MBOMBELA – Late former Deputy President’s wife, Patience Mabuza’s last words to her husband were read during his funeral service today.
The official ceremony took place this morning at Hoerskool Bergvlam where fang and friends, mourners, dignitaries including the President Cyril Ramaphosa among others gathered to pay their last respects.
Her letter was read on her behalf by a relative, Nomsa Mnisi. She described their 23 year old journey together reminiscing from the day they met until he met met his untimely death.
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“Not only had I landed my own King David, he also had a heart as large as the world he served. Our honeymoon phase was short-lived as I soon realised I was sharing you, not with another woman, but with a greater calling. Serving the people of South Africa, was your first love. Like any young wife, I struggled with that at first. After seeing the joy, the purpose, and impact you brought to the people of Mpumalanga, I came to embrace my place beside you, as your partner in life, with love and pride.”
The letter continued to reflect on their last moments stating that she did not think it would be their last encounter.
“I remember our last call, you said you slept well, that the bloods were okay, just a small concern with your oxygen levels. You sounded like yourself, still full of hope, still making plans.”
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“We even laughed, wondered what time you would be home. See you later, you said, we knew what that meant. We carried on with our day, expecting you, as we always did. I didn’t know that call would be the last.”
She expressed gratitude for raising the many children children he did, loving deeply, for giving her the space and freedom, to pursue her own passions, to raise their children and to walk beside him? not in his shadow but with you.
