Lucia Hlavangwane, who shared most of her time with the late Cllr Selina Tebogo Phiri, described her friend as someone who had stood for the truth until her last day on earth. Hlavangwane was addressing mourners during Phiri's funeral service, which took place in Musina on Saturday, 20 May.
Wrapped in the South African flag, Phiri's casket arrived with a guard of honour by municipal traffic officers, who carried it to the packed Nancefield Multipurpose Centre.
Hlavangwane said she had given Phiri her full support in her last days. "We used to visit her while she was sick, and she would put on a brave face even when she was in pain. I have learnt a lot from her, although she was younger than me. She loved her work, and she was always available whenever we needed her. Selina was a strong woman who always wanted peace. We will miss her beautiful smile and kind heart," she said.
Representing the family, Mr Peter Phiri said they were all still going through a difficult time after Phiri's death. "Our beloved daughter was the kind of a person who made sure she got what she wanted in life. She was a role model and inspiration to everyone in the family and the community at large. It is very hard to say goodbye to our beautiful angel, but we cannot challenge death. She will live in our hearts and minds forever, and her legacy will remain with us eternally. One day we will meet again in heaven."
Cllr Viviene Milanzi from Musina Municipality said, as a member of the executive committee of council, Phiri had left a huge void in the service-delivery plans of the municipality. She conveyed her sincere condolences to the Phiri family and everyone who had had the pleasure of knowing and working with the deceased.
After the formal programme at the Nancefield Multipurpose Centre, mourners proceeded to Nancefield Cemetery, where Reverend NA Mbilinganyi, of the Musina Holiness Church of Christ, conducted the burial rites before Phiri was finally laid to rest.