Torrents of respect at Myeni funeral
WHILE hundreds more people mourned in the parking lot and in the streets around uMfolozi eSikhawini TVET College on Saturday, speakers poured out torrents of tribute to the late Lindani Myeni at a moving ceremony.
Limited capacity due to Covid-19 regulations prevented thousands from paying their respects at the private service.
Killed in an altercation with police in Honolulu last month last month, the esteemed role the 29-yearold Ubombo prince played in community members' lives bore testament to the type of man he was.
The message that echoed through the hall at the college was that his death will never be forgotten, with the hope that people would change the way they view others.
'I pray that people will look at others' hearts and show compassion and love towards each other, despite the colour of your skin,' said one family member.
'We will never forget the day our brother arrived in a container, like a package ordered online from overseas.
'While I watched others come claim their parcels and baggage, mine was different, as it was my blood and family lying in that cold container.
'It saddened me to know that he left his home on a plane and was returned to us wrapped up and packaged like an unwanted item.'
The rugby star's widow, Lindsay
Myeni delivered a heart-warming and compassionate speech, reminding people of the great man he was.
'Lindani's friend Celester was supposed to speak on behalf of his friends, but he is at the burial site digging Lindani's grave; but actually this death has impacted them deeply and as a result they are speechless,' said Lindsay.
'You do not know what type of man Lindani was, how giving he was, how compassionate; and if he was here right now he would come through that door barefooted and singing, because that is how he always arrived.
'I feel that the message he wants to leave people is to speak the truth even when it is tough and hard. He did not have time for nonsense.
'I just need to know he is ok and God has given me the comfort I need during this time; he is my king, my man, my husband and I will talk about him till the day I die.'
Lindsay said she and Lindani had spoken about living together to a ripe old age.
'But I understand he left early and had to change the world on his way out.
'He went out like a warrior and left people talking about him and truth. The day he died he even came to me and said he figured it out how to fix the issue between white and black people.
'I am saying we need to figure it out in South Africa, and if this does not do it then I do not know what will.
'There is so much change that needs to be done, but at one step at a time.
'Carry on what Lindani did and speak truth and fear nothing, as I think he left us with more courage than we ever had. Thank you guys for loving him.'
We will never forget the day our brother arrived in a container, like a package ordered online from overseas