The late rugby administrator Monde Tabata has been laid at his final resting place. The 60-year-old passed on last week due to COVID -19 complications.
Mourners converged at the Christian Centre in East London to bid him farewell. Tabata was the Member of SA Rugby Executive Council.
Bidding farewell to a man who spent most of his time assisting rugby bodies that were in distress. This includes: Border Rugby and the Eastern Cape Rugby Union. His problem-solving skills earned him a new name, Mr Fix It. SA Rugby president, Mark Alexander says Tabata was a disciplined leader.
“So many memories come flooding into my mind when I think about him, remembering his great strength of character, the disciplined way he approached all issues, his generous spirit. His wise counsel his fearless tackling of issues and challenges that would overwhelm the strongest of us, his unshakeable belief in the inclusive belief of our game.”
Monde “Mr. FIXIT” Tabata laid to rest:
Sakhiwo Tabata also shared fond memories of his father, “During his time, our father always wanted his children under the same roof. Well done, Tata, well done. We are here although it’s under grim circumstances. We understand that you didn’t give up on us. You fought for us. We understand that to continue fighting, you had to go to the other side.”
His friend Ndumiso Ntshinga described Tabata as a pillar of strength.
“He was one person who would never fake friendship. l think that is what we suffer nowadays. Mpinga did not belong in that category. If Mpinga loved you he’d love you to the end.”
Tabata is survived by his wife and eight children.
