Vusumuzi Dube
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
A PETRA High School teacher and an ardent sports personality who has been a regular announcer at the Bulawayo National Association of Secondary School Heads (Nash) athletics competitions at White City Stadium, Otilda Ndlovu is no more.
According to her younger sister and family spokesperson Ntombizodwa, Otilda, who was a brilliant Ordinary and Advanced Level English and English Literature teacher at the 1993-founded institution, breathed her last on Thursday after a short illness having complained of flue like symptoms on Monday.
“We are shattered as a family, Ottie was sister, daughter to our parents, aunt and mother. She was a pillar of strength, a unifier, a vibrant person who was equally generous,” said a devasted Ntombizodwa.
Renowned athletics legend, Themba Mhlophe said the Nash athletics events at White City Stadium will never be the same again following the unexpected and shocking demise of Ndlovu.
“Personally I am devasted, to me she was a colleague with a great voice behind the microphone in our athletics events and we worked so well together. She was more of a sister than a friend, a bubbling character. Her voice brought life to the Nash athletics competitions at White City Stadium which will surely never be the same again,” said Mhlophe.
Radio personality and friend Cde Phil described Ottie as a gentle soul plucked out of mother earth too soon.
“Ottie was a true definition of a go-getter, she lived her life to the fullest. In all the years I have known her the best she gave to the world was love. Ottie was a friend, a sister and a colleague. We travelled miles together teaching drama and also rocking events as MCs. Will forever love and miss her,” Cde Phil.
Ntombizodwa said her sister will be laid to rest at Umvutshwa Cemetery in Bulawayo tomorrow.
She leaves behind a 10-year-old son.
Mourners are gathered at House number 13633 Pumula South.
Online Reporter