Well-known academic, author, businessman, farmer, and community builder Mmbengwa Watson Mbulaheni (67) of Khubvi village, outside Thohoyandou, is no more.
Mbulaheni, a retired school principal at Thenzheni Primary School, was in and out of hospital but family members were hopeful that he would recover and continue building his community. Unfortunately, he collapsed at home and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. He was buried during a moving funeral ceremony under strict Covid-19 regulations at the Khubvi graveyard last Wednesday.
Born at Khubvi village on 15 April 1953, Mbulaheni moved through the ranks, from ordinary teacher to principal of Thenzheni Primary School in 1987. When he retired in 2015, he worked hard to make sure that the school became a modern educational institution where learning conditions were favourable. He transformed the erstwhile mud school into a state-of-the-art school through engagements with the Department of Education and raising funds from various sponsors.
A farmer of note, Mbulaheni owned a large piece of land where he produced fruits and vegetables to feed his local community. He also owned a business centre in Makonde village where his well-known bookshop, M.W. Mbulaheni Booksellers, was based.
As an experienced author, Mbulaheni wrote countless dramas, short stories, and poetry books beloved by Tshivenda readers. He also wrote opinion pieces and news articles in various local publications over the years. He was also active in community development, holding several leadership positions in his village.
Family member Pastor Billy Mudau said the family members were devastated by the passing of this great man. "His name is synonymous with the village of Khubvi because he contributed a lot to what the area is today," he said. Pastor Mudau said the whole community of Khubvi, Limpopo and South Africa as a whole had lost a valuable member of society. "He was a larger-than-life individual who used to put the needs of his community first."
Mudau said Mbulaheni's death had come as a shock to the family. "We did not expect it now because we knew that he was a brave fighter. We thought it was just like previous instances when he would go to hospital and come back. His death is a terrible blow to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing and working with this great man. Though we are still mourning as a family, we are comforted by the great support that we are getting from relatives, community structures, and individual community members. We cannot question the will of God, and we just have to accept that our beloved brother has now moved to eternity."
Khubvi village traditional leader Musanda Vho-Mmbangiseni Thinawanga Randima said he was deeply saddened by Mbulaheni's passing. "I was personally very close to him, and he was one of the anchors in my village. I will have a meeting with my council to propose that we name a street after him. We will continue reading the books he authored to make sure that his legacy is never forgotten. He has run his race, and his good works will continue to inspire us and the generations to come. Let his soul rest in peace," he said.