One of the region’s oldest residents, 106-year-old Frans “Phaladze” Mukatuni of Tshitanzhe village outside Mutale, passed away peacefully at his home in Muswodi Dipeni on Friday, 16 January, after a long illness.
Mukatuni, who served as president of the Nduvheni and Family Burial Society in the small village of Ngalavhaniu near Matavhaela, was among the longest-living members of his clan. He was widely praised for his ability to unite the family and for offering guidance and counsel to clan members.
Born on 18 June 1920, Mukatuni belonged to the Nduvheni clan, also known as Vhambedzi vha ha Mutwa u Tshila, with roots in Ngalavhani, Muleba in Tshithuthuni-Thengwe, and Masimbane in Guyuni-Dzumbama.
The chairperson of the Nduvheni and Family Burial Society, Khotsimunene Tshitangoni Nduvheni, described the late Mukatuni as a unifier, adviser and a valuable source of knowledge and wisdom within the clan.
One of his children, Ms Agnes Rantsana, who cared for him after encouraging him to relocate to Muswodi Dipeni, described her father as a man deeply committed to unity among his people. “He used to guide us as his children and family members from my early childhood. My marriage is surviving longer because of his advice,” she said.
Mukatuni is survived by 10 children and 30 grandchildren. His traditional funeral will be held on Saturday, 24 January, at Tshitanzhe village, starting in Muswodi Dipeni, where he was cared for.