OR Tambo district municipality mayor Nomakhosazana Meth has shared her pain after losing her two sons in a tragic accident just days into the new year.
“I just pray to God that He receives them. If indeed there is a place called heaven, these two won’t miss it.”
Bradley Meth, 18, and Ndipheleke Diko, 21, were involved in a fatal crash on a sharp bend on the N2 between Payne location and Ultra City near Mthatha on January 5.
The two had been travelling with their cousin and a friend in a double-cab bakkie when the accident occurred.
Bradley and Ndipheleke were killed and the two other occupants were treated and discharged from hospital after sustaining minor injuries.
A distraught Meth said her sons, whom she described as “sweet, little angels”, died just hours after the family had celebrated their passing matric with a lunch at Hemingways in East London on Friday.
Bradley, who was the mayor’s last born, matriculated from Khanyisa Senior Secondary School and Ndipheleke (her brother’s son), who Meth had raised from the age of seven after his parents died, matriculated from Mthatha College.
“More than being an aunt to him, I was in fact a mother and father. I raised him as my own son. I thank God for their beautiful lives. He has given us 18 years with Bradley and 21 years with Ndipheleke. My sons were sweet, they were just like light,” a heartbroken Meth said.
She is now preparing to bury her sons at Emaweleni village in Qwewe, near Mthatha, on Friday, January 18. The funeral will commence at 9am.
“They had love amazingly. On my birthday on December 20, Bradley bought me beautiful flowers and bought me a small gift bag containing a set of a watch, necklace and earrings.
“That I will never forget, I will forever treasure it. I miss my boys very much. At times it seems it is just a bad dream.” Meth said her sons’ death was difficult to comprehend, but the overwhelming support she had received from many people across the country had helped. “I received many calls, and one of them was from President Cyril Ramaphosa personally.
“I received calls and messages and visits from kings and queens, bishops and church leaders of various denominations, leaders of the business sector, politicians, government and municipal leaders, as well as ordinary people.
“Without the support from everyone, I could not have managed to pull through it. They were all just like my family. I am very appreciative of such overwhelming support, which became the pillar of my strength.”
Meth said Bradley had wanted to study architecture and Ndipheleke wanted to study civil engineering.
She said her 16-year-old granddaughter had been admitted to hospital, where she was being treated for shock.
“She is still in hospital. The doctors are taking care of her.”
Meth said it had been difficult balancing her demanding job serving the country and time with her family.
“Hence I made a point that on New Year’s Day I give them enough time. I was planning that this month I will have enough time with them and concentrate on them and my house. I feel I have neglected my children and focussed my time only on my work,” she said...