The Vhembe region mourns the untimely death of well-known photographer Takalani "Bravo" Mulaudzi (27), who died in a car accident at Madabani on Saturday night, 22 October.
His sister, Ms Makonde Mulaudzi, said his tragic death was a big blow to the family and industry. "He dedicated his life to serving the community without expecting anything in return. He would respond to any call at short notice. The family will not be the same without him. He might have gone, but his good work will stay with us forever," she said.
Mulaudzi's best friend, Mr Molatelo Machaba, described him as a great man whose sweat and hard work had brought many changes to the community he served. He said Mulaudzi was a mentor to up-and-coming photographers, an icon of hope, a role model, and a true leader in his society. "Painfully, we came to understand that God, our Creator, only looks for the best candidates to fill the vacancies that may have been created in his Heavenly Place. When death strikes, we begin to ask ourselves several questions that we cannot even answer. So long, my brother; we will miss you," he said.
The founder of the Limpopo Photographers Group, Mr Pfarelo Masutha, sent his condolences to Mulaudzi's family and friends. "We are saddened by the sudden departure of our colleague. He was a man of substance who earned the respect of everyone through his consummate photographs around Limpopo. He was a unique photographer who was able to express what a thousand words cannot. Mulaudzi was reliable and competent, but it was his hard work that made him a supreme photographer. His contributions to the development of younger photographers in Vhembe will always be remembered. His unmatched photographic skills will continue to guide young photographers to pick up the spear where he has left off."
Mulaudzi will be buried at Ravele on Saturday, 29 October. The service starts at 06:00.