WATCH: Dr Hlongwane remembered for his generosity

DR Thamsanqa Hlongwane was described as a good leader and promoted unity among colleagues during the memorial service held at St Boniface Anglican Church in Vosloorus on Thursday, 11 July.

He was remembered for his kind heart, generosity, humanity, and hard work at a memorial service held at St Boniface Anglican Church in Vosloorus.

Hlongwane (76) died at the hospital on Friday, 5 July after a short illness.

Speakers hailed the academic guru for his dedication and eagerness to inspire everyone, be it his colleagues, teachers, friends, and students.

Sipho Lata said he worked with Dr Hlongwane in various capacities, as a student and political level.

"Dr Hlongwane has brought God into the lives of so many people, there are families today that're living a decent life because the father or the mother is a director of a company this and that precisely because of the grace of God that came through him touching everyone in a classroom 20 years ago.

"He was bringing the gifts that he has been given to bring into this world into this life and touch generations therefore he was God's best sender," said Lata.

Dr Zanele Tlhakanelo from the department of Education said they salute Dr Hlongwane for serving the community.

"I want to believe that this is one man who needs a standing ovation because of what he has done not only to the community of Vosloorus but to the entire education sector we salute Dr Hlongwane for what he did in serving the community.

"He was a goal-getter with the zest for life and never gave in attitude we, are told that in his journey as a teacher, it was not easy," said Tlhakanelo

She said one of the speakers Saki Langa indicated he Hlongwane would go to work as a teacher and later went to work part-time at a local shop.

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"He wanted to show us that in life you can get whatever you want. He was an inspiration for all because he had a positive approach to life.

"When I was principal at Thuto Lesedi Secondary School, he encouraged me and said Nkosazana, that school you will manage not only with your intelligence but when you put God first. I held that in my thought to make sure not to disappoint him," said Tlhlakanelo.

Dr Hlongwane's friend Bafana Moyo said: "I used to call him Order in Middleburg, Mpumalanga because he was a principal man.

"He held various offices, but this man, power never corrupted him. We know of people whom they when they have public offices they used it to enrich themselves, not Dr Hlongwane," said Moyo.

Erasmus Monareng Secondary School principal Sharon Maboa said Dr Hlongwane was a grounded person irrespective of his achievements.

She said Dr Hlongwane was a good leader who promoted unity among colleagues.

"Just two days before he passed away, he called me when I was with Lindiwe Mabena, and I asked him how he was, he sounded well. That was his last goodbye to me.

"The former principal demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities including among others positive thinking, he set very clear goals at the school and made sure as the staff he stood as one and promoted forgiveness above all he made sure that there was discipline input institution," said Maboa.