Home » Daughter Pays Tribute to Security Guard Dad Who Left Her Gift of Education

Daughter Pays Tribute to Security Guard Dad Who Left Her Gift of Education

The South African graduate whose heartfelt tweet of gratitude to her father made national headlines last year, when she thanked him for taking her to university “even though you are a security guard”, has sadly lost her father to an illness. Alfred Mabanga passed away on 25 January in hospital. Just as his daughter Thobile (Thoby) […]

By SAPeople
04-02-18 23:57
in Eish!

The South African graduate whose heartfelt tweet of gratitude to her father made national headlines last year, when she thanked him for taking her to university “even though you are a security guard”, has sadly lost her father to an illness.

Thoby and her proud father last year in May at her graduation.

Alfred Mabanga passed away on 25 January in hospital. Just as his daughter Thobile (Thoby) celebrated her graduation from Tshwane University of Technology publicly on Twitter, she has shared this tragic milestone in her life.

On the 24th of January 2018, the software developer tweeted: “Guys please pray for my dad ? he’s very sick ?”

Tragically, the following day, she said: “Guys??????thank you for every prayers and support. I looked after my father and i was always there for him. He passed away few hours ago ?????? he fought but God had to take him. I was even planning to build a house for him this year. yoooh this is too much ?????”

Thoby, who’s originally from Elukwatini, told SAPeople last year that it was thanks to her “lovely dad” (and mom who works with Human Rights) that she could now live her “many dreams”, and live the dreams her father never could. Inspired by her dad, she wants to better her family’s life “and take the last born at home to varsity when he’s done with high school”.

In the last few days, supportive tweets and condolences have poured in for Thoby, whose love for her father inspired so many others to appreciate their own parents.

Tumisang Sefike posted photos with her dad to Thoby and said: “This is me and my daddy I’m so thankful for all his sacrifices your tweet made me appreciate his presence even more❤”

@portiagumedesa said: “Thoby, To have a Dad who loved you and did all he could to make your future that much brighter is rare. I’m sorry you’ve lost your Dad. Last yr we beamed with pride at your story. Alale ngoxolo uBaba?”

Sipokazi Poswa-Lerot said: “I love you for loving your dad, for being proud of him, for being grateful and acknowledging the sacrifices he made for you. He raised a beautiful daughter, he is sooo proud! With that attitude, I know you are destined for greatness. Sincere condolences to you and your family.”

Dark Space Tenant said: “Thoby, been reading your tweets since you graduated, days back I saw you tweeted your dad had passed away, man I’m sorry, never been this emo over someone I don’t know, I like how grateful you are with everything you have because of him. My condolences❤??”

On Thursday Thoby said: “Planning my dad’s funeral with the family this week was something else ? my dad is gone but he left me with something that no one will ever take away from me – my EDUCATION ??‼️ soooooo grateful of the love, sacrifice, caring and endless support ❤️ i will forever love you??”

#ThankYouThobyForSharingYourGratitudeLoveAndLoss #OurDeepestSympathies

The tweet that captured the nation’s heart last year…

Update Sunday 4 February 2018: Thoby tweeted: “It’s my dad’s birthday tomorrow ???? i need to go to the graveyard ?”