Patricia Sibongile Onu

Today, my heart is heavy as I reflect on the life of my big sister, Bongi, and pen this tribute.

I was just a child—only three, going on four—when I first met Bongi, Pedro’s soul mate. From the very beginning, she embraced my siblings and I as her own. Like a mother, she cared for us with tenderness, but also with zero tolerance for bad behaviour. Bongi’s influence on my life was immense, and her presence shaped so much of who I am today.

The jokes, the laughs, and the countless stories are now my most cherished memories. I remember one summer vividly: I was only about seven years old when we spent the holidays with Bongi and Gogo while Gogo was living in Zimbabwe. That summer, Bongi taught me how to make Sadza (Pap), Dombolo, and a variety of authentic dishes—recipes I still prepare to this day, each one carrying her memory.

A true powerhouse in every sense of the word, she was an unstoppable force—a fighter who never stopped pushing forward. Even when the odds seemed impossible, she kept problem-solving, determined to find a way through. Her determination inspired everyone around her.

What I loved most about Bongi was that she was bold, unapologetic, and fiercely independent. She lived life entirely on her own terms. She spoke her mind with clarity and conviction, and her presence didn’t just fill a room—it electrified it.

As my eldest sister, she didn’t hesitate to put me in my place when she felt it was needed—and I sometimes pushed back. We had our disagreements, but they were always underpinned by love and respect. Her fiery nature was part of her magic. Yet beneath that fierce spirit was a deeply compassionate heart—big enough to carry others through their heaviest burdens and darkest hours. Fierce in love. Fierce in life. She cared deeply and never held back when it came to the people she loved. And for all of that, I loved and respected her deeply.

She was a natural advisor, offering wisdom and strength whenever it was needed most. As a doting mother, she poured endless love and care into her family, nurturing them with the same fierce passion that defined every part of her life. For that, and so much more, I am truly grateful for the beautiful legacy she has left us.

My only regret is having so much left unsaid and the guilt of not being able to visit as often as I would have wanted.

Bongi: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come” (Proverbs 31:25). You truly wore your strength like a crown and carried yourself with unshakable dignity. You faced life’s storms fearlessly, and even in the hardest times, you found the courage to smile and push forward. That was your gift to all of us—a reminder to live boldly, love fiercely, and stand tall in the face of life’s challenges.

Though my heart aches, I take comfort in knowing you are at peace, reunited with Pedro, Gogo, Tete, and Fansana, and wrapped in the everlasting arms of our Creator. Rest well, my big sister. Your love, your lessons, and your light will remain with us always.

To Odilile, Ibechile, and Rumi:

Your mom was one of the strongest, most remarkable women I have ever known. She loved you with a depth and fierceness that words can hardly capture. Everything she did—every decision, every sacrifice—was for you. She worked tirelessly to give you not only the best of what she could, but also the lessons, the courage, and the values to carry you through life.

Know this: her love for you doesn’t end here. It is woven into the very fabric of who you are. You are her living legacy—her strength, her laughter, her kindness, and her determination live on in each of you.

Even on the hardest days, remember that she is never far. She is in your hearts, in your memories, and in every part of the people you are becoming. And though the pain feels overwhelming now, trust that with time, her love will feel like a warm light guiding you forward.

As it says in Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” May you feel her presence and God’s comfort surrounding you always.

Love Telly.

Dr. Patricia Sibongile Onu

I met Dr Onu in Feb,2000. She was a compassionate, kind and hardworking lady. She was jiggling between Medunsa and Randburg everyday of the week. She was passionate about the progress of people. She loved everything Nigeria 🇳🇬. She valued education and ensured her children got educated. I remembered her relative who she encouraged to go back to school to study Medicine. She loved to live life to the fullest but lived a simple lifestyle. A good employer who pays promptly. Adieu Dr. Onu

KJ

We crossed paths in Namibia in 1997, our families got to know The Onus, and her magnificent late husband. Sibongile was.an amazing person, straight shooter, direct and straight forward. Interesting I was just thinking of her about 3 days ago to be told she just passed. Rest in Peace Sibongile.

It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that I write this message of tribute for my cousin,the first granddaughter of our grandparents,the late,Masoka Maseko and Betty Maseko

Sibongile was far more than my cousin,she was my sister in every way that truly matters.Outspoken,strong-willed,and beautifully blunt.She had a presence that could fill a room and a heart big enough to carry others through their darkest times.In my own journey of battling cancer,she stood by me without fail,calls daily,visits and gave me all the advices she could give for me to stay alive.

We argued,we fought like any other siblings,then later we will lough about it.Above all we loved each other deeply.
I will miss our chats,those random calls,jut to ask "Uphi Vusi Wam"

May your beautiful soul rest well and rise in Glory maRadebe.

Vusi Maseko

I started to know Dr Sbongile Radebe back in the 90’s while she was working as a session dentist in SMU; former Medunsa in Prostodontic department and I was a student there. I later joined her at Johannesburg Health District in 2021. She was not approachable and I was still scared of her . When I great her , she would just keep quiet . It was just a matter of time to suddenly become her best buddy. I became close to her and she had lots of advises for me about work, family life and e.c.t. I became to enjoy her company in her last years of work. She will be missed so much and may her soul rest in eternal in peace .

