Centurion’s favourite points man dies
Kenneth Tlhoaele (37) died in a car accident on Monday on his way back from his home province, North West.
The death of a Centurion Outsurance pointsman has left many motorists and members of the community saddened.
Kenneth Tlhoaele (37) died in a car accident on Monday on his way back from his home province, North West.
Known as “whistling” Kenneth, he stood at the Estcourt and Theuns van Niekerk intersection where he not only directed traffic, but lifted people’s moods with a simple smile or a whistle.
“This man was the highlight on your way back home. He always smiled, he always guided people in the most friendly manner,” said motorist Jolandi Saayman.
“My 3-year-old son could not wait to wave to him every day when we drove home. This is a huge loss for the company and also the community.”
“He always looked super neat, but the friendly huge smile is what I will miss most.”
Saayman said Tlhoaele was a legend who knew how to make motorists smile even on the worst of days.
“I don’t know how it was possible for him to always have a smile and always be friendly, we all have our off days, but he never showed this.”
He was loved by many who described him as a hero.
Another motorist, Melanie Botes, said she was heartbroken by Kenneth’s death.
“He always smiled, always whistled and was like a jack-in-a-box in the middle of the intersection,” she said.
“It breaks our hearts that you are gone.”
Irma Schnetler-Ras said even though she was not a regular at the intersection she could not help but notice the friendly pointsman whenever she used that route.
“His ability to touch people?s hearts without knowing them really drew me to him,” she said.
“When approaching that crossing I automatically started looking for him. He was really my ‘get up and face the day’ injection.”
The Attridgeville father of one worked as a pointsman for nearly six years and said to have received numerous awards for his outstanding work.
The company administering the Outsurances pointsman, Traffic Free Flow, said his death was a great loss to the team.
CEO Bheki Zondo said Kenneth’s death would leave a dent in their workforce.
“He was very friendly, hardworking and a kind employee,” he said.
“He won a number of awards for being the best pointsman of the month and that was reflective of his hardworking nature. We lost a hero.”
Meanwhile tributes on social media continue to pour in with various Centurion residents sending their condolences to Kenneth’s family.
One tribute message from Martha Prinsloo reads:
“A beautiful soul with the greatest attitude. He was able to brighten the darkest of days with a smile and a friendly wave! He will be greatly missed! Rest in peace, Kenneth”
Kenneth will be laid to rest on Saturday in North West.
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