It was with great sadness that the staff of the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) learned of the sudden and unexpected death of our receptionist and long-time FABI team member Ms Martha Thandi Mahlangu on 26 June 2017. Since joining the Institute on 15 January 2004, Martha was an integral part of the FABI team. She is survived by her daughter Hazel (29) and son Thabiso (19).

Martha will be remembered by FABIans for her friendly smile and sense of humour – always laughing and enjoying a good joke. But she was also passionate about people in need and was always ready to assist others.

FABI director, Prof Mike Wingfield expressed his condolences with Martha's family, saying that she was a very special person who served us loyally for many years and who had a great love and passion for all the members of the FABI team. 'She was always prepared to help and to do that extra bit to make our lives easier. We will miss her smiling face and unique sense of humour greatly.'

Ms Mahlangu's funeral will be held at 08:00 on Saturday, 1 July 2017 in Mamelodi  (Address: 26381 Seriti Street, Mamelodi East, extension 8 - see map).

A memorial service will also be held from 10:00 to 11:00 on Monday, 3 July 2017 in the University Chapel on the Hatfield Campus.