Dignified send off for Orlando Pirates diehard supporter and businessman
Dignified send off for Mgijima
The diehard Orlando supporter was a generous man and self-made tycoon
Benson Ntlemo
Orlando Pirates diehard supporter Morris Chauke, popularly known as Mgijima was given a dignified burial at Shigalo Village on Saturday despite adhering to Convid -19 conditions for funerals.
Mgijima was a self-made businessman who started from humble beginnings to become a respected businessman. He owned a fleet of taxes in Johannesburg and also built a shopping complex at his home area of Shigalo.
Two of his friends Cedrick Yingwani and Samuel Khaphathe spoke well of his life.
Yingwani a prominent businessman of the Vanwanati clan said the late businessman was many things to him.
“He was my business partner, my friend and my advisor,”said Yingwani.
He continued: “We shared many things together including being diehard Pirates supporters. Together we helped launch the Orlando Pirates branch in Malamulele and also popularised the brand by bringing former Pirates captains to the area.”
Khaphathe of Nzhelele outside Makhado said they were together in the taxi industry. “He was very generous and assisted many people with problems be it in their business or in their personal lives, “he said.
Other speakers included former Orlando Pirates captains Lucky Lekgwathi and Tonic Chavalala well as former defender Abednego Netshiozwi. They all spoke of his love for Pirates and his generosity.
“After wins while I was a captain for Pirates, I used to take players for lunch at his place, “said Lekgwathi.
The local Pirates branch chairman Gezani Ndlovu known as Sikiza also paid glowing tributes to the late businessman.
Earlier Pirates number one supporter Mama Joy, real names Joyce Xigombe Chauke said from his isolation place after being hospitalised for Convid -19 that the man’s generosity assisted the team a great deal.
“It is a pity his death comes during the time of the pandemic otherwise we would be there and give him a sendoff to remember, “said the top supporter who also said she was at a loss of words trying to feel how club and PSL boss Dr Irvin Khosa is going through following the passing on of his wife Matina Khoza. “The chairman felt the pain at the loss of his second wife in January but now after this second blow I am feeling too much for him, “she said.
