Xolisa Menyo who was popularly known as ‘Director’, was laid to rest at Mount Ayliff village on Saturday 7 November 2026.
Xolisa Menyo was born in Misty Mount Libode in 1961 to his late parents, Mandaba Menyo and Bathandwa. He was the fourth child. He arrived in Mount Ayliff in 1978 when his parents bought the Engen Garage trading as Mount Ayliff Service Station from Transkei Development Corporation. Xolisa Menyo received his primary education at Betshwana Primary School and also at Mount Ayliff Junior School. He received secondary education at Moshesh High School in Matatiele. He worked at his father’s garage as a mechanic and also opened a breakdown service. He also worked for the Department of Education in Alfred Nzo District as Transport Officer until his retirement in 2021. With his first wife he was blessed with 3 children, in his second marriage he was blessed with 3 children.
Speakers at the funeral included Mr Gadlela Fikeni who described Mr Menyo as a very helpful person who would assist people when their vehicles had breakdown and would even loan a person a vehicle to use. His friend, well beloved Thandekile Maheneza described how Mr Xolisa worked for the underground structures of the ANC and SACP to establish branches in Mount Ayliff at the dawn of democracy. He said as an honour his coffin should have been draped in the flag of the African National Congress. His child Miss Amanda Menyo speaking on behalf of the children said his father was a loving and caring person. His neighbours in Mt Aylff village represented by Mr. Dinwanyo described how Xolisa Menyo was helpful to their community.
Speaking on behalf of Department of Education Mr Loyiso Mashoai said Xolisa Menyo was dedicated servant of the department who served with honour. His in laws represented by Mr G Ngcangula said they will miss their son in law with sense of humour and his jokes. His funeral was graced by the presence of his longtime friends and Kokstad farmers Mr Luyolo Makaula, Mr Loyd Pepeta, Mr Andile Mfingwana, District Surgeon of Alfred Nzo health department Dr Lubabalo Nkanyuza and Mount Frere Medical Practitioner Dr Fikeni, Alfred Nzo West District Director Miss Nandi Dabula and other distinguished officials. Mr Xolisa Menyo is survived by his wife Mondekazi Menyo, his sister, two brothers and his six children. Rest in peace Nozulu, Mchumane, Mbangule.