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Pretoria- A brother, a mentor, a father, a hard worker, a no nonsense person. Those were the words used to describe North West businessman Wandile Bozwana during his funeral service in Pretoria on Saturday.
Mourners attending the service spoke highly of Bozwana with many of them praising him for his role in their successes. A family representative of the Matsha family described Bozwana as a principled man.
“We know what type of person Wandile was. We all know what he stood for. We are very proud about the last chapter of his life. We will always remember him,” she said.
“Wandile has run his race. He ran without looking back. Wandile was a soldier, he was a hero,” she added.
Bozwana was shot and killed in what many people, including his family, believe was a hit. He died in hospital on October 2.
Bozwana and a colleague, Mpho Baloyi, were travelling on the N1 north from Johannesburg at about 16:00 when gunmen in a silver grey BMW M3 allegedly pulled up next to their car near the Garsfontein off-ramp and opened fire on the branded Renault Clio.
About 12 bullets hit the car, with nine of them hitting Bozwana. Baloyi - who was driving the Clio - was shot twice, but managed to drive to a car dealership near Menlyn Shopping Centre to seek help.
Bozwana’s friend, Olebogeng Mosegedi said he had lost a brother. He said Bozwana walked with him through life and was left distraught by his death.
“He literally held me by my hand and walked with me. Wandile was a true brother to me. Wandile was certainly not an angel but he had warmth and persona that would humble anyone who would meet him for the first time. He did not take nonsense,” said Mosegedi.
Another friend, Lebogang Motlhaping said they were saddened by the loss of Bozwana. He added that the week after his killing was terrible and like a nightmare. Motlhaping said they struggled to understand what had happened.
“Nothing was more important to Wandile than those close to him. Bozie was a dear friend to me. A person who was always willing to share his thoughts, the little blessings that God gave him. He was very outspoken. He would not say something to please you. He was an honest person,” he said.
Gerd Hooghiemstra, who worked with Bozwana, said the impact he had on many business people was immense. He told mourners that Bozwana had empowered many people in his life.
“He was a principled person. The enemy tried to rob us of who he was but they failed. We must celebrate him for being a good husband, father, businessman and mentor,” said Hooghiemstra.
