By REGINALD KANYANE
3 July 2025- The South African Football Association (SAFA) is saddened to hear about the passing of Elias Freddie Ngwenya, the father of SAFA Chief Medical Officer Dr Thulani Ngwenya. Ngwenya Senior passed away on 30 June 2025 and will be laid to rest on 6 July 2025 in Mpumalanga.
Ngwenya acknowledged the support and condolence messages that the family has received after the loss.
“Thank you very much for all the heartfelt messages I have been receiving since the passing of my father on Monday afternoon. He has gone to the waiting area to wait for the day when the trumpet will ring. Angisoli lutho…. We thank God for his life and great importance in my life.
“The will of God has been fulfilled, and it is very well with my soul. Ngwenya Senior was born on 25 December 1942 and his funeral service will start at 6am at KaNyamazane Alliance Church and he will be laid to rest at Rocky Drift Cemetery,” he said.
Meanwhile, SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyepao said: “We as SAFA, join in mourning his passing and trust that God will grant Ngwenya and the family healing and comfort. May his soul Rest in Peace.”
The Guardian 