She was larger than life, yet incredibly humble, while her energy and unwavering optimism served as an inspiration to everyone around her.
This is how Mandela Bay Development Agency chair Mandlakazi Skefile was described after she lost her battle with cervical cancer early on Friday morning.
Tributes poured in over the weekend for Skefile, 47, who was a prominent figure in the development of the Bay tourism industry for several years, serving as the chief executive of Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism.
She also served on the MBDA board since 2018, before being elected as chair in November 2020.
MBDA and family spokesperson Luvuyo Bangazi said Mandlakazi had fought a good, long fight.
“[She] always kept her spirits high, even during the toughest moments, she never gave up her will to live.
“A larger than life, but incredibly humble personality, Mandlakazi’s abundant energy to serve was unwavering, and she served as an inspiration to many who face mighty challenges.”
Skefile was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2019.
Bangazi said the MBDA was deeply saddened by her passing.
“The news of Skefile’s passing came in the early hours of Friday morning.
“We pass our deepest condolences to her husband, Motse [Mfuleni], and their children, and we pray for strength and healing during this challenging time,” Bangazi said.
“She led the MBDA during the heights of an unprecedented coronavirus pandemic.
“Even when her health proved difficult, Skefile mustered the strength to execute her responsibilities with purpose and dignity.”
He said Skefile was known for providing invaluable input and her calm demeanour.
She was a big proponent of inclusion and always proved to be the voice of reason within the MBDA.
The official memorial service is scheduled for April 28 and her funeral for April 29.
Nelson Mandela Bay executive mayor Eugene Johnson said she was shocked to learn of Skefile’s death.
“This is not only a loss to the family and her friends but to the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality, the Nelson Mandela Bay metro, and the entire business community of the Eastern Cape province and the country as a whole,” Johnson said.
She said Skefile had led the MBDA with distinction and provided visionary leadership.
“On behalf of the people of Nelson Mandela Bay, I would like to pass our deepest condolences to her family.
“May the Almighty God give them strength during this difficult period,” Johnson said.
ANC Eastern Cape provincial communications head Gift Ngqondi said they were saddened to learn of Skefile’s death.
“Her selflessness and unwavering commitment to women’s emancipation is well respected in the various positions she held with distinction.
“The praises we bestowed on her in life, and those we will pour upon her memory now, pale in significance to the crown she received as she stepped into eternity,” Ngqondi said.
He said the ANC conveyed its heartfelt condolences and support to her husband and family during this difficult time.
DA Eastern Cape provincial leader Nqaba Bhanga said Skefile’s death was tragic and her loss would be felt by everyone she worked with.
He described her as an “excellent and responsible leader who showed absolute dedication to her task”, and said the DA extended sincere condolences to her family and colleagues.
The MBDA’s Bangazi said Skefile was survived by her husband, Motse Mfuleni, and four children between the ages of 14 and 30.
“The family appreciates all the support received since this sad news broke, and once again this goes to demonstrate Mandlakazi’s expansive reach and influence in the many areas she served in,” Bangazi said.
“As a devout Jehovah’s Witness congregant, the process to accompany her to her final place of rest will be directed by the protocols and processes of the church in consultation with the family.”
A special social media page, devoted to notices and updates on Skefile’s upcoming memorial service and funeral was created on Facebook at https://fb.me/e/4PcSQaEhb.
HeraldLIVE