Community hero’s tragic end
Local lecturer, businesswoman, Ruby Phuti Chonco dies in smash.
THE tragic passing of local lecturer, businesswoman and baker Ruby Phuti Chonco, who died in a car crash on Saturday night, has left family and friends heartsore.
Chonco and her daughter Aphele (20) were returning from a wedding celebration in Jozini when their car collided with a minibus carrying four Transnet employees to work at around 10pm on the N2 south of Empangeni.
Ruby is survived by her husband and three children, Aphele, Bonga and Sibusile.
Saddened by the news of her death, messages of support have poured in for the University of Zululand education faculty lecturer’s family and for Aphele’s recovery.
Her son Mothusi was tragically killed in a car accident in 2006.
Speaking on Wednesday, Ruby’s husband Sibusiso said the family was ‘coping and trying to come to terms with the ordeal’.
‘Where I am standing, I have no fear for the future because of her departing, as she provided a network of encouragement through her community and social engagements and left a support system for us.
‘She was the best thing that ever happened to me and she created an institution – her business – for our family and our children that will never disappear.
‘Ruby played a pivotal role at Covenant Fellowship Church International where she rendered her baking services and floral expertise.
‘She was passionate about baking, a hobby she inherited from her father who was also a baker.’
Chonco said his daughter Aphele was in a stable but critical condition in hospital.
Ruby was involved in community work and used her experience as a lecturer to assist at Mzingwenya Primary School, where her children had been pupils.
Staff extended their condolences and said the school had lost a friend, a counsellor and quality parent who had the school’s best interests at heart.
‘She had the charm of a complete African woman; her humanity and tenancy were enough to disarm the hardest human being.
‘Her humanity left an indelible mark in our lives. Even though she was blessed beyond measure, she was down to earth.’
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