Known to most for his role as the CEO of Tshipi-Noto Funeral Home, Tebogo Goodwill Tshipi has left an indelible mark on Ekurhuleni and beyond.
Born on October 22, 1966, the businessman and philanthropist died on September 26 at the age of 57.
He established Tshipi-Noto Funeral Home in 2002 in Delmas, Mpumalanga. They later established the headquarters in Springs, and now boast 36 branches.
“Through his unwavering commitment to serving others, he not only built a successful business but also touched countless lives with kindness and respect, making a lasting impact on all those around him.
“His leadership and care will be missed, but his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of all who had the honour of knowing him,” said Thabang Xaba of the Thabang Xaba Foundation.
Many have also taken to social media to express their gratitude and praise Tshipi’s kindheartedness, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the community.
“When I just started my business back in 2006, I could barely write an invoice. Tshipi was the first customer who gave me a shot.
“I remember how you used to smile like this and preach about passion and ubuntu, as you rightly put it, ‘botho’. You have demonstrated it is okay to be successful and humble.
“They say a ‘customer’ is the reason we are in business, but if you flip that coin; a customer goes where they are treated well.
“A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn your reputation by trying to do hard things well.
“Tshipi-Noto Funeral Homes will always be a brand with business accolades that represent your hard work, Tshipi. It was your soul that touched us all,” said businessman Fanele Mnguni, of Tom Tracks.
Tshipi was also well-loved by his peers in the funeral business industry. In a statement, the M&M Funeral Home said that Tshipi was more than just the founder of Tshipi-Noto Funeral Home, “He was a selfless servant of the community.
“Through his ground-breaking work, he provided dignity, comfort, and support to countless families in their darkest moments. His unwavering commitment to excellence and empathy set a new standard in the funeral industry,” they said.
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MMC of Finance in Ekurhuleni Jongizizwe Dlabathi and the CoE joined the community in mourning.
“Tshipi’s visionary leadership and dedication to excellence established Tshipi-Noto from a small business to a pillar of service, while also ensuring that he grew his business establishment beyond the funeral business into various other sectors including fuel, hospitality, beauty industry, retail and farming – creating several jobs and providing food security to many in the process.
“He was also a philanthropist who assisted many members of society, especially young people from destitute backgrounds and the vulnerable members of society through his community-orientated programmes and projects,” said Dlabathi.
His life was celebrated in a memorial service yesterday (Thursday) at St Matthew’s Methodist Church, in Kwa-Thema. His funeral will be held on October 6, at Springs Civic Centre from 08:00. He will be laid to rest at Enokuthula Memorial Park Cemetery.
