BUSINESS mogul in the public transport sector George ‘Phinduvuke’ Jwankie has passed on.
Jwankie passed away on Monday afternoon while admitted at Ezulwini Private Hospital where he was being treated for an undisclosed illness.
The passing of the businessman was confirmed to this publication by his wife, Thembi Jwankie yesterday.
Well-known as Siphambano, Jwankie owned a fleet of buses and trucks totalling to over 50. Jwankie’s buses, trading under the name Phinduvuke, service various routes across the country, in all the four regions. The businessman also has a number of businesses that include rented flats, shops and the colourful Espinho Restaurant and Bar in Siteki.
Speaking to this publication, his wife disclosed that Jwankie was first admitted in a South African hospital in Pretoria for about two months as he battled his sickness.
She said Jwankie eventually returned home a few days ago after showing signs of recovery.
However, his illness complicated, resulting to him being rushed to the private hospital in Ezulwini where he eventually succumbed to the illness. Jwankie disclosed that the businessman will be laid to rest at his main home at Tigodzini, Lomahasha, on Sunday morning.
A memorial service will precede the burial on Saturday at the same community.
The passing of the businessman has left a void in the public transport industry, as stated by some operators. Chairman of Siteki branch of Buses Association Thamsanqa Mkhombe briefly stated that the sad news came as a shock to many owners who have worked with him.
“At the moment we do not have much to say as we understand that this is a saddest moment for Jwankie’s family,” said Mkhombe as he conveyed condolences to the family.
