Survived by two good men

NTFONJENI – It was an emotional scene at Times of Swaziland employee Happiness Gamedze-Magongo’s funeral when her husband promised to continue the good work she was doing for her family.

Happiness’ father, on the other hand, gave a lecture to men to take care of their daughters after sharing his story of how he abandoned work because he had to single-handedly bring her up.

Xolani Magongo, who had been married to Happiness for 17 years, made an undertaking before the masses that he would continue taking care of his father-in-law like his wife used to do.

While the mourners listened to his speech, they would occasionally make expressions of sympathy that eventually led to people sobbing as they were engulfed with grief.

Magongo said the elderly Samson Gamedze was still welcome to their home in Nkoyoyo, Mbabane where he usually made regular visits.

"I know your visiting times and hope you will still honour them. I promise and ask God to help me look after all your needs like my wife used to do," he said.

He also told his children that he would step into their mother’s shoes and would continue to provide for them.

"You know how I love you boGatjedze waNyandza. I hope my whole family will help me to look after you and fill the void that your mother has left," he said.

He said what made him brave enough to accept his wife’s departure were words of comfort from a pastor who made him understand that his partner was with him temporarily.

He said this had made him acknowledge that God had lent him a wife in Happiness and He had again taken her away.

He said the wonderful things his wife would do for the family and for other people were also indicative of the fact that she was to depart soon.

Meanwhile, her father Gamedze said he had just begun to enjoy the fruits of raising Happiness when she died.

He said after dedicating his time to raising her, Happiness also dedicated herself to meeting her father’s needs.

He said she would take care of his medical, financial and material needs at all times without complaining.

Other speakers included Times Managing Editor Mbongeni Mbingo, Mxolisi Magongo who spoke on behalf of the children and representatives of the All Saints Cathedral Church, the Magongo and Dlamini families.

Happiness was 39.

She died on February 14 after a short illness.

She was working in the Accounts Department of the Times as an Accounts Manageress.

She had joined the newspaper in 1993, four years after completing school at St Mary’s High.

She is survived by her father, husband, sisters and two children.

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