Durban businessman Sifiso Zulu's life was not about the fatal accident that claimed the lives of two students and left a young woman disabled.
In 2008, his BMW X5 shot through a red traffic light and crashed into a bakkie full of church members . But his life was bigger than that and he should not be remembered for the tragic accident that changed his life.
That was the underlying message from speakers at Zulu's memorial service held at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium which was organised by the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).
Zulu, 43, a politically connected socialite and close confidant of President Jacob Zuma and other ANC heavyweights, was DCCI's former chairman. He died of a lung infection shortly after being admitted to Kingsway Hospital in Amanzimtoti after complaining of chest pains.
Businessman associate Kwanele Gumbi, said: "His life was not about the accident. His life was bigger than the headline. People remember the accident that happened in Durban. Yes it was tragic but Sifiso was bigger than that."
He was referring to the 2008 accident that claimed the lives of two students and left eight others injured - including Dudu Ngema who was left disabled - when his BMW X5 rammed into the bakkie filled with members of the Soul's Harbour Ministries.
Zulu was found guilty of being drunk behind the wheel and sentenced to three years for culpable homicide but served only nine months after benefiting from an 18-month remission of sentence.
DCCI President Zeph Ndlovu said Zulu had left an "indelible mark in our mind because of the calibre of a person he was".
"It's never easy to say goodbye to someone who meant so much to many. Sifiso lives on in the deeds he performed. He was a very brave man, a hero who never allowed barriers to define his character," he said.
His business contemporary Themba Ngcobo described him as someone who had "kindness and an ability to listen".
"His input was so conclusive there was no reason to argue. He introduced me to finer things in life. He was my political tutor."
Business partner Pano Economou said one the many attributes he had learned from Zulu was that "he put other people's interests first".
"He dedicated his life to the city and in ensuring that doors were opened for the underprivileged.
"He wanted to help everyone."
Zulu's funeral service will take place tomorrow at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Westville, Durban.
Sifiso Zulu 'was a hero'
Durban businessman Sifiso Zulu's life was not about the fatal accident that claimed the lives of two students and left a young woman disabled.
In 2008, his BMW X5 shot through a red traffic light and crashed into a bakkie full of church members . But his life was bigger than that and he should not be remembered for the tragic accident that changed his life.
That was the underlying message from speakers at Zulu's memorial service held at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium which was organised by the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).
Zulu, 43, a politically connected socialite and close confidant of President Jacob Zuma and other ANC heavyweights, was DCCI's former chairman. He died of a lung infection shortly after being admitted to Kingsway Hospital in Amanzimtoti after complaining of chest pains.
Businessman associate Kwanele Gumbi, said: "His life was not about the accident. His life was bigger than the headline. People remember the accident that happened in Durban. Yes it was tragic but Sifiso was bigger than that."
He was referring to the 2008 accident that claimed the lives of two students and left eight others injured - including Dudu Ngema who was left disabled - when his BMW X5 rammed into the bakkie filled with members of the Soul's Harbour Ministries.
Zulu was found guilty of being drunk behind the wheel and sentenced to three years for culpable homicide but served only nine months after benefiting from an 18-month remission of sentence.
DCCI President Zeph Ndlovu said Zulu had left an "indelible mark in our mind because of the calibre of a person he was".
"It's never easy to say goodbye to someone who meant so much to many. Sifiso lives on in the deeds he performed. He was a very brave man, a hero who never allowed barriers to define his character," he said.
His business contemporary Themba Ngcobo described him as someone who had "kindness and an ability to listen".
"His input was so conclusive there was no reason to argue. He introduced me to finer things in life. He was my political tutor."
Business partner Pano Economou said one the many attributes he had learned from Zulu was that "he put other people's interests first".
"He dedicated his life to the city and in ensuring that doors were opened for the underprivileged.
"He wanted to help everyone."
Zulu's funeral service will take place tomorrow at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Westville, Durban.
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