The death of Fhatuwani Maxwell "Big Bags" Mabege from Mulodi village, near Tshilamba, came as a terrible blow to everyone who knew him. The 60-year-old businessman suddenly collapsed and died on Sunday, 14 August.
Mabege must have had some kind of a premonition that he was about to pass on. Only a day before his death, he apparently told his son with happy satisfaction that he had fulfilled everything he had wanted to do in his lifetime.
Mabege was well-known in these parts. He built his business empire all the way up from scratch, starting by selling ice blocks. At the time of his death, he owned a fleet of taxis and a supermarket, delivering groceries to his customers around Vhembe free of charge. Although his business was prospering, Mabege did not quit his job as security officer at the University of Venda (Univen), and he will be remembered most for this humbleness.
Better known as 'Englishman' because of his excellent English skills, Mabege was the darling among Univen students as he was friendly and helpful to everyone. He even translated his surname to Big Bags, which ultimately became the brand name on all his taxis. To honour his legacy, the words "Big Bags" were also engraved on his tombstone.
A memorial service was held in his honour at the Univen Senate Chambers on Thursday, 18 August. Colbert Netshishivhe, who represented the family, said they were heartbroken. He said that Mabege had helped so many families around the Vhembe District. "He started his businesses not to make money, but to help community members escape from poverty. He understood that the majority of people did not have cash and often gave them food and other basic needs on credit. It is not only the family who has lost someone dear and valuable; the entire community is in deep mourning," he said.
Speakers at the funeral included Univen's director of protection services, Mr Ratshilumela Mulaudzi, and the general secretary of the Mutale Taxi Association, Mr Tshimangadzo Mphigalale.
Born on 24 June 1962 at Khubvi village, Mabege attended Matangari Primary School and attained his junior certificate at Mudaswali High School. He completed and passed Grade 12 through correspondence. He worked for various companies in Johannesburg, returned home in 1991 and joined Univen's protection services.
Mabege was laid to rest at his home village of Mulodi on Saturday, 20 August. He is survived by his wife, Pauline, two sons (Munei and Zwonaka) and granddaughter Rokunda.