KNYSNA NEWS - A familiar face on Knysna's roads during heavy traffic periods will no longer be seen, after Amos Ludaka passed away recently following a short illness.

Fondly known as Ta-Pro, Ludaka was a contracted pointsman and traffic officer for the municipality for 16 years, who was usually stationed in the Industrial Area, Vigilance Drive and Dam-Se-Bos.

Ludaka's colleague of 10 years, Ernest Nqoko, said, “With Ta-Pro there was never a dull moment, he was so full of life and jokes and had beautiful heart.”

A letter from the municipality's communications department reads, “Mr Ludaka was a loyal contracted point duty officer for the municipality and will be sorely missed by all. 

"We are grateful to our community services department for providing the family with a tent that will accommodate the influx of sympathisers arriving for the services leading up to the funeral. 

"The department is also further providing food and refreshments to the mourners.”

The municipality has also said that as a token of its appreciation, it will provide a grave and a coffin for his final resting place.

"Because Ludaka was not a full-time employee enjoying the benefits of permanent staff members, “the municipality feels it only fitting to assist the family of such a loyal contractor during their time of need”.

After serving the Knysna municipality for 16 years, Amos Ludaka died after a short illness. Photo: Supplied

Councillor Mandla Matiwane said he will also assist the family in giving Ludaka a proper sendoff.

He will be put to his final resting place on 2 December. 

The service will start at Ludaka's home at 18 Ngalo Street in Khayalethu, at 07:30, and will proceed to Khayalethu community hall at 10:30.

His colleagues say they will remember him and thank him for his uncanny sense of humour and cheerfulness.

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