It appears that well-known Makonde businessman, the late Avhasei Ronald Nematavhelani, had had a premonition about his death. The well-known founder and director of Tavhe Funeral Services died last Tuesday, 3 December.
Two months ago, during the funeral of his younger sister, Songani, he expressed a wish to be buried in the same casket as her, with the same tombstone marking his grave. A week before his death, he also told his best friend, Edward Ragimana, that although Edward was older, he should be prepared to bury him, which was unusual as the older person typically buries the younger. Nematavhelani even bought Edward a new suit, saying it would be for funerals. The week before his passing, he spent two days clearing bushes at his church to ensure its grounds were clean.
These details were shared at Nematavhelani's memorial service at his home in Makonde Tshituni village last Saturday. His sudden death on 3 December at age 52, just after completing his work at the church, shocked everyone who knew him. Known for his kindness, he was the founder and director of Tavhe Funeral Services and had plans to build a state-of-the-art mortuary.
Nematavhelani's sister, Mukondeleli, expressed the family's grief, especially for their elderly mother, Vho Joyce, who had recently buried Songani. She urged the church to pray for her mother, saying, "Losing two children in less than three months is a pain my mother will never forget. We put our trust in God, because He knows why this happened."
Dakalo Nematavhelani shared that she had planned to visit her father but now had to bury him instead. "We are hurt by losing a caring father who was always there for us," she said.
Pastor Joseph Mavhanga Mulaisi, representing the Makonde community, spoke of Nematavhelani's generosity, saying he had often helped the less fortunate, including paying for funerals and donating school uniforms. He urged the family to continue his vision with Tavhe Funeral Services.
Nematavhelani was buried next to his sister at Makonde Thongwe graveyard on Sunday, 8 December, with his final wishes fulfilled - he was laid to rest in the same casket and tombstone as his sister.