Limpopo MEC hails unifier

Radzilani says granny Muthavini Nwa Mzamani Hlungwani was a rare leader

The Village Voice

Limpopo ANC provincial deputy chairperson Bishop FF Radzilane has heaped praises on the late granny Muthavini Nwa Mzamani Hlungwani, ne Mahange, who was the widow of the late music legend MJ Hlungwani , who was also known as MJ the man or Xivavula.

The late granny who recently passed on of natural causes was laid to rest at Dumela on Saturday.
Speaking at the hugely attended funeral service, Radzilani who is also MEC for transport, security and liaison in Limpopo said she was amazed that a woman who had not gone to school was able to lead a big family the way she did.

Radzilani said she was impressed with the late granny’s track record, having been part of her husband’s music career, also went with him to the Zion Christian Church and also guided the family that saw most of the children educated and becoming respectable members of society.
“I have come here to support one of her children who has been working for the ANC for many years without gain, MJ wa Azania,” she said. She also hailed that both the late MJ Hlungwani and her husband were members of the ZCC.

Radzilani also took the chance to answer the local community members’ service delivery challenges. Some speakers took their to explain the water challenges in the area.
She said she had been briefed by mayor Shadrack Maluleke and his colleague Xihlamariso Simon Mavikane who heads technical services at Collins Chabane Local municipality that a pipeline to bring water in the area is on track. Other speakers included Hosanna Dumela and pastor Philemon Mahange of the ZCC who was the late granny’s younger brother. Wellknown praise poet Masenyani Chaka who was the official pastor on behalf of the ZCC said she was a member of the ZCC in good standing.
“She was a solid member of the church and she served for many years with aplomb,” he said.
As a proud member of the band MJ Hlungwani and the Vultures that later changed to Mj Hlungwani and Mpfumo Sisters, in the year 2007, she accompanied her husband to the SABC to receive the Living Legend award bestowed to MJ Hlungwani.

This was a proud moment for her because they had been together through thick and thin, performing in many venues including Jabulani Amphitheatre and Saulville Arena.
She also joined her husband in the sewing business that saw them able to send their children to school.
She was also a member of the local Vakhegulu Vakhegulu, the local grannies club.
She is survived by 5 sons namely Solomon (Xiharhi), Ben, Raymond (MJ wa Azania), Trevor and Derrick as well as eight grand children.