Hundreds of mourners from across South Africa gathered at Tshiozwi village on Saturday to bid farewell to Ms Itani "Makhadzi" Phungo (57), a former nurse and volunteer who supported people living with chronic illnesses. She passed away on 20 July at Wilgers Private Hospital in Pretoria after a prolonged illness.
The funeral was attended by government officials, traditional and religious leaders, nurses in uniform, union representatives and community members.
Phungo matriculated from Litshovhu Senior Secondary School in 1993 and earned diplomas in general nursing, midwifery, community nursing, and psychiatry from Tshilidzini Nursing College. She worked at Donald Fraser Hospital and Mediclinic in Polokwane before joining the Road Accident Fund as a professional nurse. She resigned in February to volunteer her services to those with chronic illnesses.
Pastor Striker Manganyi of Manna Tabernacle of Witness Church praised Phungo's dedication. "She was giving life to others, which shows her dedication to helping others," he said. Manganyi urged mourners to follow her example. "Phungo was a selfless and trusted senior member of this church who worked tirelessly for God," he added.
On behalf of the family, Mr Joseph Phungo said her death left a "big void" in their lives. "We have lost a pillar of the family, someone we could rely on all the time. We are very saddened but also consoled by the support from churches and the government."