LIMPOPO – Hundreds of mourners from across the country gathered in Mandala on July 27 to pay their final respects to Elias Mathivha, a former psychiatric nurse and devoted member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of South Africa (ELCSA).

Mathivha (72) passed away on July 18 in a private hospital in Pretoria after a long illness.

The funeral service was attended by a wide array of individuals, including government officials, traditional leaders, religious figures, community members and former colleagues.

Mathivha dedicated 33 years of his life to psychiatric nursing at the Donald Fraser Hospital before retiring.

He was also known for his commitment to community service, working closely with traditional councils in the Vhembe region.

Among his many contributions, Mathivha initiated a partnership with the private sector to build houses for mental health care patients.

Reverend Muthumuni Tshivhase of the ELCSA delivered a heartfelt eulogy, urging those in attendance to follow the example set by Mathivha.

“We worked together for a long time, and I can attest that Mathivha was a selfless and trusted senior member of this church. He was highly disciplined and spoke his mind.”

He encouraged the congregation to emulate Mathivha’s dedication and integrity.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mathivha’s daughter, Tendai, expressed the profound loss they feel.

“My father’s death is a blow to the whole family. He loved us all and provided us with all the necessities. Our hearts are saddened, and we are just drawing strength from the comfort we are receiving from the church,” she said.