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News - Date: 12 January 2007
The South African business fraternity has suffered a terrible blow following the death of one of the black entrepreneurial pathfinders. Mr Makhado Gideon Mudau (84) died on Saturday after a short illness.
Tragically, one of his daughters, Azwinndini Mudau (36) also died on the same day. The father and daughter will both be buried during a joint funeral on Sunday. Funeral proceedings will start at Thohoyandou Stadium at 07:00.
The legendary Makhado will go down in the business history books as a true example of what hard work is all about. Starting from scratch with no capital at all in 1947, Makhado worked hard until he established himself as one of the leading businessmen in the country. At the time of his death, he was the king of a prosperous business empire, which includes Mount Rider Hotel, bar lounge and general dealer at Habudeli village. He also owned a shop, restaurant, a bar lounge and motel at Tshisahulu village, near Thohoyandou.
It was a difficult and winding road until Makhado gained the business freedom that made him a hero among his people. As a painter in Johannesburg in the 40’s, Makhado started his small business by selling fruit in townships. In 1947, he came back home and continued selling fruit on his bicycle at Tshisahulu village, where he was born.
Makhado turned his empire into a family business where his family members also took part in the day-to-day running of the businesses. Despite his advancing age, his businesses were still prospering because his dedicated children were helping him to run them. A devout Christian, Makhado was staying at Habudeli village, near Nondoni Dam, when he passed away.
One of his children, Takalani Mudau, said the family has suffered a great lost following the death of his father and sister. "We have no alternative but to bury them both on the same day. Our father has taught us to work hard and we will pick up the spear where he left off. However, we put everything in God’s hands because He knows why it happens this way. We will miss both of them but we only have to accept what we do not have the power to change things."
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