Hundreds of mourners consoled the family of murdered local businessmen Mbopha Mashigo at a moving memorial ceremony in the packed East Bank Hall on 4 January.
Police are still investigating Mashigo’s murder at his Third Avenue eatery and entertainment outlet minutes after the start of the New Year celebrations.
The crowd sang spiritual songs and praised the deceased as an exemplary businessman, role model and philanthropist through his selfless giving to shack dwellers, the poor and sports teams among others.
His obituary recounted a string of successful business ventures including the ‘quota burger’ from his eatery which he turned into a brand and an expanding franchise countrywide. He also partnered in establishing the famous club Neh! which is also a restaurant, shisa-nyama spot and cigar lounge.
Read: UPDATE: Killer of prominent local businessman Mbopha Mashigo (54) still unknown
Mashigo was also lauded for his role in the township’s economic development through the new Alex Mall.
Relatives, friends and colleagues commended him for encouraging the youth to seek education and for urging residents to feed, shelter and clothe the poor. They also encouraged Alex residents to reclaim the streets against soaring crime and warned criminals to stop abusing the goodwill of the citizens.
His Embassy club mate Mpiyake Karosa said Mashigo encouraged cleanliness, confidence and an excellent work ethic as ways to success. “We should emulate his problem-solving skills and use his death to unite residents against soaring crime,” said Karosa.
Salani Sithole pleaded with residents to continue Mashigo’s legacy of love for Alex. “A reflection on his life will help us to continue his charitable work and his business development plans for the greater good of society,” he said. Other speakers encouraged residents to unite as they did in the past, in order to rid the township of crime. They urged political leaders to be decisive in their roles in the interest of the public.
