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FORMER editor of the now defunct Border Post community newspaper and chairman of the Beitbridge Business Association Salatiel Roy Muleya has died. He was 58. Muleya succumbed to umbilical hernia complications following an operation at the United Bulawayo Hospitals on Monday night.
Family spokesperson Selina Muleya said they had lost a pillar of strength and unifier.
“We are at loss for words. This is a man who would give a listening ear to anyone including relatives and members of the community. He has left a huge gap which will be difficult to fill,” she said.
Muleya said Salatiel would be buried at his rural home in Goda area tomorrow.
She said her brother had been battling umbilical hernia for a long time until he was operated on at UBH last month.
Senator for Beitbridge constituency Cde Tambudzani Mohadi described the late Muleya as one of the people who were committed to championing development projects around Beitbridge district.
“We have been robbed of an intelligent man who contributed immensely towards the development of both big and small businesses in Beitbridge.
“He was a dedicated Zanu-PF cadre since the beginning of the liberation struggle until his death. Salatiel had a strong vision for economic development and his shoes will be difficult to fill,” she said.
Beitbridge Residents’ Association chairperson Lawrence Tshili said the community had lost a great leader and think tank.
“This has been a very bad year for the Beitbridge community. We continue to lose people with a passion for development. In January we lost the town secretary Dr Sipho Singo and now it’s Salatiel. Our hearts are heavy as we continue to lose team players,” he said.
Beitbridge Business Association vice chairperson Nkululeko Milidi said the community had lost a man who had vast knowledge.
“We will forever miss his leadership style and commitment towards the establishment of small to medium enterprises. He is one of the leaders who initiated a lot of developmental projects around Beitbridge and was one of our consultants on business related matters,” he said.
Salatiel was born in Musina South Africa and grew up in Nuli area, Beitbridge, where he completed his primary education before going to Bulawayo for secondary education. He left the country for Zambia during the liberation struggle.
After independence in 1980 he went to Germany to pursue media studies and later came back to the country at the turn of the millennium where he established the Beitbridge business association and was the founder member of the Border Post newspaper.
He is survived by wife Olitha and four children.
derick.khumalo