THE sombre mood lifted when mourners sang and danced during the funeral service of Serame Mvundla on Saturday, 10 September.
Serame was killed during a tavern shooting on Saturday, 3 September, in Ga-Rankuwa, Tshwane.
Daily Sun published the story on Monday, 5 September, headlined: “Tavern shooting claims one life.”
Friends, family and neighbours celebrated the 42-year-old’s life.
Serame was a hair salon owner and soccer and gym team leader for gogos in Ga-Rankuwa.
His friend, Sidney Mokoena, said Serame welcomed him when he moved to Ga-Rankuwa and they became friends.
“This man was an open book. You didn’t have to struggle to understand his character. He was always smiling and he knew a lot of people.
“His salon was always packed. The last time I saw him at his place, I found him with other men and when the men left he said he didn’t know the men and it was funny because eEveryone knew him, and he made a lot of friends,” he said.
Community representative, Daniel Makola, said Serame grew up in the church.
“I’ve known him for a long time.I am heartbroken, but there’s nothing I can do.
“He was a soldier who was active in the church and community,” he said.
Ga-Rankuwa gym member, Johanna Sekotleng, said: “I’m what I am today because of him. He would wake me up at 5am and make us work hard at the gym.”
Family member, Pule Sibeko, said they have lost a soldier and were very hurt.
Councillor Violet Phalwane said: “The people who killed Serame killed a giant, not just anyone. We won’t be scared to go to taverns just because we could be killed by thugs.
“Serame shouldn’t have died in this manner. There’s nothing wrong with going to a tavern.”
She said Serame took his time to make sure women were fit through his fitness programmes. She said Serame must haunt his killers. “May Serame haunt those people and make them sleepless at night. May they not have rest and see his face whenever they close their eyes,” she said.
Most speakers described Serame as a humble man.
“He would go as far as bowing down when greeting you because he was so humble,” said one of the speakers.
