Administrator dies
Komani - Whittlesea road claims the lives of five more victims in another horror smash
THE death of a local sport administrator and sport, recreation, arts and culture department (DSRAC) employee in a car accident which also claimed the lives of four other people on the road between Komani and Whittlesea on Sunday has been met with shock.
Xolile Klaas, fondly known as “Ta Ra”, was the first assistant manager of the sports academy in the Chris Hani district.
The vehicle in which he was travelling overturned, killing the four adult occupants, while a 12-year-old child later died in Frontier Hospital.
Police spokesman Lieutenant Namhla Mdleleni said police were investigating a case of culpable homicide.
DSRAC district director Peter Mbebe said Klaas was an asset to the department, a diligent and committed employee who had excelled in both the sports and recreation and arts and culture units
Klaas had been responsible for helping 14 athletes from rural areas gain admission to the sport academy with the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth.
“We had recently transferred him to the school sport unit because we wanted someone with his energy, commitment and innovation to work with school sport. He was reviving sport in the rural areas.”
Klaas was a member of Nehawu and a union leader.
Mbebe said Klaas engaged provincial management on behalf of all the other offices. “He was a fighter for human rights, but knew we were brought together for service delivery.
“He kept us together in the Chris Hani district and stood for truth. It is a great loss and everyone is mourning.”
Lukhanji Local Football Association (LFA) acting president Phumelele Hlati said Klaas showed a lot of drive, organising skills and determination since he came into office as LFA secretary. “He has put processes in place. He almost single-handed- ly organised all the streams playing now.”
His death would be felt in the soccer fraternity.
Nehawu regional deputy chairman Mawethu Ndyalvane said Klaas served as the secretary of his branch in 2012.
“He knew how to work and when to do things. He was also a member of the ANC in good standing.”