NATIONAL NEWS - Friends, family and colleagues of the late Mandla “Space Boy” Maseko said their final goodbyes to the 30-year-old during a funeral service at St Barnabas Parish Church in Mabopane on Saturday.

Maseko died on 6 July after he sustained head injuries in a bike crash. At his funeral people said he had played an important role in their lives.

Major General Phanuel Sehloho of the SA Air Force described Maseko as a rare seed.

“He was like a rare seed. This rare seed was planted in the most fertile soil of our organisation. He was a dedicated aviator who was involved in helping and improving lives,” said Sehloho.

Maseko was set to become the first African in space after he beat a million people in 2014, to join 23 others for an hour-long suborbital trip on the Lynx Mark II spaceship, sponsored by the Axe Apollo Space Academy and scheduled for 2020.

He had trained as a private pilot and attained the rank of corporal in the SA National Defence Force, and was a member of Tshwane Legends Bikers Club and the Corsa Utility Club Mzansi.

Outside the packed church, fellow bikers lined the streets and revved their bikes.

Reverend Kagiso Molefe, who was Maseko’s mentor, told the large crowd of his close relationship with Maseko.

“I raised him from an early age. We were very close compared to other children in the church. Mandla thank you, my son, for staying humble like the apostle Paul. You have run the race,” said Molefe.

Maseko’s mother, Ouma, was too emotional to say her last goodbyes and instead tasked her sister, Mmantombi Shongwe, to speak on her behalf.

“I may not understand why you left us before we could say goodbye but the memories you left with us will forever warm my heart,” Shongwe said in the tributes by Ouma.

Family spokesperson and Maseko’s brand manager, Sthembile Shabangu, said Maseko loved his job.

“He always wanted to serve his country and he used to say what if we die tomorrow so we should cherish every day and live to the fullest,” said Shabangu.

Mourners proceeded to Zandfontein Cemetery, Pretoria West where he was laid to rest.

Source: Caxton publication, Alberton Record.