Grandson pays homage to late hero, Mr Scholar Patrol

Kwa-Thema – Siyabonga Mavimbela, the grandson of the late reverend David ‘Mr Scholar Patrol’ Masilela, pays homage to the local hero.

“Honouring my late grandfather has been my biggest desire for a long time. Not just because of the great deeds he did for our community but also because of his love for people and children and, most importantly, the deep-rooted values and teachings he instilled in me as a child,” said Mavimbela.

Masilela was born and raised in Payneville, and later his family moved to Kwa-Thema. Being the son of a coal merchant, Masilela was exposed to business at an early age. He would take over the family business after his father died in the ‘80s.

“At a very young age, uMkhulu would want me to sit with him at the office after school, attend business meetings with him, and throw out my life and time with him.

“He would teach me the importance of faith, humility, being humble and hard work. I am glad to say those lessons have shaped and driven my life phenomenally.

“It is my dream and goal to one day see my grandfather’s hard work and memory honoured. And to see the scholar patrol events and awards that he held return,” said Mavimbela.

Masilela repaired school buildings’ broken windows damaged during riots. While working with the schools, he founded the scholar patrol.

He was at the helm of the Greater Springs Scholar Patrol for more than 15 years, earning him the name ‘Mr Scholar Patrol’.

The project ensured learners did not become victims of reckless drivers by teaching them road safety.

Masilela was born on May 24, 1938 and died on April 2, 2019.

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