JOEL Mdekane (57) knew death was knocking at his door.
In order to pave his way and meet with his maker, Joel apologised to his nyatsi.
“He told me he was leaving this world. He said he was sorry for leaving me without any food and for sometimes talking to me harshly.
“I told him I forgave him. He said he was wondering how I would live without him,” said his nyatsi.
The nyatsi (47) said Joel, who was also her makhwapheni, died peacefully on his blue chair on 13 October at Tambo section near Westonaria, west of Joburg.
“His head shook before he died. I panicked and asked neighbours to check what was happening to him. The paramedics arrived and said Joel had died.”
On Wednesday, neighbours and friends, united in grief, gathered around the blue chair to pray and talk about the late Joel.
Neighbour Mandla Ndlovu (52) told Daily Sun: “Joel loved his nyatsi so much and loved sitting on that blue chair.
“He was a man of peace and liked drinking Pepsi with tennis biscuits.
“He used to sell boxes and metal for recycling and made sure his nyatsi didn’t go to bed on an empty stomach. He encouraged us to respect nyatsis,” said Mandla.
The nyatsi needs help to trace Joel’s family, who she believes are from the Vaal.
“Sadly, I don’t have Joel’s picture. His corpse is at the local mortuary. I hope his family will come forward so we can discuss a cleansing ritual for my home before my husband, who is in Maputo, returns.”
She described Joel as a very tall man with a scar on his neck.
She said he told her he was from East London in the Eastern Cape, and that his brother’s name was Mzefane.
Anyone with information should contact Daily Sun on (011) 877 6000 or 877 6254.