Thandi, who was born on Christmas Day in 1942, was one of the three daughters of the late Isaac and Justinah Mhlongo.
She married John Xaba in 1961, a loving father and husband who died more than three decades ago, leaving Thandi to raise all their children as single parent.
Her family describes her as an excellent academic achiever and her son, Mhleli, says his mother was also known for sharing many blissful stories of her childhood, including those of her bicycle rides with her father.
She graduated as a teacher in the early 1960s and furthered her studies at the University of Pretoria and the University of South Africa to acquire more qualifications.
Thandi taught at various schools up until she her retirement, however, she continued to be involved in Saturday classes for high school children.
She was broadly involved in church, community and government programmes such as Khari Kude, ABET and Catechism, among other.
“Thandi was also an astute business woman, successfully running the Xaba Butchery in Nala Street for many years until she handed it over to her children to manage. She was involved in many other business ventures such as selling green tea products and Tasly products, financial services, and many more.
“She was very meticulous, strategic in her thinking, planned her things very well and kept quite until her plans came into fruition.
“She worked hard silently and was very secretive,” says Mhleli.
Thandi is survived by three sons, her eldest daughter, 10 grandchildren and three great grand children.
The memorial service was held on February 10, at the Duduza Resource Centre, situated at Nala Street from 1pm to 4pm.
The funeral service will be on Saturday, February 13, at the St. Anthony Pucci Roman Catholic Church in Duduza, Mofokeng Street, with the church service commencing at 7.30am.
The funeral will then proceed to the Nigel Cemetery at 11am where Thandi will be taken to her final resting place.
