Family, friends and members of the Diepkloof community gathered at Funda Community College on September 4 to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Ezekial ‘Ziggy’ Mutangwa (74), a prominent figure in local school sports and education.

Mutangwa was known for his contribution to the National Empowerment Schools Olympics (NESO) and his work with local organisations around Diepkloof and the Funda Centre.

Funda Centre campus manager Cedric Nukeri reflected on Mutangwa’s recent election to the college board.

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“Mutangwa had vast knowledge of policies, sports and education. We saw him as a valuable asset who would play a pivotal role in the revival and development of Funda Centre,” Nukeri said.

He added that he was grateful for the working relationship they shared and had learnt a lot from Mutangwa’s experience.

Willy Mokatsanyane, founder of the United Schools Amateur Sports Association (USASA), recalled their decades-long joint contribution to national sports.

“During apartheid, Black people had to fight harder than any other race in South Africa. Mutangwa and I held prominent positions in national sports, and our journey towards unity in school athletics was important,” said Mokatsanyane.

He added that Mutangwa became the first chairperson of South African School Athletics following the unity process, while he served as deputy until 2008.

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National Empowerment Schools Olympics (NESO) founder Vusi Miya highlighted Mutangwa’s contribution to the organisation and the community.

“He was a very passionate person in everything he did. He took NESO to another level, and he will be dearly missed by the NESO family,” said Miya.

Miya added that Mutangwa was “a great father, grandfather, great-grandfather and husband” whose family came first, adding that “although he is gone, he will never be forgotten”.

Mutangwa will be remembered as a professional golfer and dedicated coach who helped young people in the area to develop their skills.

He died on August 15 and was laid to rest in Venda on August 22.