Family gathers to bid farewell

The family of Mr Smith in Ecaleni Section would like to thank members of the community who supported them during the funeral of the late Mr Sonnyboy Nicholas Smith.

Mr Smith, who was a local businessman and community builder, died on January 2.

He was laid to rest at Mooifontein Cemetery after a funeral service that was held at Zulu Congregational Church based in Kopanong Section.

His business was Tembisa Monumental Works Smith Brothers Tombstone.

According to his brother, Mr Butana Smith, the deceased participated in building the Tembisa community, helping out disadvantaged residents, churches and schools with free tombstones and cornerstones.

“He volunteered mostly in renovating sinking graves for free,” said Mr Butana Smith.

He said his brother was a people’s person and socialised a lot.

“He was an open person, a talkative individual. You would never get bored in his presence. He had a love for business and he would go all out to make it successful. He was an inspiring person,” said Mr Butana Smith.

Mr Butana Smith further said the late Smith was an activist who participated in the events of 1976 during the apartheid regime.

He also loved sport and was a fan of Moroka Swallows FC.

He played softball during his time.

Mr Smith is survived by his wife, three children, three grandchildren and four brothers.