GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Graaff-Reinet bids farewell to Mxolisi Mbilatshwa, a proud veteran of uMkhonto we Sizwe. He was laid to rest on Saturday 22 October in Graaff-Reinet.
Ntswayi Mxolisi O'shaunesse Mbilatshwa was born on 31 August 1963, son of late Mongezi Quiva Daniel Mbilatshwa and mother Chithiwe Tyatyaza, but later raised by his grandparents Sampi and Khalazwa.
Mbilatshwa started education at the Methodist Church and later moved to Thembalesizwe Primary School. His secondary education started at Nqweba Secondary School in Graaff-Reinet. When he reached Grade 10 he started his career in politics.
In 1985 he was forced to leave school because of the political situation in South Africa and go into exile and train as a member of uMkhonto we Sizwe. He went to Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Germany, Angola, Uganda, Luanda and Tanzania to further his training. In 1986-1987 he furthered his training in Germany, as a commissioner of propaganda.
In June 1992 he returned from exile and in July 1994 the uMkhonto we Sizwe was integrated into the South African National Defence Force and he was awarded the rank of corporal at Wallmansthal Military Base in Pretoria.
Later that year he attended a bridging course in Oudtshoorn. The training focused on the incorporation of MK soldiers into the SANDF. He was deployed to 9 SAI Battalion in Cape Town. He ended his military career in 2000 and entered into business in a tourism company (Direct Action Centre for Peace & Memory).
In 2002 he married Constance Nosiseko Mbilatshwa and they were blessed with two sons Lubabalo and Yonwaba.
The memorial celebration was not so well attended by the community since the freedom fighter was not well-known. The service was arranged for 16:00 but the proceedings started at half past five. The service was attended by the family and a handful of community members sang freedom songs of the ANC like Nokuba Kubi-kubi-kod-wasiyaya with dance and toy-toying as they walked the streets of Hillside, Graaff-Reinet.
The Dr Beyers Naudé Municipality, ANC sub-region secretary, Bennie Roman said that, "Mbilatshwa has fought for the freedom of this country, people should be there to celebrate the history of the brave man. The hall was supposed to be very small if we really appreciate what he has done."
He conveyed a sincere message of condolences and apologies from the ANC, saying that "An injury to one is an injury to all."
Buhle Ellie chairperson of Ward 5 ANC branch explained that he only knew Bhuti "Mehlo", as he was generally called in his community, when they came back from exile and he had learned a lot from him. "Mehlo is a disciplined person when it comes to the policies and constitution of the ANC. Comrade Thabo Siyaya as he was called in exile."
Mbilatshwa was short-tempered person and straightforward. He was always prepared to advise and give guidance. A very protocol-observed person. He thanked the family for the brave and courageous soldier for letting him go and fight for the freedom of this country.
Mbilatshwa leaves behind his wife, Constance Nosiseko Mbilatshwa, two sons Lubabalo and Yonwaba and his brother Thabo.
Mxolisi O'shaunesse Mbilatshwa passed away on 5 October in Cape Town and was buried from his family house in Graaff-Reinet.
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