Jack will be remembered for his exuberance and big talk
Gumede was truly caring and loved kids to bits
Born: December 28 1947 Died: November 12 Funeral: Tomorrow at house No. 1278 Ulundi Street, Diepkloof Zone 1, Soweto, from 10am Burial: Calgro M3 Memorial Parks in Nasrec
I remember the late Jack Gumede for his incessant teasing of my late grandfather, Amos Tshabalala.
Gumede, who died after a short illness, would constantly goad Tshabalala, saying his domesticated nature was due to my grandmother having softened him with muthi.
Gumede’s family also remember him for his boisterous nature, and getting lost on trips because of his big talk.
His 70-year-old cousin, Boy Mabunda, reminisced how they got lost 108km away from their destination.
“We were actually on the way to Newcastle in KZN but we found ourselves in Mnambithi [Ladysmisth] because he spoke so much that we missed our turn, as well as the ceremony we had travelled for,” Mabunda recalled.
“And when we went to KwaNdebele for a wedding, he danced a lot, which is a cultural anomaly because in-laws are normally supposed to be reserved.”
A pillar of strength to his family, Gumede worked as a driver for over 30 years at UAL Merchant Bank. And for that reason, he was passionate about seeing young people earn driver’s licences.
“Many people got their licences because of him. After retirement he started organising driving and learners’ tests. There is actually one person who owed him R200 and we have not told him that he has passed away,” Mabunda jested.
Gumede was born in Alexandra in 1947 and later moved to Diepkloof, Soweto, in the 1970s.
“A passionate family man, he also raised nephews and nieces and grandchildren.
“During family gatherings, he would buy a packet of sweets or would stop an icecream van and buy for all the children,” added Mabunda.
Gumede enjoyed betting on horses during his spare time.
Mabunda said as the one who attended to his cousin’s body after his death, his passing was only hitting him now.
“We used to discuss everything together. I’m missing him already.”
Gumede leaves behind his wife Thembi and their daughter Mpho.