I am Odi's colleague. Losing a matriach cuts real deep. I remember when we were in Cape Town for work in March' 25 we briefly chatted about her mom who had volunteered to look after the girls back in Johannesburg. I also learnt that she was originally from KZN in Ladysmith. May her revolutionary spirit rest in peace and rise is glory. Sincere condolences to all family and friends who are affected by her sudden demise.

In Loving Memory of Dr. Patricia Sibongile Onu
(“Bongi”)

Our deepest condolences to Bongi’s family on her sudden and unexpected passing.

Bongi was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend—fiercely loving and deeply cherished by all who knew her. She was known for her honesty, wit, and cheerful spirit, always brightening every room she entered.

A highly skilled dentist with unwavering dedication to her work, Bongi touched many lives through her kindness and generosity, often using her connections to support others in need.

She will be sorely missed, but her memory will continue to inspire and uplift us all.

Lala kahle, Ma Radebe

With great sorrow i would like to express my deepest condolences to Ma Rhadebe's children,friends & the entire family please be comforted.Death has stolen my 1st boss,best friend,counsilor,mentor. She has opened my eyes in darkest moments.I have known her since 2009,She had a heart of gold,i will miss her,Mhsrip

My condolences to Odi and her family. I have known Odi since 2000 when we met at Rhodes University and then we both were at Wits University 2001. I had the pleasure of meeting her mum. I remember a few times staying over at Mrs Onu's place at the weekend. I remember the cherished memories of love and care from Mrs Onu during those times. Thank you Mrs Onu. I will be forever thankful for the impact you made in my life.

By the time I authored this, I feel very comfortable that my beloved cousin Bongi is rested with the Lord.

Her body has checked in and it was wonderful for my family and I to have spent the beautiful memories with her and to Get up under the concept the Bible tries hard to tell us that, Life is a blessing and guess what it’s also a Dead end street. What this means is that Life under the Sun is so jerked up, it’s just Gods Grace and Mercies are new every morning. So we don’t get to see soft underbelly of this things.

Let me express my gratitude the time you gave and having regard that it was not just time, it was a piece of your life you shared and I must acknowledge it was a Gift that got me into a path I was meant to travel.

Allow me to borrow and quote from a poem by the great writer Maya Angelou

When Great Trees Fall
“When great trees fall, rocks on distant hills shudder, lions hunker down in tall grasses
and even elephants lumber after safety

When great souls die,
the air around us becomes light, rare, sterile
We breathe, briefly
Our eyes, briefly see with a hurtful clarity

And when great souls die, after a period peace blooms, slowly and always irregularly. Spaces fill with a kind of soothing electric vibrations
Our senses, restored, never to be the same, whisper to us.
They existed. They existed. We can be. Be and be better.
For they existed.”

Rest well! Rest in eternal peace! We will always love you ❤️

Your daughter has been my friend for over 25 years and though I never met you, the way she shared about I felt I knew you mom. May your dear soul rest in peace and may those left behind find comfort.

Bongie wasn’t just my sister-in-law, she was my big sister. I loved and still love her deeply. She acted both as my guide and confidante and was never afraid to tell me the truth. How I’m going to navigate the rest of my life without her constant presence is beyond imagination. I’m heartbroken but also assured that God’s will be done in these moments. Love you, Bongie.

I'll miss our conversations - each (in-person or on the phone) starting with a resounding "my one and only son-in-law".

Cooking for you was a privilege I enjoyed, even more so, having you enjoy the meals; whether with us as a family, or on your own with loads of GENUINE compliments (believed to be true as you were blunt with your opinions). Family braais were always an interesting experience, as much to everyone's consternation; you insisted on bringing along fish, which I invariably had to eat with gusto, as no one really cared much for fish.

Mom, I will borrow the words of the poet; Nikita Gill, as she captures very closely, my perception of you:

Defined by no man, you are your own story,
blazing through the world, turning history into herstory.
And when they dare to tell you about
all the things you cannot be,
you smile and tell them,
"I am both war and woman and you cannot stop me".

-Ulale Kahle, mama
-Ma mi, Sun re Ooo.

You mean the world to me. There are so many things about you that I will truly miss. I will miss every visit, whether it’s Christmas, New Year's, Easter, someone's birthday, or just a regular Saturday visit. I'll miss performing for you, whether it's a song on the piano, a play we made up that day, or singing for you. I shall miss how, every morning after we slept over at your house, you would make us porridge and rooibos tea. I'll miss how you'd always bring a sweet treat or two when you visited. I will miss your constant support for each action or hobby I pursued. I will miss you being able to taste my cooking and baking. I will miss our chats. I will miss every time we would go out for lunch together.

Gogo you were kind and loving.I loved you a lot and I will miss making you eggs and tea. Memories of you will be forever etched in my heart.