Young people were encouraged to consider following vocational careers to sustain themselves in these tough economic times. The call was made by several speakers during the funeral service of well-known local mechanic Tshinyelo Frans Razwinani.
Razwinani was laid to rest during an emotion funeral service held at Makonde Thongwe village, north of Thohoyandou, last Saturday (8 October). He died on Saturday, 1 October, after a short illness, only two months before he would have celebrated his 54th birthday.
Mr Takalani Robert Mangale, a retired mechanic and businessman from the area, described Razwinani as a gifted person who had done his work diligently. "He showed interest in motor mechanics even as a young boy. He used to come and help me after school and during weekends as I did not want to disturb his school activities. He was someone with a pleasant attitude and valued his customers' time. It was no surprise when he acquired his formal mechanic qualifications. He was born to fix cars. That is why I wished him well when he joined Tshikondeni Exxaro mine some 31 years ago."
Representing the siblings, Nkundeni Razwinani said that his brother's death had come as a huge shock to the family. "My brother's death happened suddenly. We never expected it. All we could do was to accept that God has done his will. But we were humbled by the messages of condolences from far and near. Seeing hundreds attending this funeral is a clear demonstration that my brother was a people's person who was loved by many."
Razwinani was born on 12 December 1968 at Matangari, where he attended primary school. He started high school at Thengwe and moved on to Mphalaleni Secondary, where he passed Grade 12 in 1989. He joined the Exxaro Tshikondeni Mine 31 years ago as an assistant fitter but continued to work as a part-time mechanic. At the time of his death, he was an assistant fitter with Mafeneta Trading in Belfast, Mpumalanga.
Razwinani is survived by his wife Mpfariseni, two sons (Sonnyboy and Adivhaho), his mother Sarah, a younger brother (Nkundeni) and two sisters (Constance and Fulufhedzani).