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GUNDWANE FUNERAL: WHY THERE WAS NO VIGIL

06/02/2023 08:34:00 Thokozani Mamba

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SIPHOFANENI – Safety concerns of prominent and high profile figures who were supposed to attend the vigil of the late former Siphofaneni Member of Parliament (MP) Gundwane Gamedze compelled the family to cancel it.

The late former long serving legislator died a fortnight ago due to a heart attack complications while receiving treatment at Sithobelweni Clinic. Over 3 000 mourners yesterday morning paid their last respects to the late MP at his home in Siphofaneni. Among the notable prominent figures in attendance were Siphofaneni MP Nomalungelo LaZwide Simelane, Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo, former senator and businessman Walter Bennett, Mpolonjeni MP Jacob Siwela, former Nkilongo MP Trusty Gina, former Mtfongwaneni MP Patrick Gamedze, Dvokodvweni MP Mduduzi Magagula and former Mkhiweni MP Machawe Mavuso, to mention a few.

Situation

According to family member and former Deputy Senate President Ngomuyayona Gamedze, the family resolved to stop hosting the vigil considering the current volatile situation in the country. The former senator said the safety of the people was a priority, hence the family resolved not to have a vigil in honour of the late former MP. “There were high profile figures who were supposed to attend the vigil and looking at the current volatile political situation in the country, we resolved that there is no surety of their safety at night, hence we decided not to have it,” he said. Also highlighting the safety issue was Babe Mtsetfwa, who was speaking on behalf of the late Gundwane’s in-laws.

He shared that many people were deprived of the opportunity to share their experiences of the late MP while he was still alive due to safety concerns. “It is unfortunate that people have been deprived the chance to speak about the life of my brother-in-law after the stopping of the vigil due to safety reasons,” he said. Babe Mtsetfwa further urged the children of Gundwane to put God first and lead the life of their father as he was a respectful and honest man. “We have lost a man who was so humble. Make Shongwe, please continue to love all Gamedze’s children like you have been doing. I say he was so humble because he always made sure that he donated a cow whenever there was an event at the Mtsetfwa family, yet he paid his bride price (lobola) in full,” he said.

Lifestyle

Programme director Bongani Dlamini described Gundwane as a saint who led a Christian lifestyle at all times. Dlamini shared that Gundwane was so humble such that he did not take the law into his own hands after cattle rustlers stole a herd of 10 cattle and pigs at his farm. “But because he chose Jesus, he did not choose the bad way of sorting out things or go after those who had wronged him,” he said. Gundwane’s brother, Nkonko Gamedze, ran short for words in describing his happiness for the massive support from members of the Siphofaneni Inkhundla and former and present MPs, who came to honour his, brother. “We are mourning not only, as his family but the whole country, as he loved people and he was paying school fees for underprivileged children in this constituency,” he said.

Richard Gamedze, also a brother to the late MP, said the family was still saddened by the untimely demise of his brother. He mentioned that according to a doctor’s report, his brother died of a cardiac arrest, commonly known as a heart attack. “I would like to recognise the presence of former Senator Walter Bennett, who was his close friend and always contributed to his medical expenses. We have lost a man who loved people and hope his children will emulate him,” he said. Speaking on behalf of the Gamedze family, Simon Gamedze urged Gundwane’s children to unite and hold hands at this sad moment. “LaShongwe should pray to God and ask for His guidance as the demise of my brother has hit hard on you,” he said.

Multitudes

Speaking on behalf of the House of Assembly Speaker Petros Mavimbela, Lombamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo said, “He served his constituency and country for a long time and was always loyal to Their Majesties. He will get what is due to him for being an MP. He was a version of Mother Theresa and a brother to me. May his soul rest in internal peace,” he said.
Madlenya Umphakatsi representative Khanyisa Matse thanked the multitudes of people who honoured Gundwane. “On behalf of the Madlenya Chiefdom, we would like to appeal to the Siphofaneni people who supported the Gamedze family as they lost a pillar of strength and a father,” he said. Worth mentioning is that in May last year, the late former MP was nominated during the by-elections at Siphofaneni Inkhundla but declined to accept the nomination, citing that he was not well and was currently nursing his sickness.

Gamedze further mentioned that his age was not on his side in terms of effectively representing the electorate well in Parliament. Eventually, the by-elections were won by Nomalungelo LaZwide Simelane, wife to former MP Mduduzi ‘Gawuzela’ Simelane. She won under the Kamkhweli Umphakatsi and amassed 2 612 votes to beat close contenders in Madlenya Umphakatsi candidate Moshoeshoe Nkhambule with 1 031 and Sabelo Ngcamphalala of Ngevini Umphakatsi on 391 votes.