Slain Durban businessman Nhlanhla Gasa has been laid to rest.
Gasa was murdered last week in a brutal attack that has puzzled police, who are still searching for a motive.
He was stabbed and his body dumped in the Tugela river.
Yesterday, mourners at his funeral described Gasa as a churchgoing man who sang in his church choir and loved God.
Gasa was laid to rest at the family home in Mahlabathini, Ulundi.
Premier Zweli Mkhize, IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande were among the mourners.
Family friend Khundu Mncube described how he and Gasa ran around the property where the service was held, which now houses St Stephen’s Anglican Church.
Gasa donated the grounds, where his father’s house used to stand, to the church. His generosity came up frequently at the funeral.
“His father worked as just a general labourer. Yet he took upon himself the responsibility of caring for everyone.
And that is what Gasa did. We were cousins but he referred to me as a brother,” said Mncube.
Speaking on behalf of Gasa’s four children, his eldest son Andile introduced a touch of humour to the proceedings.
He hailed his father’s good looks and said this had been the gene he passed on to his children.
“You can see for yourselves,” he joked, gesturing at himself and his siblings. One of Gasa’s daughters, Mbali, is a former Miss South Africa (1997) and his other daughter, Noni, is a well know TV personality.
IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi read his speech in both English and Zulu, and said Gasa had donated substantially to the party.
Gasa was known as a politically connected businessman with strong links to the ANC.
Mkhize described Gasa as a fine gentleman and intellectual on whose leadership you could always rely to solve problems.
