The Eastern Cape Government and its community at large led by Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, mourns the passing of its own, legendary businessman and sport developer in the Eastern Cape Dr. Advocate Mteteleli Ngumbela. Dr Advocate Ngumbela died in a car accident and was laid to rest at his hometown in Healdtown, Fort Beaufort recently.
Dr. Ngumbela was a distinguished businessman and sport developer in the province, he has made contribution and investments in sports particularly in rugby and cricket in the Border region. Acting Premier MEC Funnily Grade, on behalf of Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane paid tribute to the late legendary businessman at his hometown during his Special Provincial Official Funeral service
Tat uNgumbela was part of a rare bread of elders in our province who cared for the children of their community the same way they cared for their own children. Ebeyimvuze-mvuze bububele lonto uyibonakalise kakhulu ekukhuthazeni ezimidlalo kubantu Acting Premier described the late Dr. Ngmbela.
Because of his love and passion for sport, cricket in particular, this area is a tourist attraction for people who want to take a break from city life who come and watch ooMacale Gusha apha eHealtdown in December. It is his cricket tournament that unearthed the raw talents of international sporting icons such as Makhaya Ntini, Monde Zondeki and Mfuneko Ngam who played for our national cricket team, the Proteas. I am quite certain more talented players continue to be unearthed from his tournament”. He was an all-round sports enthusiast, hence he supported other sporting codes in the rural hinterland of our province. Kwiveki ezimbalwa ezidlulileyo bendifumene I whatusp message yakhe esithi Premier ndiyakumema kumdyarho wamaHashe iNgumbela July obuzobanjwa kwilali yakuBomela” he added.
There was a truck involved in the accident that claimed 7 lives during Easter between Dutywa and Butterworth and a truck was also involved in the accident that claimed the life of our beloved Mr Ngumbela” he said.
MEC Gade said, the People of the Eastern Cape Province must go back and reflect back ad find themselves after the passing of Dr Ngumbela, and say how do we defend collectively the legendary status of our province before we become just as ordinary as other provinces, in honor of the sacrifice made by people like Dr Ngumbela ‘Tat uNdlovu for the betterment of the people”
Dr Mthetheleli Ngumbela was also a sound entrepreneur. He was one of the most successful black entrepreneurs in the Eastern Cape Province. He catered for the shopping needs of Eastern Cape people during the painful period of apartheid when the movement of black people was restricted. He groomed many budding entrepreneurs in the province throughout his journey in business.
At the funeral, Sports representative Mr Gideon Sam described Ngumbela as an enthusiastic person who wanted the best for another person and his wish was always to develop youth. Mr Gideon encouraged the youth and Tat uNgumbela s children to take the byton from him to ensure his efforts are kept alive. Sam also encouraged youth in sport to love, respect and keep the stadium built by the late Ndlovu, Ngumbela Park in Healdtown clean and well maintained. I suggest that in the next tournament that will take place in this stadium, the two Captains of the final go with Ngumbela s family to unveil his statue wherever it will be at Ngumbela Park stadium.
