Hundreds of mourners gathered at the Mbabane Alliance Church yesterday to bid an emotional farewell to the Commissioner of Cooperatives, Russell Nxumalo, who passed away last Sunday.
The service was attended by family members, friends, colleagues, church members and government officials, all of whom gathered to celebrate the life of a man described as humble, visionary and deeply committed to serving the nation. Representing Minister of Commerce Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, Under Secretary Phesheya Dube expressed the ministry’s deep sorrow and shock at Nxumalo’s sudden passing . Dube conveyed a message of condolence from Minister Khumalo and Principal Secretary Melusi Masuku, who were unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances.
“I have lost a friend and a colleague, especially from our regiment, Inkhanyeti. The ministry is deeply saddened by Commissioner Nxumalo’s passing. The minister is particularly hurt because Nxumalo was entrusted with overseeing government assets worth over E1 billion. His contribution and leadership were remarkable,” Nxumalo said.
He further revealed that Nxumalo had been at the forefront of a dream project; the establishment of a bank for cooperatives, which was aimed at strengthening the financial foundation of cooperative societies in the country. “We have suffered a great loss. It will take time to find someone with his commitment and wisdom,” he added solemnly.
Speaker after speaker took to the podium to describe Nxumalo as a man of integrity, discipline and humility. A representative of the Nxumalo family delivered a heartfelt tribute, expressing the deep pain and grief that had befallen them.
He said the loss was painful because the family was still celebrating Nxumalo’s promotion when tragedy struck. “We were still rejoicing after hearing about his promotion last year. We never imagined that we would be gathered here today mourning his passing.
It is only God who said He would be a father to the fatherless and a husband to the widow. With those words, I say dvudvutekani,” he said. The family spokesperson mentioned that Nxumalo left behind his wife, two children and mother. “What pains us the most is that he left without saying goodbye to his mother, who nurtured him with love and care. In moments like these, you lose words to describe the pain,” he concluded emotionally.
‘Cheeks’ Nxumalo gives moving eurology
Speaking on behalf of Nxumalo’s friends, Instacash Managing Director Mandla ‘Cheeks’ Nxumalo gave a moving eulogy.
He described the late commissioner as a genuine and compassionate individual, whose honesty and friendship were invaluable.
“He was many things to many people. I have known him for over two decades since our days at UNESWA. In life, you need friends who speak highly of you even when you are not present and Russell was one of those rare friends. He was genuine, honest and always willing to help,” he said.
‘Cheeks’ recalled how he received a phone call about Nxumalo’s passing while returning from Lesotho. “I have not found closure since that day. I still struggle to believe that my friend is gone,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion.
Nxumalo’s colleagues from the cooperatives department also spoke highly of his professionalism and energy. They described him as a leader who brought fresh ideas, ensuring transparency and fairness in all cooperative dealings.
“He was a man of reliability and resilience, someone who always made sure that the department maintained its integrity,” said one colleague. Meanwhile, Asikhulumisane Board Chairman Mduduzi Msibi also paid tribute to Nxumalo, recalling how the late commissioner had joined the cooperative society based in Bhunya, which was established in 1985.
Msibi said Nxumalo had been instrumental in organising the cooperative’s upcoming 40th anniversary celebration.
“In every meeting we held with him, Nxumalo remained calm, focused and full of integrity.
“He inspired confidence in everyone who worked with him. I just want to say thank you, Mnguni, for your humility and leadership. I leave you with a verse from Deuteronomy, reminding us that God remains faithful even in our grief,” Msibi said.
In an emotional moment, Nxumalo’s wife and children also shared their words of farewell.
His young son, Milusuthando expressed gratitude to his father for the love and care he showed them.
“We miss you dad. Thank you for taking care of us and for everything you did for our family. We will always love you,” he said.
The atmosphere at the memorial was filled with both sorrow and gratitude, as many reflected on the impact Nxumalo made in his professional and personal life.
Those who knew him described him as a man who believed in empowering others and promoting cooperation among communities.
