Many people braved the rainy weather to pay tribute to the late senior South African Revenue Service (SARS) official, Thomas Thinandavha Phupheli, who was laid to rest in Musina on Saturday, 18 February.
Phupheli (54) passed away on Monday, 13 February, after falling ill. He was famously known for his signature greeting, Mulalo Afrika Tshipembe (Peace in South Africa).
In a letter that was read to the mourners during the funeral service, the deceased's widow, Matevhu Phupheli, said she was deeply saddened by her husband's passing but that the family would hold on to the great memories he left behind. "For the past 27 years, we built our family and marriage from scratch, and I am a respected woman today because of you. You were always there for me and the kids through thick and thin. You were my manager, my banker, my doctor, my everything. You were a family unifier who left a mirror that will shape our lives even in your absence. Thank you for everything, my love. I love you. May your soul rest in peace," she wrote.
Mr Itani Dzebu spoke on behalf of the late official's friends. "Thomas was a people's person who could cope in any situation. We can't even begin to imagine life without him. We have lost a reliable and faithful friend who was always available whenever we needed him. We will miss his jolly character, ever-smiling face and, above all, his honesty. His death has left a great vacuum, but his precious life will exist in our hearts forever," he said.
Representing SARS, Mr Coffer Lebepe said Phupheli's death was not only a loss to the family. He said Phupheli had committed his last days to making a difference in service delivery. "Thomas left his unique legacy, and his uniqueness is what made him valuable. Today, as we are gathered here to celebrate his life, we know that he was one of a kind. Let us continue where he left off as if there is no tomorrow. We send our sincere condolences to the family, his colleagues and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him."
Phupheli was born at Nzhelele, Tshirolwe, on 16 September 1968. He started working for SARS in 1996. Through hard work and dedication, he rose within the ranks until he served in his current position.
He is survived by his wife, mother, five children, three brothers and two sisters.