Mourners from around the province and further afield gathered at the Mulaudzi family residence on Saturday to pay their last respects to the well-known community builder and one of the oldest residents in the region, Ms Phophi Tshimangadzo Mulaudzi of Madombidzha. She passed away at the age of 103 after a long illness.
All speakers who shared the podium during the funeral ceremony described Mulaudzi as a pioneer, a born leader, and a woman of vision. She was the grandmother of Prof. Bernard Nthambeleni, the vice-chancellor and principal of the University of Venda.
Nthambeleni praised his grandmother, saying, "She epitomised the best that came from serving the Lord. She was one of those women who fought for development in the prime of her life and excelled at everything she did. She will be remembered for her dedication and commitment as a member of Makhado Christian Centre Church and also for her vision and tenacity as a veteran church member." He added that her passing would undoubtedly leave a void too difficult to fill, not only in the family but also in the church leadership.
A family representative, Bishop George Mulaudzi, told the mourners that the family had accepted the loss, although it was difficult to cope with. "We understand and accept that gogo is gone, but it will be very difficult for us to live without her. It is also important to acknowledge the community's support since we received the bad news," he said.