Community mourns taxi boss and Orlando Pirates top supporter
Benson Ntlemo
The community of Shigalo in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality is mourning the death of its self-made businessman Mourise Chauke commonly known as Mgijima.
Mgijima, who owned a fleet of taxis in Johannesburg and also known as Orlando Pirates avid supporter passed on in Johannesburg yesterday after a short illness.
He is also known as a man who worked hard from humble beginnings to a top businessman.
He built a shopping complex at Shigalo where people buy next to their homes.
His right hand man Aubrey Hlungwani confirmed the death.
“It is true. He passed on yesterday after he fell ill on Sunday and was taken to hospital, “said Hlungwani.
He was known as a person who played an important role in the formation of the Orlando Pirates branch in Malamulele.
A local resident said: “His was a typical rags to riches story. He grew up herding cattle, later worked for a shop keeper, sold used sacks before he became the owner of a fleet of taxis.”
Top Orlando Pirates supporter Joyce Xigombe Chauke said she was saddened by the news.
“He was part of the Orlando Pirates family. He was not a selfish person but sponsored most of our activities, “she said.
He also was popular in the community as he remained humble despite his wealth.
The family said it would meet tomorrow to finalise funeral arrangements.
