‘MARA WHY, MARA WHY? PHUMELELA’

MBABANE – “Mara why?” This was the question asked by different speakers during the memorial service of Phumelela Solomon Shongwe, which was held at St Mark’s High School hall, yesterday.

The late Shongwe, who was a general manager at the Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC), died in a tragic car accident in Middelburg, South Africa on April 26. He was returning from EPTC duties in Mauritius.

His friend, identified as Chris, was the first to state that a lot of people were asking, why Shongwe had to die.
“His demise is leaving us with the question, ‘mara why? Mara why Phumelela’?” he asked rhetorically.
Chris told the close to 500 mourners who had crammed the hall that he believed God took him too soon.

humbled

He then described his friend as someone who was humble, a straight talker and intelligent.
“The way he was humble, one would have never thought that he could be an usher in church,” he said.

He also recounted that while serving in a church committee, Shongwe once described their committee as being useless.
“You plan for 10 activities, but only four are successful. I have never seen such a useless committee like yours,” as he recited how Shongwe viewed the committee.

He said he asked Shongwe if he could not have rephrased his statement, but the response was ‘no’.
Chris’ sentiments were shared by EPTC Managing Director Petros Dlamini, who said as a corporation they had a lot of questions.

“Sometimes one says it is hard to understand, but sometimes painful things like this do happen. But the comfort we have is that God is God. We know He is always God. He is in control,” he said.

Dlamini then passed condolences from his bosses and government, to the Shongwe and Chirwa families. He mentioned that the first person who contacted him about the incident was Mbuso Dlamini, the Secretary to Cabinet.

He pointed out that the next call was from the head of government, the Prime Minister, Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini.

condolences

“He said I should convey his sincere condolences. He knew Phumelela very well from the corporate word. Phumelela was well versed about issues involving EPTC and MTN such that he was the chairman of the management negotiation teams.

We have had a challenge in the past – the issues could not be resolved. However, soon after his appointment in 2014, everything has been smooth sailing to date,” Dlamini said.

The MD also mentioned that the Minister of Information Communication and Technology (ICT), Princess Sikhanyiso was praying for the family.
Dlamini also described the late Shongwe as someone who did not like conflict.

He avoided it at all cost. On another note, Shongwe’s children described their father as an educated, loving and caring person.
Speaking on behalf of her siblings, Tendai said Shongwe despised a person who did not like education.

expected

“He once told us that he does not expect us to be smart as other people, but he expected us to try. He just wanted us to try,” she said.
Their message to Shongwe was that they would always remember that special smile and caring heart he always gave them.

“We will always remember you because there is no one who can replace you in our hearts,” she said.
The late EPTC manager is survived by his wife, Bongiwe Shongwe (nee Chirwa); five children, two sons (Lunga and Linda) and three daughters (Tendai, Lungisile and Temantimandze).

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