MDDA pays tribute to Queen Mkhondwane

Queen Mkhondwane

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Says MDDA CEO Lumko Mtimde, "We can truly say that South Africa, the Free State province, Thabo Mofutsanyane District Municipality and the media fraternity has lost one of its born and bred pioneers of the struggle for access to information by all, freedom of expression for all and media freedom. Queen deserves to be honoured for her contribution towards striving and promoting access to information, awareness and excellence in a quest for the development of the Phumelela Municipality and its surrounding communities.

The agency received the news with great sadness on Monday morning, 4 October 2010.

Part of the MDDA family

The Phumelela Express is circulated in Phumelela Local Municipality, Thabo Mofutsanyane District Municipality in the Free State Province. Mkhondwane was also part of the MDDA family in its quest to bring information to the previously disadvantaged communities, in their own languages and diversify the media landscape in South Africa.

Mkhondwane approached MDDA for funding in March 2006, and based on the presentation of her ideas and vision to uplift her community through information, the MDDA board approved her grant fund for to purchase equipment, rent, printing and distribution.

Unfortunately, towards the end of 2008, the project could not print as regularly as it was supposed to, due to the economic conditions prevailing in the area and the drastically escalating printing costs. In 2009, the MDDA further supported Phumelele Express from the agency's sustainability fund. During the time of her passing she was in a process of reporting and accounting, in order to access the remaining funds.

Ultimate dream

According to the MDDA, her ultimate dream was to see the Free State Eyes grow its readership and circulation to cover the entire Free State province.

In celebrating the life of Mkhondwane, the MDDA would like to urge the community of Phumelela to continue to work hard and always remember the work that she initiated for this community. The agency will liaise, advise and work with the remaining members of the project in order to find ways and means on how to carry on with the spear.

Mkhondwane leaves behind both parents, her mother and father, her brother, a 10-year-old daughter and a son who will be turning two on 28 October. The funeral will be held at her home, Vrede, on Saturday 9 October.

"May her soul rest in peace. Lala ngoxolo Nkosazana, ngenene isitye esihle asidleli, sohlala sikukhumbula," concludes Mtimde.

Bizcommunity.com extends its condolences to family, friends and colleagues.