KwaZulu-Natal - More than 5 000 mourners attended the funeral of businessman Nhlanhla Gasa in Ulundi on Friday.
Gasa, who was murdered at his home in Umhlanga two weeks ago, had two sons and two celebrity daughters, TV personality Noni Gasa and former Miss South Africa Mbali Gasa, who is married to embattled former SAA boss Khaya Ngqula.
The funeral service was held amid tight security at St Stephen’s Emthonjeni Anglican Church in eHlungweni.
Gasa’s top-of-the-range, black-hide Nguni casket, which cost R45 000, took centre stage in the small church.
A source at Dove’s funeral services said that the funeral was the company’s most high-profile event so far this year.
“The full service costs about R65 000, including family vehicles and transport from Durban to Ulundi,” said the source.
Some of those who paid tribute to Gasa were KZN Premier Zweli Mkhize, Economic Development MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu, IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande and NFP leader Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi.
In a moving tribute, Gasa’s elder son, Andile, said: “My father died in such an undignified manner, unlike the man he was… Thank you for bringing back his dignity. Those who did this are fighting a losing battle because we hold our heads up higher than before.”
He hugged his distraught siblings and his mother before he sat down.