News of the death of the deputy chairperson of the ANC in Vhembe, Adv Makonde Mathivha, came as a great shock to many local residents. Mathivha (61), who was also a former manager of the Thulamela Municipality, died at the Milpark Hospital on 8 December after a long illness.
His daughter, Adv Fhatuwani Mathivha, said that her father's untimely death had not only shaken the ANC and her family, but many other people locally and beyond the province. "We have received many messages of condolences, and as a bereaved family it shows us that my father was loved and respected. He was accommodating to everyone, irrespective of colour, race or religion. We wipe our tears because we know that he served the Lord every minute of his life. God has done his will and ours is to accept it," she said.
Premier Stan Mathabatha said that he was deeply saddened by Mathivha's death. "It is still hard to believe that he is not with us anymore. The family's grief also touches us. Mathivha was a good man who helped everyone, despite the circumstances. For so many years he served selflessly and faithfully in the ANC and community structures, and in those dark days he made himself available day and night to all who needed him. We will always remember him for his hard work, commitment and dedication. Most of the developments that occurred during [his time as] the Thulamela municipal manager, were his ideas. He understood that, as a leader, one must transcend all boundaries and represent the hopes, interests and aspirations of all people to realise a better life," Mathabatha said.
Vhembe ANC chairperson Mr Tshitereke Matibe also expressed his shock over Mathivha's death. "Mathivha was one of our comrades who understood the way in which the organisation functioned and contributed to shaping the local-government system. He was a selfless visionary and dedicated leader to all. Mathivha was a champion of social and economic transformation in South Africa. He had vast experience and people learned a lot from him. His death is a loss to both the family and the community. He will be remembered for his hard work, commitment and dedication. Our heartfelt condolences and support to the Mathivha family," said Matibe
Mathivha was buried at the Mapate cemetery on Wednesday, 14 December.