Nkosana laid to rest
The untimely passing of one of the most revered sons of Bongolethu-township in Oudtshoorn, Nkosana Mfuku (44), has sent shock waves, not only to the people of his town of birth Oudtshoorn, but to other parts of the country. This includes the staff members of the South African Parliament. Mfuku served for the past 13 years as a content advisor for the select committee on cooperative governance and traditional affairs, water, sanitation and human settlements in parliament.
“Kally”, as he was known in Oudtshoorn, was a beacon of hope to many, an inspiration to the upcoming youth and a pillar of strength to his family. His sudden passing was received with shock as social media went abuzz with people sharing messages of condolences in disbelief at the departure of such a young person who still had a lot to offer to the world. Kally was found dead in his Parklands home in Cape Town on
Sunday 11 September.
He was the pride of Bongolethu. His academic achievements and thriving career demonstrated that every moment in life was filled with endless opportunities and prospects, which he seemed to have grabbed. Nkosana’s desire to succeed was not deterred by his background, but instead, his determination to make a difference in his life is what motivated him to pursue more, to maximize life's moments and then build on them.
Nkosana obtained his master’s degree in public administration at the University of the Western Cape in 2006. In 2004 he started his career as an intern at National Treasury under the leadership of Trevor Manuel the then minister of finance.
Between 2005 and 2007, he was a deputy manager at the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA). From 2007 to 2008 he was a manager in the Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury in Bisho responsible for monitoring and reporting in public finance.
From 2008 he held a position as content advisory support to the select committee on co-operative governance and traditional affairs. He was responsible for ensuring effective and efficient functions of the parliamentary committee by providing strategic and content advice on matters before it. He also co-ordinated the support services provided to the committee, conducted quality assurance to all publications of the committee, provided operational planning and reporting to the committee and compiled the budget of the committee.
In his research titled, “Privatisation and Deregulation Policies in South Africa”, he quotes his late father, Msindisi Mfuku, to whom he dedicated his studies to.
“Man is a moral being whose intelligence, perception and selfdetermination far exceed that of any other earthly being. We should never be pleased to dwell on a level of existence lower than that on which God has made it possible for us to dwell. We should strive to be the best we can be and reach the highest level we can. To do less is to be unfaithful stewards of the life entrusted to us.”
This powerful quote from Kally’s late father seems to be what motivated Kally to fulfil his colourful career goals.
Kally was loved by many people for his humbleness, respect and his openheartedness. He is survived by his three brothers, Mzuvukile, Given and Mziwamadoda.
He will be laid to rest on Saturday 24 September at the Oudtshoorn cemetery. The service will commence at his home at 316 6th Avenue, Bongolethu, Oudtshoorn at 08:00 and the funeral will be conducted by the Gospel Mission Church in Bongolethu.