ALI MPHAKI
WHEN the coffin of Cynthia Nonkululeko Mhangwani is lowered into her grave on Sunday, there will be a shedding of tears – especially from her five daughters, who will be mourning the irreplaceable loss of a pillar of strength in their lives.
In an age when raising even one child is a mammoth task, Cynthia’s daughters will pay their last respects to a wonderful mom who raised them to be independent women in their own right. She taught them that education was a key to life and made sure all of them went on to achieve university degrees.
Diagnosed with cancer in 2009, Cynthia lost her battle against the disease last Sunday at Netcare Park Lane Hospital.
The wife of showbiz personality Samuel Mhangwani had been in the intensive care unit for the past four weeks. She was 68.
Cynthia’s life journey began in Orlando East on May 3, 1944. She was one of the daughters of the Rev Vanda of the popular “Donkey” (Methodist Church in Africa) church in Orlando East – although lately she was a member of Bishop David Thebahali’s Faith Ways Bible Church.
Probably due to her family protecting her from the prevalent negative influences of township life, Cynthia started her schooling in Bloemfontein. She matriculated at the Bensonvale Institute in the Eastern Cape. Armed with her matric certificate, she came back to Soweto.
Her first job was at a furniture store in the city centre, where she worked in the accounts department.
Buoyed by her newfound job and with her star on the ascent, Cynthia met and fell in love with Samuel in the late 1960s. The couple were married in 1972.
With her accounting skills being sought after, especially in the furniture business, Cynthia went on to join the then famous Ellis & Company, where she worked for more than a decade, before joining Edgars, where she retired in 1999.
As a devout Christian who was married to a showbiz personality, Cynthia was no shrinking violet and never failed to assert her authority when the need arose.
Hubby Samuel says she faced challenges with her adolescent daughters and kept a tight rein on him.
“She was very supportive. A great woman,” said Samuel.
Friends described Cynthia as a friendly woman with a direct and honest approach to everyone. She loved music and had a lovely soprano voice.
Among those she leaves behind are seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
A requiem will be held on Sunday at the Faith Ways Bible Church at the YMCA/DOCC hall in Orlando East, starting at 8.10am. The cortege will proceed to West Park cemetery at 11.30am. Mourners will meet at 454 Phase 2 Diepkloof Extension for refreshments.