Staff Reporter
To those who grew up with him, kicking a football in the dusty streets of Moletsane, he was known as “Hassie” – the quick and talented one.
Andries Mohlamme – who was generally known as Mmutle – was the first of six siblings born to Gannene and Tsie.
Mmutle was thrust into the role of the head of the family, in support of his mother, after his father died when the children were still young.
To many of his friends, colleagues and those he met in his adult life, he was quiet, sweet, blessed with good leadership qualities and extremely decisive.
To the congregation at the Reformed Lutheran Church in Kagiso, where he settled with his wife Khumoetsile and family, he was the loving priest who was always there for all members of church as well as those in the neighbourhood who belonged to other churches.
Mmutle became ill in April this year.
Thereafter, his life became a battle with cancer. His family, friends and some colleagues speak of the amazing courage Mmutle showed as he fought the debilitating effects of the disease.
He was in and out of hospital for the past seven months.
His sister Lydia said: “He wrestled with the illness for a long time, until he could not take it anymore. He will be sadly missed by all those he touched and whose lives he changed.
“A good Samaritan indeed who was always willing to assist.”
Mmutle was born in Moletsane 52 years ago.
He attended Moletsane High School and played football for the local team.
He then joined Telkom, a company that he worked for until his last days.
Mmutle will be buried tomorrow.The funeral service will be held at the Kagiso Hall, next to the old police station, at 7am.
At 11am the cortege will proceed to the Kagiso Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife Khumoetsile and children Katlego, Tshenolo and Mmabo.