Dear Mhani, my pillar, my everything. It still feels surreal to face a world without you in it, Mom. Every evening, I find myself reaching for my phone to call you, hoping to hear your voice just one more time. The ache of your absence is profound and I miss you more than words can express. You were a force of nature, defined by a profound love that was expressed in both grand and simple gestures. You gifted us with impeccable childhoods, dressing us in clothes whose quality I now as an adult marvel that you could afford. You nourished us not just with food but with wisdom, teaching us good manners, humility, and the sacred duty to listen to the marginalized. You lived this truth daily, opening our home to feast with those in need and attending ceremonies in places others overlooked. Your love was also deeply personal. Coming home whether from my university days or even from work was always met with the warm comfort of my favourite meal, macaroni and cheese with a glimpse of bacon waiting in the oven. You would often be out serving the community but you always made sure we were cared for. You showed us that love for family and love for humanity are not separate things, but one and the same. You disciplined with a firm but gentle truth, teaching me to "shame the devil and tell no lies," never raising your voice yet always making your expectations clear. Your lifelong pursuit of knowledge was an inspiration; from my earliest memories you were studying, a journey you crowned with your well-earned PhD at 50. You have done well, Mom. The lessons you imparted resonate deeply within us. We are independent, we are caring, and we are continuing the legacy of service you so beautifully modelled. Your work here is complete. May you rest in eternal peace. With all our love - Floyd Maboya

Mhana mina, it has not been easy going through each day knowing you are no longer a phone call or drive away. You had your own unique way of saying my name when you called me and I have missed hearing that so much. Home hasn’t felt the same, milestones and celebrations have not been as joyful. You were truly one of a kind. A caring, humble and gentle soul. Your love was unconditional – we experienced it and so did your grandchildren who miss you dearly. There is nothing you didn’t do for us, Mhani. You were gifted, both in mind and with your hands. You could hold thoughtful conversations on different topics and were also skilled in the kitchen. Your muffins were my favourite! Thank you for every lesson, for every word of encouragement, for the support, for reminding us of our worth and most importantly, for teaching us Christian values. As we continue to navigate life without you, I can only hope that we continue making you proud. I am grateful that we got to express how much we loved and appreciated each other. I carry many precious moments in my heart. Words cannot describe the emptiness I feel but as you would say “swi lulamile”. Your legacy lives on. - Rhandi Makhubele

Mhani, although you're no longer here physically, your love and memory continue to reverberate through our lives. You laid a foundation that still anchors us, a foundation that is steady, strong, and filled with meaning. You moved through life with a heart full of kindness, love, and empathy, always seeing the good even in difficult times. You lived with intention, and the way you carried yourself was and remains an example to all who knew you. The impact of your kindness and the depth of your care will continue to shape us. I am forever grateful for the values you instilled in us and the sacrifices you made to ensure we were cared for and raised with love and strength, even when things weren’t always easy. I deeply miss your presence and the fascinating conversations we shared, where we explored so many different topics and ideas. Thank you Mhani. Your love and memory lives on. - Vunene Maboya

Mhani, a year has passed since you left us, yet your love and spirit remain deeply present in our hearts. You were more than just a mother, amiri kokwani wa xiviri, a teacher, and a source of inspiration. From the very first day, you welcomed me with warmth and open arms, and for that I will always be grateful. Although you never got to meet Nhlelo, your presence is felt in both of our children’s lives. You knew and loved Asante, who still speaks of you with so much joy. In fact, she calls the guest room “Kokwani Myra’s room,” because to her, that space will always belong to you. That shows just how much we valued and appreciated having you in our home and in our lives. I am thankful every day that you gave life to Vunene, through whom your strength and love continue to shine. You taught us lessons of kindness, humility, and strength. Hi dyondzile swinene eka Nwina and you inspired us to never stop learning. Mhani, you will forever hold a special place in our hearts. You are forever loved, forever remembered, and your legacy will continue to live on through your children, grandchildren, and all of us who were blessed to know you. With love and gratitude, - Matimu Maboya

Ses’ Myra, A year has passed but I still wait for your call, forgetting you’re no longer here. I miss the routine moments we never got to finish. You taught me how to be soft and strong by not complaining, even when the pain was too much. I remember your strength when I feel weak. You showed me what it means to be truly brave and your bravery in the face of pain inspires me every day. Sesi! My greatest supporter, I’ll honor you with the life you’d want me to live. Continue to rest in peace, you’ll always be my heart’s best friend. - Tonia Bandi

The wisest person I knew was Kokwani. Even though she is no longer with us, her spirit still guides me — she taught me that education is a treasure no one can steal, and that dreams are worth chasing no matter how high they seem. I remember her laugh, it could fill a room. When she laughed, we couldn’t help but laugh too, even if we didn’t know why. And then there was her cooking. The soup with pap — simple, yet a masterpiece. Kokwani gave us wisdom, love, and laughter. She left us with tears in our eyes, but also with stories that make us smile when we remember. I will always love you, Kokwani. - Nkutsulo Shana Myra Maboya

I miss the fun that we used to have, the laughter we used to share and all the lessons you would teach me. I love you Kokwani. - Nhletelo Makhubele

My grandma, best friend, mentor and more, kokwani Myra. Thank you for always being there for me, supporting all my decision no matter what. Thank you for motivating me, you have taught me how to love, show kindness, be closer to God and more. I will always remember your beautiful smile and your small acts of kindness. - Xirhandzwa Maboya

Dear kokwani Myra, I wish you were still here with us. I hope you are watching us wherever you are. I miss your amazing cooking and baking. I also miss your smile. I will love you forever. - Xiluva Maboya

Kokwani I liked it when you danced and played with me. You were my friend. I love you and I miss you. - Nsuku Makhubele

Dear kokwani Myra. I loved it when you gave us gifts. I miss visiting you over the holidays. I miss your warm hugs. I love you so much. - Ndzalo Maboya

Kokwani Myra, I love you so much. I miss you and I will always remember the joy you brought into my life. You will always be in my heart. - Asante Maboya

Dear Kokwani Myra, even though I never got to meet you, I still love you. The warm memories that my sister shares show me how special you were and how deeply you cared for us. I will grow up knowing your love through the stories we carry in our family. - Nhlelo Maboya

Hahani, I remember you with love. I carry it with every thought you. Miss you with every thought of you. - Nkateko Sithole

It’s hard to believe a whole year has passed. Some days it feels like you were just here, as if time has folded in on itself leaving us suspended between memory and reality. Your love, your laughter and your gentle presence linger in every corner of our hearts, quietly shaping us even in your absence. We speak of you very often and though the world moves on, the space you held in our lives remains untouched. Rest peacefully, beloved Aunty Myra. You are missed beyond words, remembered beyond time and loved beyond measure like you are still a part of our daily lives. - Rivoni Bandi

To our beloved Hahani, We will always remember you for your unwavering love for God and deep compassion for the needy. Your legacy in terms of your love for education lives on. You were full of wisdom, humility and simplicity. You are dearly missed. Rev 21:4 - J Bandi Family

Dear Aunt Myra, Thanks for everything ka leswi a mini endlela swona. Na mi tsunduka, a mi ri xibye xa nkoka eka mina. Hita mi hleketa hi masiku hinkwawo - Mihloti Manganyi

Mhani, I am today standing on my own, because of you. From the darkest place to triumph, all because you believed in me. - Hlawulani Mabaso