Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Senior Reporter
VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Kembo Mohadi has urged Zimbabweans to preserve and emulate the exemplary deeds of community icons and unifiers, saying their contributions should continue to inspire generations after their passing.
VP Mohadi made the call yesterday while addressing mourners at a church service for his late niece, Mrs Salifina Ramakgapola nee Msipa, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe in Mzilikazi, Bulawayo.
Mrs Ramakgapola, who was born on April 4, 1952, died on August 6, 2026 and was later laid to rest at Mvutchwa Cemetery in Bulawayo.
VP Mohadi described her as an icon whose life was defined by love for others, service to the community and a commitment to uplifting those around her.
“We are here to celebrate the good life of Salifina. Although she is no longer with us physically, she has transitioned to a better place but her deeds are worth celebrating,” said VP Mohadi.
“We should emulate her good deeds. She loved everyone. We come and go. God does things in different ways. We are born, we live and we die. When you are born, you later create a family. But the generations you are creating will remain, therefore, her good works will forever be with us.”
VP Mohadi said Mrs Ramakgapola completed her life’s journey with distinction, urging the family and community to carry forward the values she represented.
He added: “I say to you Salifina, you have run your race and completed it. I say to you my beloved Salifina, go well my daughter, go well my child, in your steps we are going to follow.”
Speaker after speaker paid tribute to Mrs Ramakgapola, describing her as an icon, a unifier, a source of guidance, a philanthropist and an inspiration to all who interacted with her.
Church representative Dean Bright Ndou chronicled her contribution to the Lutheran Church, saying she was part of a delegation that led intense discussions to ensure the institution remained strong during difficult times.
“She made sure that the Church is resilient. She participated well in Church activities. We thank those who struggled with us, who went through turmoil as a Church with us and emerged strong and she went through the struggle and that uplifted her faith.”
Mourners also heard of Mrs Ramakgapola contribution to Lutheran Development Services, where she served on the Board of Directors for four years.
During her tenure, mourners heard that she called for an audit of the organisation’s livestock programme to assess progress after cattle had been distributed over a 10-year period.
The audit unearthed both successes and shortcomings, resulting in the strengthening of oversight laws.
“She has social capital within her, she would knock on any door to seek assistance for the development of the church,” said Dean Ndou.
Her contribution to the Church and wider community reflected a life dedicated to service, with her influence extending beyond formal positions to personal relationships and networks that she used to mobilise support for community development.
The tributes painted a picture of a woman whose legacy was built not only on what she achieved during her lifetime, but also on the people she inspired and the institutions she helped strengthen.
Her life, VP Mohadi said should therefore serve as an example to future generations to value unity, compassion and service to others.
