Tribute for the venerable late Goldsworthy Machaba
*His passing was a big loss to the family and community, say speakers*
Speakers at the funerals service of the late venerable community leader and churchman Godsworthy Machaba said his passing was a big loss to both family and community
*Machaba, of Giyani Section A passed away on February 5 at the age of 95 of natural* causes.
His funeral service took place at Giyani Section E EPCSA-Entsongeni Church on Saturday December 14 and drew thousands of mourners.
He was later sent to his final resting place at Giyani Cemetery
Choral music guru Ntota Lesley Nkuna described his brother in law’s passing as a big loss.
Nkuna who is a respected choral music composer and conductor said his late brother in law was an exemplary individual who had a good heart and was known for his generosity.
“He was also a man of integrity who was also at home with everyone irrespective of one’s social status,” said Nkuna.
He also added that the late Machaba was warm- hearted and always went out of his way to assist those in need.
“That is why I say his passing is not only a loss to the family, but to the entire community,” he said.
One of the political activists of the 80s said Machaba was one of the elderly people who joined the youth in making sure Giyani was not left alone when the entire country was politically awakened following the release of some Robben Island prisoners in 1989 and Nelson Mandela in 1990.
“Tatana Machaba was one of the elderly people who joined us on the march on the Gazankulu homeland parliament on February 19 1990 and when some people were injured when we were teargassed, he was one of the people who did not run away but went to see those injured at Nkhensani Hospital, “ said Shibambu.
Mrs LO Nghatsane who represented the Machaba family talked about his obsession with agriculture. She said: “Va buti was rooted in the culture of agriculture that was guided by his love for God.”
Other speakers included his friend elderly DSC Vukela, who was a director for education in the Gazankulu homeland for a long time.
He talked of how they assisted each other as friends.
MRs WZ Miyen represented the Vavhaki Club, of which the late leader was one of the leaders.
His pre-recorded message was beamed on the screen at the service,
Ntota Lesley Nkuna’s son, Dr Musa Duke Nkuna who is an international figure on the choral music front rendered musical items with his creation the internationally renowned Giyani Philharmonic Choir.
Dr Nkuna who stays and works both in German and here at home is a renowned international music performer.
The late Machaba belonged to the Vahlengwe Clan of the Tshovani dynasty.
Professor PK Chauke represented Vahlengwe Club and said the late was a respected member of the club.
Machaba was the sixth child of the late Maria Machaba (née Mageza) and Ben Machaba.
Born on 5 July 1930 at Gogobole, near Louis Trichardt, he was baptised in the Dutch Reformed Church on 14 December 1930.
On 4 December 1956, he commenced employment as an Agriculturalist in the Vryburg district with the National Department of Agriculture. While in Vryburg, he was a member of the London Missionary Society Church.
He spent his working days in the same department as an extension officer.
He retired on pension at the end of February 1994.
During his career, he co-founded the Gazankulu Agricultural Extension Officers Association and the Gazankulu Public Servants Association.
He was also a staunch member of the Evangelical Presbyterian church of South Africa.
Together with other residents of Giyani, he helped establish the Giyani Society for the Care of the Aged.
He lost his loving wife and lifelong companion, Mrs Johanna Jacquetlin Machaba, in September 2025. He is survived by his sons, Vincent and Kulani; his daughters, Khensani, Pamela, Rirhandzu, and Mikateko; as well as his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
