IN THE NEW

Officials joined family members and representatives of the taxi industry at the funeral of Sipho Mtambo, the president of the Top Six Taxi Organisation.

JOBURG had lost someone of “enormous value” with the death of Sipho Mtambo, said Executive Mayor Amos Masondo at the funeral of the taxi industry leader on Sunday, 28 March.

Chairman of Top Six Taxi Organisation, Sicelo Mabaso, describes Sipho Mtambo as 'a leader who was willing to save a community at his own expense'

Through the BRT Steering Committee, Mtambo played a role in the planning and implementation of Rea Vaya.

The school choir sings songs of comfort and farewell

As the casket was brought into the hall, people became very quite, the only sound was the footsteps of those men pushing the trolley upon which the coffin was placed.

Mkhulu, as Mtambo was affectionately known by family members and colleagues, received a regal send off. His casket was covered with an orange blanket; a traditional Zulu outfit was also placed on the casket. Wreathes surrounded the coffin.The Top Six Taxi Organisation Women’s League, Centurion College’s school choir and Soweto Melodic Voices sang songs of comfort and farewell.

As a mark of respect to Mtambo for his commitment and support of the Bus Rapid Transit system, a Rea Vaya bus followed the mourners from the church hall to the cemetery.

Mtambo was born in the rural village of Mtshilwane, in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, on 18 July 1939, the second last of 26 children.

He was part of the public transport industry for more than 50 years, and was a founding member of the Top Six Taxi Organisation. The organisation was established in April 1997 and two years later, Mtambo became its chairman, according to Babu Maharaj, a friend and a colleague.

He served as the chairperson of the Gauteng South African Black Taxi Association and held various other positions in the industry, including serving as an executive member of the National Taxi Alliance.

Maharaj described Mtambo as a father, friend, colleague and mentor, “thus his passing is a personal loss to me”.

“During difficult and challenging times, Mkhulu would always be cool, calm and very patient in addressing issues … Mkhulu was forever ready to change with the times, was never too big to listen, never too senior – [he] was always open-minded and ready to initiate and assimilate new ideas and innovations.”

Eric Motshwane, a representative of the Regional Taxi Council, described Mtambo as an icon of unity within the taxi industry. “We are very blessed to have shared in the life of Mkhulu. I think we can all say that we have benefited from his wisdom and leadership.”

The chairman of Top Six Taxi Organisation, Sicelo Mabaso, described him as a leader who was willing to save a community at his own expense. “He was devoted to the taxi industry but his first love really, was his family.”

Mtambo is survived by his wife, Shirley Mtambo, 15 children, 40 grandchildren, a great grandchild, four sisters and two brothers.

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