Tears as family and friends bid farewell to Lulu Dube
Things have got off to a sombre start as family members of the late Lulu Joan Dube bid a final farewell to her at her funeral service in Inanda.
This then caused the programme director, the principal at Ohlange Institute, to ask everyone to remember and behave in a manner that will celebrate the life of Lulu Dube - a life he has described as well lived. While her coffin was being taken into the large tent where those in attendance gathered a praise poet sang her praises saying she hasn’t just died but lived and died after living well. Dube’s granddaughter, one of 13, Nonhlanhla Msiza, could not hold back the tears as she read Dube’s orbituary.
"She was a humble mediator and peace-loving person. She is survived by 3 daughters, 2 sons and 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren," she said.
IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi is also in attendance as well as the ANC’s Joe Phahla, Community Safety HOD Crossby Mavundla and Cogta MEC Nomusa Dube- Ncube.
Meanwhile structures of the ANC, including its women’s and youth leagues, have come to pay their last respects. Locals who have also come out have told Newswatch that this is a sad day for them, as the Dube family has done so much to uplift the area. They say the legacy the family has left behind in the township is a historical one and they feel honoured to say they are from Ohlange.
Lulu Dube's body will be buried at a cemetery in Inanda. Mourners have been given t-shirts with Lulu Dube’s picture on them and the words 'your legacy lives on, a revolutionary, a freedom fighter, an organiser and selfless leader.'
The ANC’s national chairperson, Baleka Mbete, is expected to deliver Dube’s eulogy on behalf of the party.
(Photo: AFP)