Church man Pheto was loved by Swanieville community

Diepkloof hostel dwellers will also miss his mageu

Born: August 12 1958 Died: May 7 2017 Funeral: Tomorrow, Methodist Church in Mayibuye Section, Swanieville, Krugersdorp at 7.30am Burial: Kagiso Cemetery

The community of Swanieville on the West Rand has lost a committed member of the community and a God-fearing man.

Sello Bob Phetoe died at home on May 7 after a short illness. He was 58.

He worked at a pharmacy in Roodepoort at the time of his death, a week after he had joined a choir group at his Methodist Church.

Interestingly, his family had never heard him sing, hence they were taken aback when he joined the church choir.

“We were all surprised because we knew that he can’t sing. We have never heard him singing.

“But we thought it was his hidden talent and were all looking forward to seeing him singing,” said Pertunia Lenokwane, Phetoe’s niece.

Lenokwane said the community of Swanieville was still trying to come to terms with his uncle’s death.

“He was loved by the community and he also adored them. He never missed community meetings or projects.

“He loved kids and would always tell them funny stories,” she said.

“These kids learnt a lot from him. He also encouraged people to go to church.

Church was part of his life and he feared God. He instilled that among the kids and other members of the community.

“He was more than an uncle to me. He was like a father.”

When he was not at work or attending church commitments, Phetoe would be seen selling bags and perfumes.

He was also a regular visitor at the Diepkloof hostel in Soweto where he sold mageu to hostel dwellers.

“They loved his mageu and I’m sure that they will miss his stuff,” added Lenokwane.

Phetoe, who attended school in Rustenburg in North West, is survived by his wife, sister and brother.

The funeral service will be held at the Methodist Church in Mayibuye Section in Swanieville from 7.30am tomorrow. He will be buried at Kagiso Cemetery.