Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Anglican Church has mourned the passing of Reverend Bhekindlela Magongo who was involved in a fatal accident on Tuesday evening.
The reverend, according to the police, was driving along the MR3 when he lost control of the vehicle, a Kia sedan and crashed into the Galp/Eswatini Beverages off-ramp towards Mahhala.
Magongo is said to have sustained serious injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital.
Three others who were him in the vehicle sustained severe injuries and were admitted to hospital.
The injured passengers, according to the police, are a 31-year-old man from Lobamba, a 35-year-old woman from Mvutjini, and a 36-year-old woman from Matsapha.
Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, confirmed the accident stating that on Tuesday at 2010 hours, a Kia sedan driven by a 49-year-old man of Mbabane lost control and knocked on the median concrete wall.
“The driver sustained serious injuries and was certified dead upon arrival in hospital,” Vilakati stated.
Magongo was the Archdeacon of the West where he was overseeing a number of parishes, over and above being Rector of Sigangeni Parish.
He also served as chairperson of the Council of Swaziland Churches.
His term ended two months ago when a new executive was elected. He was also vocal on the country’s political landscape.
The reverend’s family asked to be given space as they mourn.
Reverend Canon Dr. Sicelo Dlamini, on behalf of the Anglican Church in Eswatini, said Magongo was a remarkable man of faith who provided everyone with a well-balanced ministry through diligent service.
“He started as a vibrant young man and rose through the ranks of the Anglican Church from youth to become a renowned clergyman and leader at Diocesan level. He served as an
Archdeacon until 2023, offering valuable leadership insights during his ministry. His presence and commitment were always felt, as he never went with the flow of loud silence. He was an effective planner as well as an implementer, serving in several committees within and beyond the Diocese,” Dlamini stated.
He said Magongo also worked on issues of justice and reconciliation for a considerable amount of time within the Council of Swaziland Churches. “His labour and contribution will continue to live beyond his grave,” Dlamini added.
He described Magongo as a mentor, friend, and brother to a large number of people and that the pinnacle of his message rested on the ideas of building relationships with God and with one another.
This, according to Dlamini, resonated in all his discussions and dealings, something that became a sermon, not from the pulpit, but from the pew.
“A remarkable man has gone before us in the Anglican Church in Eswatini. We are left with pleasant recollections and gain confidence from the obvious results of his effort that we all share.
The Word of God gives us hope, that God is with us and that His righteous hand will empower and assist us during this sad time (Isaiah 41:10). We would like the Magongo family to look up to God for comfort and counsel,” Dlamini stated.
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