MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The pedestrian who was killed by a vehicle on the N2 on Saturday morning, 4 October, has been identified by his family as the beloved Mossel Bay barista, the 28-year-old Thamsanqa ‘Sam’ Saam.
Saam, who grew up in Knysna, but moved to Mossel Bay when he was just 18 to study at the South Cape College Mossel Bay Campus, had reportedly been on his way to a funeral just before 07:00 that morning when he was struck by a vehicle on the N2, which was heading in Cape Town's direction. Saam was killed instantly.
His sister, Emihle, and his cousins, Sbulele and Chwayita Fihla, shared a joint tribute with the Mossel Bay Advertiser.
“Dear Bhuti, thank you so much for being a part of us and sharing a part of you that could never be erased,” they said.
“You were a gem. Life has robbed us so much of you, and heaven is very lucky to have an angel like you.”
They said Thamsanqa had told many jokes that always left the family cracking up with laughter, and he had also taught them many lessons. One of these was to always stick to your word, whether it was something you promised yourself or someone else.
Thamsanqa Saam, his girlfriend Anna Ncube and their son Ntsika Saam. Photo: Supplied
“We used to complain when you would wake us up at 06:00 when you’re the only one going to work, with loud music by Nyakaza. But now it’s become part of our daily routine to wake up and play music,” they said.
“We can’t imagine coming to Mossel Bay for the holidays and not having your big smile welcoming us.”
They said Thamsanqa leaves behind a family who loved him dearly, his girlfriend Anna Ncube and his four-month-old son, Ntsika.
“We promise to raise Ntsika to be an amazing man and follow in your footsteps. Keep shining bright and watching over us. We love you.”
Thamsanqa had been working as a barista at De Huijs in Bland Street, and his cappuccinos were well known and loved by his regulars.
Cousins Sbulele Fihla and Thamsanqa Saam. Photo: Supplied
Cherise Muller, former owner of De Huijs, said she had worked with Thamsanqa for four years and that everyone who knew him was devastated.
“He was truly so beloved in Mossel Bay. Tributes have been pouring in from those who knew him. Those who worked with him know he was a beautiful, unique, loyal friend and family member to us and he will be dearly missed in the coffee community. We have already received two tributes from the Netherlands and one from the USA,” she said.
Thamsanqa was a coach of the Marlins Basketball Club. The Western Cape Basketball Association posted on its Facebook page yesterday, 5 October, that Thamsanqa was instrumental in the development of women’s basketball, among many other developments.
Thamsanqa Saam was also a basketball coach. Photo: Supplied
Muller said a celebration of life will be held for Thamsanqa at De Huijs at 11:00 on Wednesday 8 October, and a memorial will be held for him at the Barcelona Hall in KwaNonqaba at 14:00.
The Advertiser has sent a media enquiry to the police and will add its response to this article once it has been received.
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