ALI MPHAKI
THEY DON’T make them like the late Fanyana Alfred Makhuza. This is how many people he taught remember him.
Makhuza was born on August 26, 1936 at Lady Selborne in Pretoria, where he started his education at the Lutheran Missionary Primary School. He matriculated at Kilnerton High School and subsequently completed his teachers’ certificate at Botshabelo Training College. He died last Friday, three weeks after being admitted to Leratong Hospital in Kagiso.
He began his teaching career in 1961 at Nchaupe Training College in Makapanstad, then proceeded to Lucas Shandu High School in Vereeniging. He later taught at Mabuya High School in Daveyton, proceeding to Mamelodi High School in Pretoria, before teaching at Meadowlands High School.
In 1981 he became a founding teacher at Pace Commercial College, which later changed its name to Pace Community College, in Jabulani, before retiring in 2003.
Because of his love for teaching, he came out of retirement to accept a teaching post at Bophelo-Impilo High School in Mayfair, Joburg, until the school holidays of June this year.
In his 50-year career as a teacher he was a master of Afrikaans, history and geography.
Makhuza married Boitumelo Joyce Moalusi in August 1966, and they were blessed with four children – daughter Pontsho and sons Tshepo, Tebogo and Thabiso.
Inspired by the quest for freedom, Makhuza mentored and sheltered many during the Struggle, often arranging and facilitating a safe passage for Umkhonto weSizwe guerrillas.
Many were harboured in his family house, while others can attest to his unyielding generosity in providing much-needed resources and means to execute their varied missions.
At the time of his passing, he was branch chairman of the ANC in Meadowlands. He was also active in the MK Military Veterans Association.
Makhuza, of 69A Meadowlands Zone 3, will be cremated at the Lenasia Crematorium tomorrow. The funeral service will be held at the Lutheran Church in Meadowlands Zone 3 at 9am. Only family members will accompany his remains to the crematorium at 11.30am.