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MSHOLOZI – Hundreds of ANC members, cadres of Umkhonto We Sizwe Military Veterans (MKVA) and the community, paid their last respects to the founder of Msholozi, the late Zinkuku Max Bila, known as “Screamer”.
He died at the age of 58 when he lost control of his car and crashed on the R40 on September 24.
Cllr Letta Shongwe from City of Mbombela Local Municipality pleaded for forgiveness on Screamer’s behalf.
“As the ANC Women’s League, we ask for forgiveness from all who might have been offended by Screamer,” she said while addressing the family and attendees during a memorial service held at Valencia Community Hall.
Shongwe also revealed her last moments with Screamer.
“He came to the office and asked all the women to kiss him and I warned them not to because I know his beautiful wife,” she added.
Shongwe revealed how Screamer fought for the establishment of Phumlani
and Msholozi.
“If it were not for him there would be no Msholozi and Phumlani today. He didn’t hesitate when he wanted something.
Today we have the law-enforcement unit because of him. He actually put the proposal for this unit in writing to the ANC chairperson, Mr David Mabuza. It was a concern to him that members of MKVA who fought for the liberation of the country were not recognised and not working. We need people of his calibre, who will sacrifice their lives for the well-being of others,” said Shongwe.
She added that people of Msholozi and Phumlani need to celebrate his life because they now have areas to live in regardless of how they got it.
Her sentiments were echoed by the words of ANC regional secretary, Mr Phazamisa Mathe, who described Screamer as a brave and fearless man.
He added that the ANC branch lost a member who loved the party wholeheartedly. He knew exactly how to get people to vote for the party during election time, and knew every corner of Mbombela to ensure they were safe.
The provincial leader of the MKVA, Cllr Taylor Nsimbini, requested attendees to show concern for the millions of unemployed South Africans.
Nsimbini went on to blame employees in the country for disturbing the ANC’s processes of creating more jobs by their consistent protests, year after year in demand of wage increments.
“What if those who are employed cannot demand any salary increments and those millions used to create job opportunities for the unemployed,” said Nsimbini.
Mbombela’s MMC for public safety, Cllr Majaheni Nyalunga, emphasised Screamer’s role in bringing peace and stability to the Mbombela taxi rank.
He also called on the need for traffic-police visibility on the roads. Eight years after the establishment of Msholozi, residents still eagerly await for the formalisation of the area which still lacks basic service delivery including water, electricity and proper roads.
May his soul rest in peace.
Also read: Msholozi’s founder killed in an accident