As many of the tributes have highlighted, Mthembu was a great and inspirational leader. He was also an orator of note-whether it was addressing a rally at Dan Qeqe stadium or a gala dinner at a conference center, Bongani captivated the audience. He would often coach us and say, Uyabone ke, xa usithethi, you must judge the mood, you must judge the mood, ungathethi nje.
In addition he was an extremely loyal friend-no matter what one was going through, Mthembu could be counted on. Whether things were going well for you or you were facing some challenges, he was consistent and always made time for his friends. If he was in a meeting or for some reason was not able to take your call immediately, he would call back as soon as he could. …..Although there was that one December – festive season- when he did not take or return my calls for a few days. It so happened that we were both in Port Alfred for a short break. I mentioned to him that I would be taking my surf-ski/ canoe along– the two-seater. I told Mthembu that depending on the weather I would call him to join me to either go paddling on the river or out to sea. It was the only time in our almost 30 year friendship that wandinqabela. –Even the offer to provide him with a life- jacket fell on deaf ears.
Mthembu also had an unmatched ability to find humor in the toughest circumstances-somehow this humor would lessen whatever pain those around him were experiencing. I recall last year when at Captain’s funeral, Mthembu whispered something to those of us to near to him (something I will not repeat on this respectable platform..) his comments had us giggling for a good while and somehow lessened the sorrow.
I also recall that years ago when we were preparing for Sheya’s funeral he and Tswayi Poswa were nominated to collect donations. ( I always thought that Rhadi would have made a brilliant body guard or debt collector). As Bongani and I both worked in Govan Mbeki ave back then, the arrangement was that this two-some would pop past my office during the day. When the two arrived at my office, we chatted over coffee and then went down to the atm in front of the office. We continued chatting as I was using the atm. Suddenly Mthembu said to Tswayi, “ Rhadi, masbuyen’ umva, asifuni kubengathi si-raida lomlungu”. We had a good laugh as Mthembu expounded on how this situation could appear to passers-by.
Recently, I was doing some filing at home and came across a reference letter he had written for me back in 2006. I sent him a picture of this and we had a good catch up. I actually used that letter in my application for my CSI manager role –a position I occupied for many years. As a result, whenever Mthembu had any-yes any- banking related queries he would call me. It was futile to point out that I was actually in CSI and that he did have his own private banker..’Hayi ndiyazi wena kalokhu’ . Even when I left the banking industry for a season, he would still call me for things—“Ewe ndiyazi ukuba ak’saphangeli pha –kodwa usabazi abantu baphaya….”
Like so many of us, I will miss his smile, his jokes, his guidance and his sincere friendship.
Lala ngoxolo Mthembu
