Rhangani led by example as teacher and a disciplinarian
He was however caring and loving
Born October 10 1924
Died April 2
Funeral Tomorrow at the Rest Lodge in Mavambe, Malamulele, Limpopo, from 6am Burial Malamulele Xitlhelani Cemetery
Veteran educator Samuel Sydney George Rhangani of Malamulele has obviously left a huge impression on the people who met him while he was still alive.
“SG”, as Rhangani was popularly known, died on Tuesday at Malamulele Hospital at the age of 94.
He made a name for himself as a choirmaster and school principal for more than 40 years before he retired a few years ago.
Born and bred in Xikundu, Rhangani did his primary education there and also went to Valdezia. He enrolled for a teacher’s diploma at the then Lemana Combine College.
He first worked at Timbavati Primary School in Acornhoek, Mpumalanga, before returning to Lemana College where he trained student teachers, particularly in music.
Rhangani later became a principal at various local high schools in Malamulele. These schools included Shingwedzi, Ntlhaveni and Xikundu.
Rhangani’s nephew Tyrone Magadzi is one of the people who were impressed with the way the late educator lived.
“He was a very strict person but not in a bad way, but wanted everything to be done the right way,” Magadzi said.
Magadzi explained: “He was known for his neatness and his car was washed twice on Saturdays.”
While he was still working at Lemana, he was dubbed “The Mayor of Elim” because of his dignified personality.
A member of the Mhinga royal family, the incumbent leader Chief Shilungwa Cydrick Mhinga, said he owed a lot to the late academic.
“When I went to Lemana College he was instructed by my father [the late Chief Sundhuza Adolf Mhinga] to look after me,” recalls Mhinga.
Mhinga also remembers Rhangani for his neatness and strict approach.
“You would look twice at your shoes before getting into his car. He was the one who said because I’m a chief, I should go and train as a lawyer, which I did.”
According to Mhinga, some of Rhangani’s products in music include music composer and conductor Giyani-based Leslie Nkuna.
Rhangani is survived by his wife Nomsa Rhangani. He will be buried tomorrow.