Sad farewell to yet another great leader

A cloud of sadness still hovers over Muraleni Village in the Sinthumule area, following the death of one of the region’s most influential leaders, Muthakhi Mphaphuli (56), who passed away on 3 August at MediClinic in Polokwane after a short illness.

Mphaphuli was an educator and principal of Harambee WCC School in Gauteng between 1988 and 1990 and taught at Jonathan High School from 1990 to 2001. He also served as ANC ward councillor and Makhado Municipality’s Chief Whip on a part-time basis from 2000 to 2005.

Between 1996 and 2001, he worked as a freelance producer and educational-programme presenter at the SABC’s Phalaphala FM, and as the unit manager and later as human resource manager at SACM-Sinthumule-Kutama Correctional Centre from 2001 to 2012.

Mphaphuli joined the ETDP SETA in 2012 as a provincial coordinator. He was later appointed as a provincial manager, a position he served with pride and dedication. He served as chairperson of the Lephalale TVET College Council from 2015 to 2019, appointed by the Minister of Higher Education and Training. He was also a member of the Limpopo Human Resource Development Council between January 2020 and December 2020, appointed by the Premier of Limpopo Province. He was a member of the University of Venda’s council and a member of the HR committee of the university’s council from January 2020 until his death. He was also an appointed member to the General Commercial panel of the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA).

He will be remembered as one of the top educational experts in Limpopo. SABC Limpopo’s regional operational manager, Mr Freddy Sadiki, described his death as a terrible loss. “Mphaphuli was one of the best. His death is not only a loss to his family, but the whole nation. His contributions and good work in his community will not be forgotten,” Sadiki said.

Ms Ntakadzeni Mphaphuli said the family mourned her father’s death. “We had been so proud of him and everything he did. We will miss him dearly.”

Mphaphuli was laid to rest at the Muraleni Cemetery on 8 August.

News - Date: 21 August 2021

Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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