spirit of unity, which they said was displayed during the world soccer games that were held recently in the country.

Mr Magwedzha Mphaphuli, Tshilidzini Hospital CEO, said the day signified putting a full stop on the last chapter of the life of a legend. “We are just happy that he came back to the community and he reconciled with the community he had wronged. He wept tears even though he was not forced to do so, and this will always make him a great man, a legend for all time,” he said.