It is with deep sorrow that we bid farewell to our esteemed father, colleague, and friend, Mlungisi Radebe Madlingozi.

You were a man of greatness. Your exemplary life reflected leadership, passion, and service for the betterment of others.

From your early days as the head prefect and rugby captain of the famous Healdtown Institution in the Eastern Cape during the 1970s, you set standard of excellence that inspired those around you to rise to greater heights.

Significantly, the historic Healdtown produced many illustrious leaders who included politicians, church leaders, academics, publishers, doctors, historians, and members of the legal fraternity.

Among the luminaries were Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, Robert Sobukwe (Founder President of the Pan Africanist Congress), John Nyathi Pokela (a leader of the PAC), Professor Loyiso Nongxa (first black person appointed as Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand), Dr Mvuyo Tom (former Vice-Chancellor of Fort Hare University) and Judge Thembile Skweyiya (Justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa and Chancellor of Fort Hare University).

Later you graduated to become a teacher. In this role at the ID Mkhize Senior Secondary School, you shaped many young minds and left an indelible mark on them. You guided them in their education careers and moulded their character so that they could become better citizens.

Your achievements extended beyond the classroom and sports fields. You earned the prestigious Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Blue Number for completing the gruelling race more than ten times. This was yet another testament to your endurance, resilience, and commitment to every challenge you faced.

You taught us that success is born out perseverance and hard work. As a proud and dedicated member of HERP, you were more than a colleague - you were a pillar of wisdom and a guardian of our mission. You believed in preserving our heritage, celebrating our stories, and inspiring the next generation.

We will deeply miss your voice, your laughter, and your wise guidance. But your legacy will live forever within our hearts and our work. We feel blessed and privileged to have shared company with you. The experiences have helped us to be better people.

To the Madlingozi family, we extend our deepest sympathies. We share in your loss and honour the life of a man who gave so much to his community and beyond.

May you find comfort in the knowledge that his impact will continue to shine through every aspect of life he touched.

Lala ngoxolo, Mthimkhulu. Your race is complete. You have won the greatest prize - eternal