Touching farewell to Phiri
The late Ray Phiri was described by poet Don Mattera as a prophet, a performer with a prolific and a touching talent, who gave joy to millions of people for many years with his inimitable style.
MBOMBELA – Phiri, who died last Wednesday after a battle with lung cancer, was given a special provincial funeral on Saturday.
This kind of funeral is designated by the president for distinguished persons. The police held a special parade and his coffin was draped in the country’s flag, which was also flown at half-mast throughout Mpumalanga on the day.
The ceremony was held at Mbombela Stadium.
Julius Malema, Dali Mpofu, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, Jackson Mthembu, Nathi Mthethwa and the Speaker of parliament, Mbaleka Mbete were among the distinguished guests who came to say goodbye to Phiri.
Speaker after speaker shared the fond memories they had of Phiri.
His son, Akhona, described his father as someone who enjoyed reading Sunday newspapers.
“I learned from my father that you don’t take something that doesn’t belong to you. He would get angry if you touched his newspapers before he did. We had a father who used to carry children on his back.”
“Not many men do that. While he was in hospital he shed a tear talking about how much he missed the kids, especially the young ones, who would run to him and ask for some more of his delicious meals. I don’t know… there is never a right moment to say goodbye and this is not goodbye because the Phiri legacy lives on,” said Akhona.
Phiri was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga in silver by the president, to honour his sterling contribution to the South African music industry and the successful use of arts as an instrument of social transformation.
Phiri is survived by his wife, three sisters, mother, 10 children and three grandchildren.
