Vincent Kholoanyane has been buried, thanks to the generosity of Ekurhuleni business community.
Vincent Kholoanyane has been buried, thanks to the generosity of Ekurhuleni business community.
When Kholoanyane, 40, died three weeks ago, his wife, Agnes did not know what to do and thought she would leave him in the mortuary for the government to bury.
The two had been living in abject poverty in the poor township of Magagula, near Vosloorus, on the East Rand.
And thanks to Sowetan, business people in the area rallied around and gave Kholoanyane a dignified send off after his wife had approached the newspaper.
Lebohang Khitsane, of Bataung Memorials Tombstones in Katlehong, joined forces with his friend Sipho Sibeko of Mothusi Mazia Funerals, and came to the rescue of the bereaved family.
Khitsane personally attended the funeral to make sure that it ran smoothly and that the tombstone was erected.
"We are pleased to have offered a helping hand. I am also happy that Sibeko responded positively when I contacted him. The funeral went smoothly and I saw the widow smile," he said.
Other good Samaritans included Henry Zwane of Mangethe Bus Express, and Simon Manaso.
Zwane offered to transport mourners in his bus while Manaso bought groceries.
Agnes, who was still mourning her loss, said yesterday that she was very grateful that these people came to her rescue in her hour of need.
"I had given up hope. I sat for two weeks wondering what to do, and when these business people offered to help I was encouraged to face another day," she said.
Khitsane said: "We always try to help. It is ubuntu."
Ubuntu burial for poor man
Vincent Kholoanyane has been buried, thanks to the generosity of Ekurhuleni business community.
Vincent Kholoanyane has been buried, thanks to the generosity of Ekurhuleni business community.
When Kholoanyane, 40, died three weeks ago, his wife, Agnes did not know what to do and thought she would leave him in the mortuary for the government to bury.
The two had been living in abject poverty in the poor township of Magagula, near Vosloorus, on the East Rand.
And thanks to Sowetan, business people in the area rallied around and gave Kholoanyane a dignified send off after his wife had approached the newspaper.
Lebohang Khitsane, of Bataung Memorials Tombstones in Katlehong, joined forces with his friend Sipho Sibeko of Mothusi Mazia Funerals, and came to the rescue of the bereaved family.
Khitsane personally attended the funeral to make sure that it ran smoothly and that the tombstone was erected.
"We are pleased to have offered a helping hand. I am also happy that Sibeko responded positively when I contacted him. The funeral went smoothly and I saw the widow smile," he said.
Other good Samaritans included Henry Zwane of Mangethe Bus Express, and Simon Manaso.
Zwane offered to transport mourners in his bus while Manaso bought groceries.
Agnes, who was still mourning her loss, said yesterday that she was very grateful that these people came to her rescue in her hour of need.
"I had given up hope. I sat for two weeks wondering what to do, and when these business people offered to help I was encouraged to face another day," she said.
Khitsane said: "We always try to help. It is ubuntu."
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