The traditional Zionist drums reverberated through the night with intermittent royal tshikona music being played to announce the death of the late Muraga Willy Mutavhatsindi (82) of Nngwekhulu Tshilata.

The greatly respected former civil-servant-turned-farmer passed away on Sunday, 15 May, after a long illness. When his body arrived home from the mortuary on the day of his funeral, which was held at his home on Saturday, 21 May, heavy rains fell - a sign that a great royal was being buried.

The funeral was attended by many family members, close friends and acquaintances from around the country, including friends of his children from the NPA and Univen.

Speaking during his funeral, his first-born son, Mr Hulisani Sithagu, remembered his father with fondness. “My father was a rare type of parent who dedicated his life to serving the community and his family. He was like a friend to us, his children, and it was not that difficult as his son to arrange to meet after work and have two or three beers together. Those who did not know us thought we were friends. We are not mourning his death but celebrating his life, which he lived to the fullest,” he said.

Mutavhatsindi was born at Hamasakona in April 1940. His parents were the late Ms Marubini Madala and Mr Jakopo Sithagu (Sethlaku). He started his primary schooling at Pfukani Primary and proceeded to Mphaphuli High School. Like many other young men at the time he went to The Reef in search of employment. He worked as a caddy, but later came back and joined the Limpopo Department of Health, where he worked at Tshilidzini, Donald Fraser and Nthume Hospital until he went on pension a few years ago.

One of his daughters, Ms Nkhumeleni Sithagu, said her father had built a solid foundation of love between all his children and grandchildren. “When we were all together, we would sit here where the tent is now and share jokes. We will dearly miss his jokes and the love he gave us all,” she said.

Fellow cattle farmer Mr Frank Mabasa described Mutavhatsindi as a great farmer who was an inspiration to all. “Mr Mutavhatsindi was a straightforward person who was a friend to all. He started farming late, after he retired from government service, but he had more cattle than us who started a long time ago. We will always remember this great farmer,” he said.

Mutavhatsindi is survived by his wife, six children, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.