LYDENBURG – Friends and family recently held a memorial service for the late former mayor of Thaba Chweu Municipality, Mr Mandlakayise Karl Thabadiyawa Mabelane (40). Mabelane died at his mother’s house after a prolonged illness two weeks ago.
His daughter, Mmabatho, gave a heartfelt speech about her remarkable father and mentor.
“Daddy, I never thought you’ll be gone so soon. You always assisted me with my homework and assignments, yet you have gone too soon. You left good memories and will always remain the father I love so much. My father loved music and politics. It is your courage that counted. You discovered your own destiny and God endowed you with talent. Thank you daddy, I promise that I will pin down your life story one day.”
Friend of Mabelane, Mr Frik Rousseau also paid his tribute to the young lion; “I served under various mayors and speakers for many years but Mandla was simply the best. He is the only person I know that could, on various occasions in TCM, orchestrate a demonstration that more than 5 000 people took part in. I and his other friends called him the young lion of Thaba Chweu.
We were not only colleagues, but friends and he ever so often visited me at home. Mandla enjoyed some Afrikaans music from time to time and his favourite as I recall was Soos bloed of Theuns Jordaan. It’s also thanks to Mandla that none of the street names in Lydenburg ever changed. Thank you to the family who asked me to act as speaker at his memorial service. Hamba kahle young lion.”
Mr Farhad Essack, a close friend of Mabelane and political colleague, also attended the service. He said he grew up with Mabelane in this part of the world.. “I have no prepared speech. The little I can tell you of Mandla you already know. Mandla and I shared a long history of 25 years. In 1996 he and I moved into council. I was honoured to serve under him.
He had amazing drive. We also had our disagreements but we had a good relationship that stood above politics. These are my fond memories. I know that his beautiful daughter will carry his beliefs with her. I speak of Mandla from my heart; he was my brother and my friend. I know you have gone to a better place. I know the good Lord has prepared a place especially for you.”
Friends and family bid farewell to a man who was gone too soon and who would be remembered for living his life unselfishly in service of others. As one of the attendees said; “His spirit will live on forever.”
Mabelane was laid to rest on Saturday in Mashishing.
