By Mziwandile Mpiti

One of the last surviving black business pioneer personalities in Kwa Bhaca, Koleka Chloe Mfingwana has passed away at the age of 85 and was laid to rest on Saturday 7 March 2026 at her homestead in Lutateni location in Kwa Bhaca.
She was born at Cotchet Farm in Matatiele and was the daughter of late Mhloli Sikwebu and Nobunzima Ntabeni. She received her primary education at Tshungwana Primary School and also at Mvenyane Teacher Training College. She started teaching at Upper Mvenyane Primary School in Matatiele. In 1965 she married Russell Khwezi Mfingwana. She also taught at Nomkholokotho Primary School in Kwa Bhaca and later at Lutateni Primary School also in Kwa Bhaca. She left teaching to enter the business world.
Speaking on behalf of the business community, Mrs Nothemba Mpiti said Mrs Mfingwana was the first person to establish a supermarket in the rural areas of KwaBhaca. She said the was the first person to buy a new truck and a bakkie at the same time. She said Mrs Mfingwana encouraged members of Trans Kinirha Traders Association to buy equipment for school drum majorette in their local school as a means of ploughing back to the community. Mrs KC Mfingwana was a member of a delegation which went to Mthatha to request the Transkei Government to establish a High School at Lutateni location. She said they with the insistence of Mrs Mfingwana built a school hostel for learners at the school. A new state of the art school is being built by the government at old school site scheduled for opening in 2027.
She also encouraged the members of her association to take a break during new year s day and take their children and staff members to the Wild Coast Sun. Mr Bhongo Ndamase spoke on behalf of Ndamase Royal family and Mr Phambili Makaula spoke on behalf of Makaula Royal family. Retired Eastern Cape Police Commissioner General Ross Mpongoma read a message from Bishop DD Dabula. Reverend Msotyana of Colana Methodist Church conducted the funeral service. The funeral was graced by the presence of Chief Lebenya a member of Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders and Dr BTT Lugongolo a specialist medical doctor from Pietermaritzburg and Kokstad farmer Mr Luyolo Makaula. Mrs CK Mfingwana is survived by her children and grandchildren. Rest in peace Ndlovu, Mntungwa, Gengezi, Malinga. May your beautiful soul rest in peace.