Condolences continue to pour in after one of Musina's highly respected elders has passed away. Tsebanyane Dorothy Muhlope (72) died after falling ill.
The deceased is the mother of Musina's Mayor, Cllr Mihloti Muhlope. She was laid to rest last Saturday (2 January) at Musina under strict Covid-19 regulations with a gathering of 50 people.
Speaking on behalf of the Musina municipal council, the Speaker of the council, Cllr Gilbert Netshisaulu, said the people of Musina were in pain after losing one of their respected community members. "We know that it is very painful to lose a loved one, especially at this time when we are faced with many restrictions due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. However, only the Lord is the one who knows why it happened like this, and we have to trust in the power of the prayer to comfort the grieving family."
Netshisaulu said that the region currently had a capable mayor because of the hard work of the late Ms Muhlope. "We should be very thankful because the deceased has made a very big contribution to the community, which will never be forgotten."
In a statement, Vhembe ANC Regional Secretary Anderson Mudunungu said: "We have learned with shock of the passing of one of our own. Comrade Dorothy Muhlope was a loving and caring mother who was always willing to extend her helping hand to family and friends. Her home was always warm and welcoming to all. We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family at the loss of their mother."
Musina Mayor Mihloti Muhlope said she was overwhelmed by the support from colleagues, family and friends during her mourning period. "We are deeply hurt by our big loss, but we are comforted by the great support that we are getting from the community. Many people would have loved to attend the funeral, but we had to keep the number at 50 as per the strict Covid-19 regulations. Words alone cannot express our thankfulness to everyone who comforted us during the time when we needed them most."