"Just like a library on fire, so is the death of an elderly woman," said one of the mourners at the funeral of ANC stalwart Mrs Triphinah Ndhimandhi.

At least a thousand mourners, particularly members of the ANC, turned up at Madobi to bid a last goodbye to Mrs Ndhimandhi as she was buried last Saturday morning. The 67-year-old-granny, who was a vibrant member of the ANC, died a fortnight ago after a long illness. She was a respected member of the organization and was reportedly the first woman to join the organization in her community.

She was also chairperson of the disabled people in her community and she was a member of ANC Women’s League. She was also a member of the Community Fencing Project.

Various stakeholders and leaders were also there to pay their last respect to their fallen heroin. Among them were Mrs Mathebula (chairperson of the Women’s League in Ritavi), Mr Edward Ngobeni (chairperson of the Youth League in Ritavi), Mr Mashadzha (chairperson of the Ritavi Branch), Mr Humbulani Mathaba (chairperson of Makhado sub-region youth league), Mr Tshifhiwa Ramufumedzi (community development worker), Mr Nelson Chabalala (chairperson of the civic association) and Mr Edward Rivombo (vice-chairperson of Ritavi Branch and a political educator).

Governmental representative Cllr George Ramashia described Triphinah Ndhimandhi as a courageous woman who had a positive vision for building and developing her community. He further described her as an old granny who was always punctual and who attended all meetings without an excuse. "She might be dead, but her name shall forever be written in the history of the Ritavi Branch of the ANC," said Cllr Ramashia.

Mrs Mathebula, the chairperson of Women’s League’s Ritavi Branch, said that the death of Mrs Ndhimandhi triggered a great shockwave within the league as it is hard to replace people of her caliber. She emphasized that Mrs Ndhimandhi left a void that cannot be filled easily. "Despite her disability and poor health, she never gave up but she did all she could for the success of her community," added Mrs Mathebula.

Mr Tshifhiwa Ramufumedzi described the death of Mrs Triphinah Ndhimandhi as a library in flames as she had greater knowledge that she always shared with the people. He further said that it was hard to forget Mrs Ndhimandhi as she was the first woman to join ANC in her community and she never looked back. "Her legacy shall live forever," he said. Speaker after speaker visited the stage, pouring condolences and praises for the positive role played by their colleague at various levels.

Mrs Ndhimandhi is survived by three children and grandchildren.