Late businessman and philanthropist, Advocate Mthetheleli “Baw’uNdlovu” Ngumbela, has been hailed as a selfless individual, who championed community development throughout his life.
Ngumbela was remembered during two memorial services, that attracted hundreds of mourners, held in Dutywa and Butterworth on October 20.
He died on October 13, aged 81, in a car accident some 10km from Dutywa, while driving back from his farm in Healdtown.
“I doubt there is any befitting description of what Tat’uNgumbela was. He was larger than life; he was a colossal indeed; he lived a life of giving, a selfless man, and a true leader. He acquired everything he had through his sweat and blood and never hesitated to plough back to rural communities,” said Eastern Cape Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture MEC, Fezeka Nkomonye, in paying tribute to the late Ngumbela.
She further said the sporting fraternity would forever be grateful for his contribution to rural sports development in many sporting codes.
“Mr Ngumbela has been a great example in displaying social responsibility in terms of community development and assisting people to achieve their goals. He left a legacy, especially on small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs), who could not afford to start their businesses, by giving them mentorship and financial assistance,” said the Ngumbela family spokesperson and relative, Solly Matshaya.
Popularly known as “Bab’uNdlovu”, a nickname derived from his clan name, Ngumbela was known for his love of cricket and his dedication to develop grassroots cricketers through his annual Healdtown Cricket Tournament.
He also sponsored an annual horse-racing event in Dutywa, called Ngumbela Masimanyane Horse-racing Club, to the tune of R250 000 each year since 2016.
Ngumbela’s funeral service was held in his home town of Healdtown, near Fort Beaufort, on October 23.
He is survived by two wives, 12 children and many grandchildren.
