Entrepreneur killed by falling tree remembered by family and friends
Family, friends and representatives from the Ekurhuleni East TVET College gathered in Tornado, Kwa-Thema, to celebrate the life of 36-year-old Thokozani “TK” Shezi, who died after a tree fell on him near the Ekurhuleni East TVET College Springs campus.
Kwa-Thema – An honest man. A sportsperson. A devoted friend. These are some of the words used to describe Thokozani “TK” Shezi.
The 36-year-old entrepreneur died on October 29 after a tree fell on him next to the Ekurhuleni East TVET College, Springs campus.
Speaking at a candlelight service held in his memory in Tornado, Kwa-Thema, on the evening of November 5, Shezi’s cousin Ndondo Ngwenya said she received a voice note about the incident on the same day at 09:40 and rushed to the scene, where she found Shezi injured.
“I work just opposite the college. I don’t know what gave me the courage to cross and go to the scene. I saw him; he was injured.”
Phindile Shezi said the family is struggling to come to terms with her cousin’s untimely death, as he leaves behind a 10-year-old daughter.
“It hurts. Thokozani is the third [person] of his age that we are burying in this family. He didn’t get sick or anything. I’m still shocked about what happened to Thokozani.”
Childhood friend and neighbour Zweli Luthumbu said he knew Shezi since primary school through their shared love of athletics.
“Thokozani loved sports. Apart from people who know him for playing soccer at Skheshe, we used to run, do high jump, and long jump. To me, Thokozani was a person who loved people but did not want to be disrespected,” he said.
Ward councillor Thulani Simelane said no one thought loved ones and friends would gather here to speak about Shezi’s life.
“Those who saw Thokozani during his last days say he was happy. He was able to go see his child.”
Simelane said that even though Shezi was not a student at the college, his death has also affected the learning institution.
“Because of the manner in which he carried himself. Everyone at the school was touched.”
Shezi was laid to rest on November 7 at the Republican Trinity Church in Phomolo Section, Kwa-Thema.
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