Vezi 'Papa' Makalima

Sakhekile Vezi ‘Papa’ Makalima, affectionately known as Vezi, was born in eDikeni in 1971. From an early age, Vezi was bright, curious and driven. He excelled at school and carried that spirit of achievement throughout his life. He was also adventurous, becoming the first among his siblings and cousins to travel abroad. Travel would remain one of his great loves, taking him to many places through his work and allowing him to experience the world and meet people from all walks of life. Vezi loved his work because it brought together three things that mattered deeply to him: people, travel and adventure. More than anything, however, Vezi will be remembered for his heart. He was sweet, loving, generous and always willing to help. He was easy to love because he loved others so freely. Raised in a culture of love, he carried that same warmth into every relationship, becoming, in many ways, everyone’s best friend. His intelligence and achievements made us proud, but it was his kindness, his warmth and the way he made people feel loved that made him truly unforgettable. Lala ngoxolo, Bhele Sindane Vezi Mancoba Nyathi. You were deeply loved, and you will be dearly missed.