Programme Director, Mr Stanley Mohlala
The bereaved Themba and the Nhlapo families
Officials from the department and other government departments present
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
San’bonani!
We meet yet again on a sad note, exactly a month later today, to bid farewell to one of our own. On 4 February 2010, we gathered on the same manner to remember our member who had passed on. Our hearts are filled with sorrow, for Mr English Lawrence Themba is no more. It is unfortunate that he was re-called by his creator, just as the whole country is counting down towards the first ever world cup soccer event on the African soil. We had wished that English too, would become part of the celebration.
However it was not to be, as it is only God the almighty, who decides our destiny. Death has once more robbed us off our loved one in the name of English, a dedicated employee who performed his duties with diligence. A link within the chain of the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism family has broken. Indeed he was a link, for every segment of a chain is significant towards realising the goal of an institution. As a State Accountant, English’s role was so critical in ensuring that we all ultimately reach the goals we have set for the Department.
There is no one therefore, who could say his role in the department was inferior to any other. On behalf of the department, I would like to convey our deepest condolences to the Themba and the Nhlapo families on the passing away of their son, the late English Lawrence Themba. We appreciate their gratitude for having lent him to the provincial administration of Mpumalanga since 1996. Like I said earlier on, he has played a significant role and contributed tremendously towards enabling us to fulfil our mandate as a Department. We will sadly miss him. You are not alone in these trying times.
May I also on the same breath; take this time to pass our message of condolence to the Van Zyl family on the untimely passing away of their son and father Mr Johan Van Zyl, who passed away on 28 February 2010. Mr Van Zyl was a staff member in the department, under the Environment Management section. Like English, Johan’s contribution was immense. We continue to pray to God the almighty, to give you strength to accept the things you cannot change.
We would also like to offer messages of support to two staff members, Ms Tumelo Segage and Ms Siphiwe Sambo, for the loss of their mothers on the 23rd of last month. We understand that losing the loved one is like your heart is being pierced with a hot iron rod; we understand that when death knocks on our doors, we still ask why me? But we should take solace from the fact that, this is a sign that God love us all.
To the families of the deceased, although no amount of words can really help to ease the loss you bear; just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer. Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
“In our daily lives, we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but the gratefulness that makes us happy” (Albert Clarke: Bahamas).
For you to be happy, you must be grateful to the Almighty God for having lent you the life of the one He has just taken away. I believe it is a life well lived.
May the soul of your beloved and departed son and father, rest in eternal peace!
I thank you.
Issued by: Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Limpopo Provincial Government
4 March 2010
Source: Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Limpopo Provincial Government http://www.mpumalanga.gov.za/dedp/index.asp)
