Dr Phaswana passes away

The Vhembe region is in mourning, following the death of a well-known community builder, businessman, academic, author and publisher of books Dr Nkhelebeni Edward Phaswana of Shakadza village in Mutale.

Phaswana (57), the Head of the Department of Communication and Applied Language Studies at the University of Venda (Univen) passed away on Sunday, 8 October in the NetCare hospital in Polokwane after a long illness.

The spokesperson for the family and the eldest son of the deceased, Mr Eddy Phaswana, said the family and community at large were saddened by the untimely passing away of his father, who was regarded as a community builder, mentor, a good Samaritan and even an education encourager.

“The legacy and foundation that our father has left for us will be continued with extra caution, to ensure that all his dreams and wishes are realized. He used to treat us with parental care and went the extra mile in helping people,” said Phaswana.

He said because of the love of promoting and encouraging education among school learners, Phaswana had also adopted Malilele and Dengenya Secondary School and bought uniforms and books for poor and vulnerable learners.

Mr Eddy Phaswana said his father started his primary education in Shakadza village in the early 70s and passed his Standard 10 at Malilele Secondary in 1979. He then went to the University of Venda to study for his BA degree.

According to Eddy, his father taught at Malilele Secondary in 1985, and the following year he was employed as a lecturer at the University of Venda. He held different positions, until he became the Head of the Department of Communication and Applied Language Studies.

The spokesperson for the University of Venda, Mr Takalani Dzaga, described the death of Dr Phaswana as great loss to the community and university. “The management, students and all stakeholders of the University of Venda are saddened by his untimely death, and his contribution and advice at the campus will be missed,” said Dzaga.

Two memorial services will be held, one on Thursday at the University of Venda's auditorium and one at Charis Missionary Church in Makwarela on Friday.

Phaswana is survived by wife Jermina and son Eddy and daughter Mbofholowo. He will be buried on Saturday at the Shakadza cemetery.

Date:14 October 2017

By: Silas Nduvheni

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