Tributes are pouring in after the death of Mr David Muhali Ligammba (56), a former SABC 2 Tshivenda News sign-language interpreter and an administrator and interpreter at the Department of Transport and Community Safety's Vhembe District offices.
His elder brother, Mr Khorommbi Ligammba, confirmed his death, saying he had passed away on Friday, 7 November, at Tshilidzini Hospital after a long illness.
Born on 20 October 1969 in Haramukhuba in the Vuwani area, Ligammba was described as a people's person, a go-getter, and a dedicated individual who lived a life of service. He matriculated from Kwevha Commercial School in 1991 and pursued further studies at Soshanguve Technical College in 1992.
His career began at the Vuwani Magistrate's Court in 1996, followed by part-time interpreting at Tshilidzini Special School from 1998 to 2009. "He went on to work as a TV interpreter at SABC 2 Tshivenda News from 2006 to 2008, and in 2007, he established Mulisa Sign Language Providers, offering interpretation services and teaching sign language. David's commitment to education and community service led him to volunteer as an educator at Kha Ri Gude Literacy Campaign from 2012 to 2015," said Khorommbi.
Throughout his career, Ligammba received several awards, including achievement awards for supporting Casual Day from 2013 to 2015 and recognition for coaching deaf netball players. His professional journey also included work at Furntech, Waterberg TVET College, Ngwenya TVET College, and government departments such as Sports, Arts and Culture; Justice and Correctional Services; and Transport and Community Safety.
At the time of his death, he was living in Lwamondo Tshifulansani village. He is survived by his wife, Ms Kanakana Reborn Ligammba, and their three children, Mulisa, Ndivhuwo and Adivhaho.
Funeral arrangements were still being finalised at the time of our going to press, but the family confirmed he will be buried on Saturday, 15 November, in Haramukhuba village, Vuwani.