The well-known owner of G Phadziri and Sons Bus Service, Mr Tshikume Phadziri (53), died after a short illness in the Polokwane MediClinic last Friday.
His younger brother, Mr Reckson Phadziri, said it was hard to accept the death of his brother. "We know that God did His will for a reason. Our hearts are bleeding as we lost a pillar in our community and a hardworking person. We depended on him for advice and we learnt a lot from him during his lifetime."
Messages of condolences locally and from abroad are pouring in and, according to the family's spokesperson, it shows them that "Tshikume was a people person and accommodating to everyone, irrespective of colour, race and religion," he said. "He was a visionary and the strategic thinker of the family's transport business."
The spokesperson of the Vhembe Bus Association, Mr Livuwani Maduze, extended his condolences to the bereaved family. He indicated that the association would sorely miss the good working relationship and support they received from the Phadziri family.
He expressed his condolences to the Phadziri family. "The role he played in fostering unity, discipline, hard work and dedication within the family and community shall always be cherished," Maduze said.
Phadziri is survived by his wife and three children. According to his brother, the funeral will be held on Sunday at Gogobole at 16:30.