Komani loses one of its best

Businessman Stimela did much for local sport

ributes have poured in for respected local businessman Zanile Stimela Gqalane, who passed away last week.

Friends and family penned tributes and bade farewell to the prominent Komani businessman, who died on July 20 after a short illness. Stimela ”, as he was fondly

“known, built a name for himself after attending a hairdressing school in Johannesburg in 1997, and then returning to start his own salon, which gave birth to several other businesses.

In 2011, he became the owner of a butchery in Ezibeleni, a business which expanded over the years and is widely supported.

A motorcade in his honour proceeded to his home on Thursday in a two-phased memorial service, with people

Tsending warm remembrances and condolence messages to his family. He was laid to rest on July 24.

Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality South African Football Association (Safa) chairperson Naledi Dlwengu, said Gqalane had played an important role in the local sports fraternity, especially in soccer. He was the main sponsor of “the Ezibeleni Football Association for the Under 13 and U15 boys league,”

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Dlwengu said.

He even took sport

“development further by joining other local businessmen in becoming one of the Ezibeleni Easter tournament funders, to which he donated money and a PA system.

He was also involved when “the Nana Development Agency invited the Chippa United MDC team.

The team played against

“

U21 players from all the Ezibeleni soccer clubs.

He supported that initiative “by catering and entertaining both teams.”

The Komani Veterans

’ Soccer Club also recognised Gqalane s support.

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The club said Gqalane had always availed his premises to host teams from out of town, with his most recent sponsorship being for the 2019 inaugural Charity Tournament.

Local businessman Zelalem Wakjira, of Yolo Lounge, said Gqalane would be remembered for his hard work and dedication, which made him

stand out from the rest ”.

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He was a man with a great “vision and great business ethics,” Wakjira said.

The thoughts and prayers of “the Yolo Lounge team go out to the family during this difficult time.”