ALI MPHAKI
THERE are no words eloquent enough to comfort the grieving Zungu family of Central Western Jabavu whose son was killed in a car accident on Monday morning.
The likable Maxwell Sibusiso Zungu, 29, died instantly when he lost control of the car he was driving – with three friends as passengers – and hit a rock not far from his home.
One of the passengers is unconscious in hospital and the other two escaped uninjured.
With neighbours, friends and relatives coming to offer condolences to the family this week, the reality of Maxwell’s death has been hard to accept.
“It feels so surreal. So unbelievable,” said his aunt Nomfundo.
Much was still expected of the Soweto-born Zungu whose life journey started on April 23, 1983. Despite growing up in a rough neighbourhood with many distractions, the young Zungu soldiered on with his education and went on to complete a business administration diploma at Parktown College.
His primary and high school education was attained at the local Mathafeni lower primary and Mncube senior secondary.
Though he was not formally employed, he was very resourceful and never relied on handouts.
His friends say he did not believe in being employed but wanted to be an employer. He was in the process of starting his own car repair business when his life was cut short.
What everybody who knew him agrees upon is that he was good with his hands and had a passion for cars. Other characteristics are that he was loving, respectful and not one prone to complaining.
Maxwell was never a “cheese boy” (spoilt brat), they say.
Like most young men of his age, Zungu loved house music, designer labels and generally having a good time with friends. He was always smiling and ever willing to go the extra mile for his family and others.
Zungu is survived by his fiancée and their four-year-old son.
He will be buried tomorrow after a funeral service at his home, 274 Sigasa Street, starting at 9am. The cortege will proceed to the Lenasia cemetery at 11am.