The Methodist church in Langa was packed to the rafters for the funeral service of former secretary of the Embo Initiation Forum Siyabulela Nojekwa (63) on Wednesday 15 April.
Nojekwa died on Saturday 4 April in hospital after a short illness.
Mandla Mlambo describes Nojekwa as a unifier
Speaking on behalf of his family, Embo chair Mandla Mlambo described him as a people’s person. He said he was a unifier not only within his family but also in the broader community. “Nojekwa was a community developer. He was an active cadre. He dedicated his entire life to working for the community.”
READ ALSO: Siyabulela Nojekwa memorial service to be held at Langa High School Hall
Mlambo added that Nojekwa was a role model to many.
“He was always sharing jokes. We learnt a lot from him as an organisation. He dedicated his life to serving the community.” He said Nojekwa’s death had come as a shock, for many people had expected him to recover. “We knew he was ill. Last year he was in hospital for almost a month and recovered. We believed he would overcome this as well because of his strength of character. But God decided otherwise.”
Mlambo said Nojekwa had been actively involved in the organisation since 2019. “That year he served on the Education Subcommittee within our forum. In 2022 he became the treasurer and in the middle of last year he was elected secretary, a position he held until his passing.”
Langa Safety Patrol remembers its co-founder
The chair of the Langa Safety Patrol, Bandile Gcuwa, echoed Mlambo’s sentiments, saying Nojekwa was a dedicated community builder. “Nojekwa was a co-founder of the LSP in 2018. He was very active, but because he was ageing he sometimes struggled to patrol, especially at night, so we asked him to stay at home.” He said members of the LSP would miss Nojekwa’s laughter and wisdom.
Leaders highlight Nojekwa’s role in community development
Ward 51 councillor Lwazi Phakade also echoed Mlambo’s sentiments, describing Nojekwa’s death as a great loss to the community.
He praised him as a committed and dedicated leader.
“Nojekwa embodied the type of leadership needed to move this community forward. He was a man of integrity who will be remembered as one of the leaders who preserved and upheld Xhosa culture in Langa through his role in the Embo Initiation Forum.”
