Covid claims well-known Limpopo community leader
58-year-old Velly 'Mkhondo' Mtileni, passed away due to Covid-related problems on August 13.
LIMPOPO – A well-known community leader, the 58-year-old Velly ‘Mkhondo’ Mtileni, passed away due to Covid-related problems on August 13. Mtileni was admitted to a private hospital in Polokwane, where he died.
At the time of his death, he was the secretary of the revived Vuwani Development Forum and a teacher by profession. Earlier in his career, Mtileni was a well-known soccer referee for the Venda Football Association and Great Northeast Province league. Mtileni will be remembered for his efforts to unite people in the Vuwani area, as he assisted with the merger of the Pro-Makhado Task Team and the Vuwani Demarcation Task Team to form one organisation earlier this year.
Prior to this merger, the two parties battled for years to reach consensus on matters. A family member and younger brother of Mtileni, Cedrick Mtileni said they were still dealing with their loss. “We are greatly saddened by his death, but we will have to accept it, as God’s will has been done. May his soul rest in peace.”
He said the family was proud to have produced “one of the most valuable members of our community”.
“Velly played a huge role in uplifting the standards of soccer and education in the local community.” The chairperson of the Vuwani Development Forum, Arnold Mulaudzi, described Mtileni as a community builder of note.
“He was larger than life and always there when we needed him. It will be difficult for anyone to fill those shoes.”
Mtileni was buried at Ha-Davhana on August 20.
