In memory of Lukhanyo Xavier Slinger-Bobie aka Baumann
Departed on: 05 February 2025
Tribute from the Baumann Family
Delievered on:
12 February 2025 - Namibia - Baumann Residence
15 February 2025 SADA – South Africa- Bobie-Slinger Residence
I stand before you today with a heart heavy with sorrow yet filled with love and gratitude for the life of Lukhanyo Slinger. It is deeply painful to say these words, but it is also an honor to pay tribute to him on behalf of our family.
Lukhanyo was my sister Nancy’s firstborn—a brilliant young man with a poetic view of life, a creative spirit, and a relentless drive to achieve his dreams. He carried himself with quiet determination, embracing the beauty of life while navigating its challenges with unwavering faith.
One memory that I will always treasure is the time he visited his grandmother in his early twenties. He had traveled from Queenstown to Windhoek by Intercape bus, determined to see his loved ones. When he arrived, he got into a taxi and simply said he was going to Independence Avenue. Not realizing how long the street was, he was dropped off at a filling station known as Groot Winkels. It was 8 a.m., and he found himself unsure of where to go next.
Thankfully, the shop’s owner, Oupapa David—our longtime neighbor—noticed him when he asked for help and called me, asking if I knew a young man looking for the Baumann house.
When I spoke to him, he simply said, “Aunty, it’s me.” I asked, “Who is me?” and he replied, “It’s me, Lukhanyo.” I was taken aback and asked how he had arrived without letting us know, whether the family even knew he had left for Namibia. But in true Lukhanyo fashion, he brushed my questions aside and said, “I came home. I want to see Gogo and my siblings, Carlos and Khadidja.” I immediately made my way to pick him up.
That visit spoke volumes about who he was—family meant everything to him. Despite life’s struggles, he never lost faith and always found his way back to his loved ones.
Through all of life’s ups and downs, Lukhanyo never forgot where he came from. He nurtured bonds with his siblings, extended family, and most importantly, his children. They were the light of his life, and he worked tirelessly to create a loving home for them.
His greatest wish was to one day bring them to meet their great-grandmother, a testament to his deep love for family.
His grandmother shared these words
"My child has found rest and begun a new journey with his mother, my daughter. I know he is safe. As his grandmother, I release him with love. God has His reasons, and He will give us the strength to carry on. Lukhanyo will live on in our hearts, his spirit forever with us. Rest well, my grandchild."
His Aunt Felicity shared
"My heart is shattered. You were taken from us in a way we could never have imagined, yet all I can remember is your warm smile, your laughter, and the joy you brought into our lives. These memories will stay with us, cherished forever."
Aunt Daphne shared
"Lukhanyo, losing you has left an ache that words cannot express. But I believe in the connection between the living and the departed, and I choose to celebrate you and the beautiful moments we shared."
His brother Carlos expressed his pain
"Growing up miles apart, we lost time, but we worked hard to rebuild our bond as brothers. Now, I feel like I am losing you all over again, just when we had begun to create new memories. Your passing reminds me of the loss of our mother, and it is unbearable that I must say goodbye to you, too. Both of you were taken from us due to the reckless actions of others, and I struggle to comprehend that. My heart is heavy, my mind overwhelmed, but I will hold onto the moments we shared. I know you will continue to watch over us. Please celebrate with Mom in heaven and know that my love for you remains unshaken as I walk this life without you."
His Sister Khadidja
Lukhanyo, being miles away from home, has made this difficult time even harder, as sharing in this moment of grief only deepens the realization of all we could have done together. I am grateful for the calls and the bond we shared over the years, yet losing you so suddenly, without the chance to say goodbye, is heartbreaking. My love for you will always remain—please send all my love to Mom.
His cousins Sean and Milton
Losing you, our beloved, is deeply painful, shaking us to our core. The path ahead feels uncertain, as we had milestones to celebrate together. Yet, our love lives on in the memories we shared. Until we meet again on the other side.
For me, as your aunt, I will miss your calls—especially when I was passing through Johannesburg and those unique requests only you would make. I can still hear your laughter and your voice saying, “Ah, Aunty Linda, you know mos—I’m a hustler, and I know you understand.” That voice will stay with me always.
As we prepare to lay you to rest, the pain deepens. Losing you in this way is an ache beyond words, a wound that feels impossible to heal. Yet, through it all, we seek strength. We find comfort in the love and light you so effortlessly shared with us.
Your radiant smile, your boundless energy, and your unwavering love will continue to guide us forward. I miss you with every breath, and I always will.
Rest in Power and Peace, my beloved son. 💔
Written and Read by: Aunty Linda
