GEORGE NEWS - The community of Thembalethu is devastated by the untimely death of resident Sandile Makwenkwe in an accident on Tuesday 5 December.
Makwenkwe, a technician at a George-based company, HiChem, was driving a company bakkie when he collided with another bakkie between De Rust and Beaufort West.
The crash claimed the lives of both drivers - according to information, neither vehicle carried passengers.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Makwenkwe was a respectable man in his community who was involved in many youth development projects, including gospel music and sport.
Members of the Christian Catholic Apostolic Church in Zion (CCAC) of which Makwenkwe was a national youth leader for many years, expressed their deep sadness on the church's Facebook group.
In 1995, Makwenkwe co-founded a choir in Thembalethu called Children of Peace Gospel Choir. At the time he was a member of his church choir, Ithemba Gospel Choir.
The multi-talented Makwenkwe also played football for clubs such as Outeniqua, Darkies and Masters.
His football skills earned him the nickname, "Shoes", after the late South African legendary, John "Shoes" Moshoeu.
"We are still battling to come to terms with his passing on," said one of his best friends, Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe, a former youth president and co-leader of the CCAC in Zion Youth Ministry.
"We are all devastated by his early death. Sandile leaves a big void, not only in the church, but for those he lived with and the entire community.
Sandile Makwenkwe and his wife, Brenda.
"He still had so much to offer. We were looking forward to learn a lot from him."
Mangqwengqwe and Makwenkwe, who knew each other for 23 years, led the youth of the CCAC in Zion at national level for 12 years.
"He served as chairperson, deputy chairperson, organiser and deputy secretary of the national committee," said Mangqwengqwe.
A memorial service was held on Monday 11 December and the CCAC in Zion, apart from the daily vigil / prayer services, also held a memorial service on Sunday 10 December, which was attended by the regional Eden members.
Makwenkwe is survived by his wife Brenda, daughter (8), baby son (4 months), his mother and three brothers.
He will be laid to rest on Saturday 16 December.
The service at his home at 6861 Hendricks Street in Zone 9 will start at 08:00 and continue at the Zone 9 community hall at 09:30.
ARTICLE: ZOLANI SINXO, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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