In one of the biggest funerals at Malamulele Township, speaker after paid a glowing tribute to veteran sports administrator and community builder Hlengani Elias Mathebula who has died aged 69. Cisko Mathebula, as he was popularly known, was born on April 2 1957, and died on August 17 2026 and was laid to rest on Saturday in a funeral service held at the Assemblies Church of God. He served the government from the homelands to the democratic state as an official in charge of traditional leadership. He retired from the Cooperative Governance, Housing and Traditional Affairs in 2007. But it is what he did outside his employ that endeared him most to the community, and carved him a niche as a community builder par excellence. He formed the Kulani Soccer Association and also at one point started a local newspaper. Wellnown man of the cloth Bishop PS Shirinda aka Gee Gee Chapu who represented the section in which they lived and Pastor Philemon Mahange who represented the neighbours talked about how he forged togetherness amongst the neighbours. “He even introduced different sporting codes such as volley ball because he wanted people of Malamulele not to be left behind,” said Pastor Mahange. Amongst the mourners were Hosi Mavambe, New era College Director Dr Tinyiko Khosa and several soccer legends from local teams Mavambe High Landers and Langutani Blue Birds. Most notably there was Chicco Bila, who featured for Highlanders and officials from Blue Birds included Mr Enos Maluleke, also a longtime football administrator.. Former EFF MP Emmanuel Mtileni was also in attendance.
He is survived by his wife Salphina Mathebua, and four children, namely Radius, Polka and ornate, as well as seven grandchildren, namely Nhluvuko, Lethabo, Zoe, Thato, Hlayiseko, Vumbhoni and Vutomi.
