Communities in the Vuwani cluster, including Masia, Malonga, and Vyeboom, have been plunged into mourning, following the passing of civic activist Khathutshelo Calvin Tshidumo.
Tshidumo, 51, of Vyeboom, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, 26 October, after a brief illness. He will be remembered for his selfless dedication to community development and tireless activism.
Born in Vyeboom in 1974, Tshidumo completed his schooling locally, matriculating at Ramauba Secondary School and trained as a paramedic in Polokwane in 2002. He later worked for a security company in Pretoria before returning home to serve his community.
His commitment to community work emerged early. In 2012, he became chairperson of the Vyeboom Clinic Committee and helped found the Hamasia Clinic. Tshidumo also served as chairperson of the Vyeboom Civic Organisation from 2014 to 2017 and was re-elected for a term from 2017 to 2021. He also founded the Masia Civic.
During the 2016 demarcation upheavals in Vuwani, he was a leading figure in the Pro Makhado movement, opposing the inclusion of the Vuwani cluster into the newly established Collins Chabane Local Municipality. He continued serving in local forums, including the Vuwani Development Forum, until his passing.
Tshidumo's leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on his community. He is survived by his mother, children, sisters, and grandchildren. A memorial service was held at his home on Friday, followed by burial at the local Vyeboom cemetery on Saturday, 1 November 2025.