Jackson Langanani Mafunzwaini (63) to be laid to rest in Zwiendeulu
Mafunzwaini was the trusted advisor to Vhavenda king, Toni Mphephu Ramabulana
LIMPOPO –Â The office of Vhavenda king, Toni Mphephu Ramabulana, and the communities in the Vhembe region are in mourning following the death of Jackson Langanani Mafunzwaini (63), the king’s advisor.
Mafunzwaini of Sibasa Block A, passed away on Wednesday, 18 July in Pretoria after a long illness. He was a staunch member of the Christian Worship Centre (CWC) church in Manini village.
Ramabulana said he was saddened by Mafunzwaini’s death as he was an aide whom he trusted to do traditional and chieftainship duties properly.
“He used to advise us well on treating the traditional leaders of the Vhavenda nation in a dignified manner.
“He left us while we were still in need of more information and research on chieftaincy disputes and resolutions,” said Ramabulana.
Family Spokesperson, Thelma Marole, said life will never be the same after his death.
Marole said Mafunzwaini, who was a professional educator, taught only for one year in 1979 at Tshiheni Primary School before he joined the former Venda government as an administrator in 1980.
“He then joined the office of Vhavenda king, Ramabulana as the king’s advisor until his death.
“Through his Azwi Development Agency, which focuses on social issues and traditional affairs, he honoured the former state president of the Republic of Venda, Khosikhulu Patrick Ramaano Mphephu in 2009 by hosting a memorial lecture,” said Marole.
She added the lecture was convened to pay tribute to the gallant leader of the Vhavenda people, the late Mphephu.
Marole said the memorial service will be held on Thursday at the CWC church in Manini.
He will be buried on Saturday in Zwiendeulu (sacred place) of Mafunzwaini in Tshikunda village near Phiphidi.
Mafunzwaini is survived by his wife, Mmbambadzeni, and five children, Ndivhuwo, Lusani, Khethani, Dakalo and Asi nga maanda.
