The Maelula community in Vhembe was plunged into mourning with the death of Ester Simango (83) on Saturday, 3 April.
Simango was the mother of Apostle Livingstone Simango of the House of Grace Ministries. He is also the owner of several CTM franchises in Vhembe. According to Apostle Simango, his mother had been admitted to Louis Trichardt Memorial hospital and passed away – on his birthday - after a long illness.
He described her death as a big blow to the whole family and the country at large. "My mother was everything to me. In her, I could confide about whatever, and she would always listen. She was full of love and her house was always full of visitors, up until her death."
He said that she was a patient woman and a remarkable visionary. "No one will ever be able to fill this void that she left. The support from friends, relatives and the community keeps the family strong," he said.
One of the relatives, Mr Rendani Mulaudzi, said that the people of Vhembe were grieving over Simango's death. "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 prayer to comfort the grieving family," he said. "We should be very thankful, because she has made such a huge contribution to the community, which will never be forgotten."
Simango will be buried on Friday, 9 April, at the Freshwood Farm outside Louis Trichardt.