Bearing marks of maturity

THE death of Chief Daludumo Lindikhaya Mtirara, spokesman for the Ngangelizwe royal family, AmaDlomo elder, and South African Defence Force general refers.

Born and bred in the dusty arid village of Xhongorha, of the royal house of Ngangelizwe of the Thembu nation, of royal blood, Daludumo took up one of the oldest careers – soldiering – and served with honesty, integrity and loyalty, becoming one of the noblest soldiers of our country.

Perhaps he is better expressed in the legacy he left, carved in the hearts of the military fraternity as well as in the royal community.

Without seeking to lift Daludumo to military deity status, our discourse, if we do not borrow that oxymoron, may be devoid of a fundamental exegesis befitting a humble man larger than life itself.

He never, as a soldier, sought to bypass the process of gaining the marks of leadership. His life was characterised by selflessness, obedience and service. These are the marks of a devout soldier and the characteristics necessary for mature leadership.

This magnanimity is acutely expressed in Jesus’ testimony, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve” (Mark 10:45).

Farewell to you, my dear friend, our loyal and faithful member of the royal community. You were indeed a royal son, one who demonstrated stewardship and honesty in your demeanour.

Your sobriety, decorum and character has humbled me since I knew you from 1992.

As your younger brother and your junior during our military career, I remain indebted to you because of the role you played in my life, for your support in my lecturing career and your advice in my leadership challenges in the royal community.

You have been that rare gem – you lived a life that I admired and you inspired me. You were a family man, a husband and a father, not only to your children but to our children too.

I mourn so because you have departed from living.

Letting go is one of the hardest lessons in life. I have however, cautioned myself against being so consumed by tears that I overlook your monumental achievements and your rich legacy.

Both I and Amalunga Traditional Council say in tears, farewell. Farewell thole le duna, mntane Nkosi uyinkosi ngokwakho.

You will forever remain in my thoughts and in the nation of Amalunga. Rest in peace and arise in glory on the last day. — Nzululwazi Nobuya, Amalunga Royal House spokesperson