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Despite a heartwarming memorial service held last week in honour of veteran actor Joe “S’dumo” Mafela, there was long list of people who took to the podium to say a few more words at his funeral at the University of Johannesburg's Soweto Campus.
Reverend Vukile Mehana also prolonged the sermon, which some say was done on purpose to give the funeral of struggle icon Ahmed Kathrada sufficient time and space at the Westpark Cemetery where Mafela was also scheduled to be buried.
Mafela died at the age of 75 following a car crash on the M1 in Johannesburg on the night of March 18.
People were left in tears when Ophelia Mulelu described her uncle as a “unique brand that never imitated anyone in the (comedy film and TV series) industry”.
“He was the one person I always looked up to, and I have cherished every moment I had with him,” she lamented.
The Soweto Gospel Choir kept the audience on its feet with its cheerful music as the crowd cheered and ululated, particularly when one of his signature songs “S'gudi ‘snayisi” was sung.
Mafela’s niece Wanga Muleka had written a poem honouring her uncle.
“I am very grateful for the times we spent with him,” she said
Actress Thembi Mtshali, who shared a stage with Mafela in TV sitcom S'gudi ‘snayisi, told the audience that she felt “devastated” by the untimely death of her friend S'dumo.
She almost did not believe the news she read on social media when his death trended.
“He was one person who taught me about the media industry and also shared many words of wisdom,” she said.
“We used to travel together, visiting places like Swaziland, and he groomed me. I knew him while I was young; those were the times I got in the media industry,” said the teary Mtshali.
She also challenged writers and documentary producers to endeavour to document stories of veterans such as Mafela, including their struggles to make it in the industry under difficult political circumstances.
Actor and director Tony Kgoroge said there was no doubt Mafela was loved by many in the industry and the world at large.
He said he believed the nation has lost a legend that will be remembered through his craft.
