Two years ago, during a celebratory party held in honour of her son´s having been appointed MEC, she was praised as a courageous woman for her role in the liberation struggle. The struggle hero is no more; she died on the 16th of March at the ripe old age of 89.

Nyamukamadi Musandiwa Johannah Phadagi, the mother of MEC for Safety and Liaison George Phadagi, died at her home at Tswinga outside Thohoyandou.

During a function to honour her son George, she stole the limelight when speaker after speaker praised her for her role in the fight against the old regime. Most local activists have fond memories of the granny.

Activists said she assisted them when they were on the run from the police. One of the activists who praised the granny for her assistance to activists during the hard times of apartheid was ANC provincial secretary Joe Maswanganyi. “She was the power behind her son, Cde George, and she supported him and all of us during the hard times," said Maswanganyi.

The local traditional leader, Chief Netswinga, said the death of the granny was a blow to the whole community of Tswinga and the whole of Limpopo. “She was a beacon of hope to most people in the community. She fought very hard for us to attain the freedom we are enjoying today and we will always miss her. Her contributions will never be forgotten, but it is just unfortunate that she died before she could be acknowledged for her role in the liberation struggle. She is a true hero," he said.

She was married to Muthelo Simon Phadagi from Vhakwevho vha Ha Ramatshinga 69 years ago. She will be buried at the Tswinga cemetery on Saturday. She is survived by her six children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.