A member of the uMkhonto we Sizwe Liberation War Veterans (MKLWV), Fhatuwani Eric Ramafamba from Makonde village, passed away on Sunday after a long illness.
According to former MK commander and ex-colonel in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Mashudu Masindi, Ramafamba joined MK in the early 1990s but worked closely with him in 1993 when they were preparing for the 1994 integration of the country's different military structures.
"He was a very dedicated and fearless soldier who was always smiling, even when things were tough. He worked under my leadership until integration. May his soul rest in eternal peace," Masindi said.
The secretary of the MKLWV in the Vhembe District, Derrick Rampamba, said they had lost a brave soldier and a true comrade. "The spear has fallen, but as soldiers, we have to continue defending our people and country," he said.
Ramafamba's funeral will be held in Makonde on Saturday morning. The service will start at his home at 06:00 before proceeding to Makonde Cemetery.