Power couple mourned
PRADHIL Thakur-rajbansi and his fiancée, Priyanka Nunkumar, who were among the victims of the horrific N3 crash this week, were described as a power couple who were inseparable.
Glowing tributes were paid to Thakur-rajbansi, 31, and Nunkumar, 27, at their joint funeral in Pietermaritzburg on Friday.
The couple were among the victims of the multiple vehicle crash on the N3. A truck allegedly ploughed into seven vehicles after a brake failure while travelling in the fast lane before the Mariannhill Toll Plaza on Tuesday.
Police arrested a 42-year-old driver for culpable homicide, and reckless and negligent driving.
Thakur-rajbansi is the son of Minority Front (MF) leader Shameen Thakur-rajbansi.
He and Nunkumar were travelling from Pietermaritzburg to Durban to attend a IEC workshop.
Shivaan Hiralal, a relative, told mourners the two were a power couple.
“Their achievements at a young age speak for themselves. They were an inseparable couple. They could never be apart for more than a few hours. Their relationship was unique. God works in mysterious ways and it so happens that even now they are together watching over us,” he said.
He said Nunkumar could solve any problem with her quick thinking and wit.
“I constantly sang her praises. Her resourcefulness, professional acumen and reliability need not be spoken about. As anyone who had any dealings with Priyanka, no matter how brief, would instantly recognise her
capabilities. It is an irrecoverable loss as she was irreplaceable in any working environment,” said Hiralal.
He said Nunkumar and Thakurrajbansi dedicated their lives to giving back to society and serving the community with Shameen Thakur-rajbansi.
Rahul Maharaj, Pradhil Thakur-rajbansi’s
cousin, said: “The two were inseparable in life and in death. Pradhil and I were best friends and closest of brothers. We would bicker about politics at the dining room table often with Priyanka nodding her head in agreement with me as she tried to get under Pradhil’s skin. And then we would move on to football and discuss
all things Liverpool related.
“From my interactions with Pradhil and Priyanka, I observed that they viewed others as having value. They would do things for others without expecting recognition or anything in return. It cannot be disputed that Pradhil and Priyanka led a life of service.
“They were always looking for ways to improve their lives and the lives of others around them,” said Maharaj.
Nunkumar’s aunt described her as witty, smart and adorable.
“She was a strong individual. I knew Priyanka would shine throughout her life,” she said.
Viresh Bhana, MF treasurer-general and NEC member, told the Sunday Tribune the two started off as youth leaders.
“They were looking to get married next year. Priyanka was an aspiring advocate and was looking forward to next year because there was a deliberation between the wedding and a scholarship to go to the US to further her studies. She was the party’s researcher.
“Pradhil was always assisting his mother. He was a true MF cadre, assisting communities. They were a down-to-earth, loving couple. They represented youth in Parliament and did whatever to improve the lives of people, but that came to a tragic end,” said Bhana.
He said when one heard of an accident, one started thinking of where one’s family were travelling to.
“Motherly instinct was to call and check if they were stuck in that traffic. They couldn’t get hold of them on their cellphone and panicked. And the worst was unfolding,” he said.
The DA’S KZN leader Francois Rodgers said they were saddened by this loss, adding that it came a day after the Department of Transport saw an end to Transport Month where they were meant to highlight and bring forth measures to curb the carnage on the roads.
“This has seemingly failed, and as the DA we will continue putting forward proposals to save lives and promote safety on our roads,” said Rodgers.