Members of the Langa Scholar Transport Service (LSTS) in Langa held a memorial drive on Wednesday, 20 May to commemorate one of their number who died last week.
Siyabonga Mkhonza was shot and killed on Tuesday 12 May and was expected to be buried on Saturday 23 May.
Community members waved and ululated as the convoy drove through the streets in support of the LSTS.
Convoy moves through streets of Langa
The drive, which started on the corner of Bhunga Avenue and N’dabeni Street, ended at Mkhonza’s home at Zone 17, where a short prayer service was held.
LSTS secretary Bulelwa Nyama described the drive as a way of celebrating Mkhonza’s life. She said they felt it was important to hold the event as a sign of respect for him.
“We worked with Mkhonza for many years. He transported children from Langa to Cape Town. He was a jovial person and a people person. He loved music.”
Nyama said that their organisation is registered and has a good working relationship with the taxi association in Langa.
“It is vital to have a scholar transport organisation for the safety of children. We know each other as drivers. If something happens or a parent is unhappy with a driver transporting their child, they can report it to us and we will address the issue.”
Leaders praise unity and ubuntu
Ward 51 councillor Lwazi Phakade described the service as a sign of ubuntu and said it also promoted unity.
“It is good to see people coming together during difficult times and supporting one another. Langa is not a big area. We all know each other, which is why we encourage unity among us.”
He described Mkhonza as a well-known person in the community and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family, saying they share in their pain.
Residents show support during memorial drive
Community member Lucy Vangaye (31), from Bhunga Avenue, said it was encouraging to see people united for one cause.
“I’m here to support what the community is doing. I didn’t know Mkhonza personally, but judging by the way people have come together, he must have been a good person.”
