Tim Tukwayo, a leading member of HERP, played a pivotal role in Gugulethu development.
Image: Vukile Sonandzi
The community of Gugulethu and its surroundings were left reeling by the sudden death of Timothy Tukwayo, one of the brightest and most hardworking community activists, after a short illness.
Tukwayo served on a number of community structures, from development to sport.
He was also the face and played a pivotal role in the establishment and formation of the Heritage Education and Research Project (HERP) in 2022.
HERP is an organisation committed to the effective and purposeful use of facilities for the development of communities through active participation.
HERP is also committed to intergenerational learning through enabling conversations and research across generations, cultures and gender lines.
Timo, as he was “affectionally” known by his peers, might have been short in stature, but his knowledge of matters pertaining to sport, development, justice and leadership was immense.
His skills in project implementation and monitoring were unmatched.
He was later elected as HERP secretary until he succumbed to his death.
Colleagues had also recently said goodbye to one of the servants and legends of HERP, Mlungisi “Radebe” Mandlingozi, a stalwart in education, business and in the long-distance athletics fraternity.
They said Timo was just an exceptional individual who embodied the spirit of community passion development everywhere he went.
As a man who wore so many hats, he was also a co-founder of Gugulethu Badminton Club, which operated under the umbrella of the Gugulethu Sports Council and served on this council as described by Mpumelelo Mqingwana a fellow member of Badminton Club. “In the early 90’s we established this club, and Timothy was very much involved and was elected as chairperson and later became a coach. One of his remarkable achievements was producing young girls who went on and represented Western Province Badminton Union team."
Tukwayo was laid to rest last weekend in Gugulethu.