The rural village of Lambani Mahagala outside Thohoyandou came alive on Saturday.
Thousands of people from all walks of life descended on the village to pay their last respects to one of the village's gentle giants, Ms Avhafarei Masindi Matamba Nethononda (68).
Nethononda was the mother of well-known businessman Mr Augustine Nethononda, the brain behind the Tshivenda Music Awards (Tshima).
The funeral was conducted by Pastor Eric Luvhengo. A huge tombstone in honour of Nethononda was unveiled during the funeral.
Speakers during the funeral were in unison in their eulogies in describing the late mother as a caring, loving, God-fearing, generous and industrious woman who, despite her lack of education, strived and worked hard to ensure that her family was well looked after and that her children were educated.
Mr Nndwakhulu Nethononda said his mother had been their role model. "She was the shining light of this family and the village at large. She taught us respect, perseverance, love and peace. We will be indebted to her forever," he said.
Matamba Nethononda was born in 1950. She was the fourth child of the late Ms Munzhedzi and Mr John Matamba. She is survived by her eight children, 21 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and other relatives.