The late businessman, musician and Evangelist Tendani Job Thanyani of Tshisahulu was eulogised as a "strong man of faith who clung to his Seventh Day Adventist faith until the end".
His children threw him a lavish appreciation function late last year to thank him for making them who they are today. As if it were a farewell to him, Thanyani (77) passed away at his home on 5 January this year after a long illness. He was laid to rest at the local Tshisahulu Siawoadza cemetery on Friday, 13 January.
A memorial service was held in his honour at his home the previous day (12th). Hundreds of mourners from all over the country came to pay their last respects, including a delegation from the Trans Orange Conference, pastors, the local traditional leadership, his colleagues at Univen FM where he was always a guest on a religious talk show programme, relatives, friends and community members.
Thanyani was born at Lwamondo village in 1946. He was the second-born son of the late Mr Thanyani and Ms Seleminah Mulaudzi. He later relocated to Hamugumo, where he was raised by maternal uncles who were in the Zionist movement, but he was soon introduced to the Seventh Day Adventist faith and became a volunteer, ministering in towns, villages and going from house to house. As if preaching was not enough, he joined the music industry and produced three albums to spread the gospel further.
Musician and pastor Bishop Roxley Masevhe paid a glowing tribute to Thanyani, while several other speakers also painted a picture of a man who had been dedicated to his faith and stood firm in his convictions and beliefs until his death.
Thanyani is survived by his wife, Ms Rheineth Thanyani, seven children, and his siblings Lucas, Mashudu and Takalani Thanyani.