These are some of the people who died in the Soweto tavern shooting on Sunday morning. Most came to Gauteng from KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape to look for job opportunities and better their family circumstances.
They were aged between 19 and 54, with some employed as general workers while one young victim aspired to become a professional soccer player.
Daliwonga Mluma, 54, moved from the Eastern Cape to Gauteng in 1990 to provide for his mother and siblings from the City of Gold.
He was employed as a general worker at an engineering company in Aeroton.
The married father of two was described by his sister as a loving man who went out of his way to provide for his loved ones.
“We called him Dali and he was the darling of the family.
“Through all these years he provided for everyone back home. He was a breadwinner. He never turned his back on his mother or anyone in the family. His death has left a big gap in the family,” said Mpumi Chirwa.
The family of Sithembile Gamede, 19, in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, had hope the dribbling soccer wizard would one day turn professional and improve his family’s living conditions.
Gamede’s aunt said Sithembile was blessed with a creative right foot that could slice through soccer opponents with ease.
“Sthe really loved football and he was blessed with the skill. Many coaches in the area wanted him to join their teams. We had hopes to see him playing for big teams but unfortunately that will not happen ,” said Nolitha Mteto.
The Mjoli brothers, Sithembiso, 34, and Luyanda, 19, were inseparable despite their age difference.
The brothers from Umzimkhulu, KwaZulu-Natal, rented places to stay in the same yard when they moved to Orlando.
They loved Maskandi music. Their younger sister said they had similar tastes in clothing, only differing when it came to headgear.
“Sithembiso loved wearing caps. The only time he was not wearing a cap was when he was indoors. Luyanda tried to emulate his older brother but you could tell he was not really into wearing caps. They were loving brothers who will be missed by everyone in our family,” said Mandisa Mjoli.
Philani Mngonyama, 22, had a distinctive voice that made him a favourite among women who attended Isicathamiya music concerts in Umzimkhulu.
The vocalist was part of the group Abafana Bokuthula Bangempela.
Mngonyama’s aunt said the group will struggle to find a voice similar to Philani’s.
“Philani loved to sing. His voice stood out from the group. He enjoyed being on stage and singing for large crowds back home. He only came to Johannesburg to search for a job but we all knew that he wanted to make a living through music,” said Siziwe Mngonyama.
If people in Umzimkhulu had to describe Siphethuxolo Chiliza, 26, they would say he was “stylish”.
This was the description given by his sister when she shared fond memories of the lanky young man.
“Sphe was always clean and tidy. He liked beautiful clothes. He was well-mannered and had a lot of respect. He came to Johannesburg to search for a job so he could assist the family,” said Nomsa Chiliza.
Njabulo Ndlangisa, 29, was looking forward to becoming a father but his firstborn child will never meet him.
Ndlangisa came from a close-knit family in Umzimkhulu. His partner is expected to give birth soon.
His aunt said the family is doing its best to rally around his partner.
“It’s a difficult period for the family but we will soldier on because Njabulo would have done the same for all of us. He was always happy and wanted those around him to be happy. Njabulo held no grudges. He was kind to everyone,” said Nonkosi Ndlangisa.
Mlondi Ndlangisa, 27, held general jobs to financially help his family.
He loved expensive clothes and enjoyed a good party, but never forgot to send money to Umzimkhulu so his siblings could eat.
“Mlondi loved maskandi music. He came to Johannesburg searching for a stable job so he could assist at home. He always had a smile despite all the challenges life throws at us,” said his cousin Xolani Ndlangisa.
Brothers Thamsanqa , 24, and Nkosiyezwe Malunga, 27, came to Johannesburg searching for jobs so they could extend their mother’s house in Umzimkhulu.
Her home provides shelter for a long list of siblings and relatives pained by the brothers’ untimely deaths.
“When we came to Johannesburg we wanted to get stable jobs and help those back home. We would always talk about buying houses and extending our family home. My cousins were very motivated and wanted to succeed in life,” said their cousin Gideon Malunga.
Sifiso Sosiba, 44, was blessed with a smooth tongue, according to his brother. The father of one always managed to calm tense situations.
Many in his family would approach him for advice.
"“My brother had a way with words. He was very persuasive and got along easily with everyone. You could leave him in a room full of strangers and he would find a way to start a conversation,” said Majiya Sosiba.
Menzi Nzimande, 26, had a razor-sharp sense of humour and thrived on teasing those around him.
Even when faced with depressing situations, Nzimande would laugh and cheer those around him.
His father saw him as the joker of the family.
“Menzi was very friendly. Wherever he was, you would find people laughing. He loved music and would go out once in a while. In general, he was a good son,” said Zwelibanzi Nzimande.
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