The shocking news of the untimely death of well-known traditional leader Khosi Ndamulelo Mmbi has left a sombre mood hanging over the village of Maniini.
Mmbi (48) was killed during a head-on collision on the N1 South outside Musina on Friday, 21 January. According to the spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Community Safety, Mr Mike Maringa, a Nissan van collided head-on with the traditional leader's Audi. Both drivers were killed on impact. Two passengers in the Nissan van survived the accident but were injured.
Mmbi was reportedly only identified some four days after the accident, when the family and villagers started to get worried about his sudden disappearance.
The past week, tributes have been pouring in from all corners of the country, including from other royal leaders, family members, friends and co-workers from the Game store in Thohoyandou where Mmbi worked as floor manager.
"We are so saddened by his sudden passing. He was a people's person and fought hard to develop his village," said the clan spokesperson, Khosi Nkhodeni Mmbi.
The late Mmbi was installed as the traditional leader of Maniini village in October 2016 and started rebuilding the royal palace, which was left in ruins by his forefathers. Today, the palace is a proud monument of what can be achieved.
He was also lauded for his service to his community. "The poor and vulnerable residents in Maniini village also benefitted from houses he had built for them. He helped the community to refurbish the local graveyard and extended sites for both residents and businesspeople. He also engaged peacefully with the Thulamela Local Municipality during negotiations for claimed land under the proclamation and land issue. Young people got better playgrounds and modern ablution blocks were erected," Khosi Nkhodeni Mmbi said.
The MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Ms Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, expressed her heartfelt and deepest condolences when she learned about the accident.
Ms Humbudzani Ntsieni, one of the late traditional leader's co-workers at the Game store in Thohoyandou, said she had first met him when they had worked together at the Game store in Louis Trichardt. When they were re-united again in Thohoyandou, where Mmbi was later appointed as floor manager, they worked together harmoniously until his last day on earth.
Khosi Mmbi was buried at the Mmbis' sacred place (Zwiendeulu) on Wednesday, 2 February.