Tributes poured in after the death of well-known labour-relations practitioner and former manager of the Department of Labour's Thohoyandou office, Mr Nthatheni Lacton Ramulongo (70). He passed away on Sunday, 17 November, at Netcare Hospital in Polokwane after a long illness.
A family spokesperson and younger brother of the deceased, Mr Madia Ramulongo, described him as a cheerful man full of energy. He joined the government during the tenure of the former state president of the then Republic of Venda, Paramount Chief Patrick Ramaano Mphephu, and held various positions across departments, including the labour department.
Ramulongo was born and raised in the Sinthumule area and later relocated to Biaba, near Nzhelele. At the time of his death, he was living in Makumeke village's extension near Malamulele.
"His ability to see things through was above average," recalled his brother. He described Ramulongo as someone with extensive knowledge of labour relations and a regular guest on Phalaphala FM and Vhembe FM, where he spoke on labour matters. He also noted that his brother was very concerned about the cleanliness of Thohoyandou.
"He wanted to see a cleaner Thohoyandou. He was considering partnering with the University of Venda to run a cleaning campaign. He believed the university, as a fountain of knowledge, should take care of the environment. Unfortunately, this project never took off as he passed away while it was still in its early stages," added Madia Ramulongo.
After his retirement in 2015, Ramulongo established his own labour company, Ramulongo Labour Consultancy and Procurements Ltd, based in the Limpopo Development Agency (LEDA) offices in Thohoyandou.
He is survived by his wife, Ms Hangwani Ramulongo, eight children - Lufuno, Vhulondo, Edzisani, Vhutshilo, Londolani, Muofhe, Khethani, and Mashaka - as well as his siblings.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, 22 November, at the Divine Revelation Church in Lufule village, along the Punda Maria road, starting at 12:00. The funeral service will take place on Sunday, 24 November, beginning at the church at 06:30.