Hamba Gahle Mama Dix
www.MyPE.co.za: Denny
and I returned from a 6 week visit to family in the USA to the sad news
that our beloved Mama Dixie, or Dideka Mhlaba, as she was better known,
had passed away. We were able to attend a few evenings of prayers at
her house in Millard Crescent and also the raising of the ANC flags
outside her residence. One for her late husband, “Oom” Ray Mhlaba who
was a towering figure in the ANC.
Apart from his long incarceration on Robben Island, he was Premier of
the Eastern Cape and the South African Ambassador to Uganda. Mama Dix
was at his side from the moment of his release from Robben Island and
their home was always open with a warm welcome awaiting any visitors.
Mama Dix was happiest when she was doing for others. She was involved
with a group of elderly people at her church and helped with their
feeding and also assisted them with their sewing group. Tea with Ma Dix
was a fun affair as she had a marvelous sense of humour and could
recount stories of well-known figures who had graced her table. Raymond
Mhlaba’s book, “Raymond Mhlabas Personal Memoirs – Reminiscing from
Rwanda and Uganda”, is full of tender references to, and stories about
Mama Dix. On re-reading the book this week, I was again struck by the
strong and undying love that Mama Dix and Oom Ray had shared.
Hamba Gahle Mama Dix. You will be sorely missed by all of us in
Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, the Eastern Cape and the country. We
loved you Mama Dix.
Marion Harning
Port Elizabeth Budget Accommodation
Go to:MyPE.co.za
