Nodumile honoured by her family
Traditional and political leaders also praise remarkable woman
Nkosikazi Nokuphila Holomisa, the mother of deputy labour minister Nkosi Phathekile Holomisa, was remembered as a unifier and a decisive person at her funeral service on Friday.
Nokuphila, who was more commonly known by her praise name Nodumile, was laid to rest at her home at Ngqungqu Great Place in Mqanduli. She died last week aged 82.
Holomisa had mourners, who included communications minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, deputy co-operative governance and traditional affairs minister Obed Baleka, ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe, outgoing Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle and UDM leader Bantu Holomisa, in stitches as he reminisced about his mother.
He said they used to clash when he needed to perform a traditional ritual. “She was a staunch Christian. When I engaged her about David in the Bible, she would say I was getting ahead of myself.
“She was a great person but strict when needed. We had endless prayers here and we saw how she died. She died peacefully. She loved God and she died happy,” he said.
“Growing up, I would meet people who told me they knew my mother. She was loved.”
Nodumile, who taught at schools around Mqanduli, served as a headwoman of the Ngqungqu administrative area and deputy head of the Hegebe Traditional Council.
Princess Babalwa Holomisa said their mother taught them respect. “She instilled respect and discipline in us as well as children in our village.”
Speaking on behalf of traditional leaders in Mqanduli, Nkosi Mkhanyiseli Dudumayo praised Nodumile for having a “backbone and decisive thinking”.
“She stood firm on her beliefs. She inspired us in so many things as traditional leaders in Mqanduli. We need leaders like her. She never feared reporting back to the people as that is required of a chief.”
Nowinile Mbuthuma, who was Nodumile’s aid, said she had struggled with high blood pressure.
“She prayed for a peaceful death and she died peacefully. On the day of her death she was jolly as usual.”
AbaThembu acting king, Prince Azenathi Dalindyebo, said he did not know Nodumile well, but said he knew about her through her teachings. “It’s clear from Nkosi Phathekile who waved the AbaThembu flag in parliament.”
Nodumile is survived by her six children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren...
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