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Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu chats with the Mkandla family members (from left) Mrs Patience Mokoena and Mrs Nora Noelle Mkandla while his wife Sikhanyisiwe looks on at the funeral of the late Gogo Sarah Mkandla at Mahlothova village in Umguza District yesterday

Chronicle Reporter
THE mother of Senator Sikhanyisiwe Mpofu, Mrs Sarah Mnkandla has died. She was 92.
Mrs Mnkandla died on Thursday.
Senator Mpofu is the wife of the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Dr Obert Mpofu.
A church service for the late Mrs Mnkandla who had been struggling with hypertension and diabetes was held at her homestead in Mahlothova Village in Umguza District yesterday.

Sen Mpofu said the family was deeply saddened by the loss of their mother, whom she described as a family builder.
“She feared God and was a family builder who will always be missed. She had the heart to take in children from broken families and raise them as her own,” she said.

“We all have strong characters because of her. Our father was a carpenter but he became blind when I was in Form Two. Because my mother was an active member at the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA), she managed to take us through our education and never deserted our father.”

Dr Mpofu described his mother-in-law as a principled, honest and loving woman who loved God and would be remembered by many.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development Mr Munesu Munodawafa and senior officials from the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe National Road Administration attended the service.

Mrs Mnkandla was born and bred in Nkayi and became a teacher in Zinyangeni.
She left the teaching profession when she got married in 1942 and moved to Hope Fountain before she later moved to Umguza District after her husband passed on.

She is survived by eight children, 40 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.
Another service will be held at the UCCSA church in Mahatshula today, before mourners proceed to Hope Fountain Mission, where she will be buried at 11am.