Africa-Press – Eswatini. Slightly over 1 500 mourners yesterday morning paid their last respects to the late Sigangeni Parish Anglican Church Reverend Bhekindlela Magongo.
His funeral was held at Tikhuba community under Matsanjeni North Inkhundla. Vusi Kunene, who spoke on behalf of the Council of Swaziland Churches, described the late reverend as a dedicated Christian who served God and his church with love. Kunene said the reverend served at the council for two terms and in his first term, Magongo found that the council was engulfed by financial challenges. Noteworthy is that supporters of Manzini Wanderers, Mbabane Highlanders, Mbabane Swallows and Royal Leopard also came to pay their last respects to the late reverend.
Leading the funeral procession at the gravesite were retired Bishop Meshack Mabuza and Arch Deacon Nomkhosi Zulu. At around 6am, his casket was lowered into the grave with family members engulfed by emotions. Also in attendance were officials from the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) and Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Kunene shared that the late reverend managed to stir things up and contributed towards the financial stability of the council.
Strengthening
“I am here to give words of comfort in strengthening the Magongo family, especially his wife and children at this sad moment. We have lost someone who has been dedicated to the house of God and may God comfort every mourner who came to honour him,” he said. Council of Swaziland Churches Board member Hynd Shongwe described the late reverend as a respectful person who was dedicated to serving God. Shongwe said the late Magongo had always shown love to his wife and children. He shared that Magongo had been supportive to other priests in their different churches across the country.
“He was a pillar of strength to the church and its congregants. We would like to urge the family members to promote unity at this dark hour that has engulfed the family,” he said. Speaking on behalf of the Sigangeni Anglican Church was Alfred Magagula, who is a Senior Church Warden. He shared the same sentiments, mentioning that Magongo’s death came as a surprise to them as a church.
Promoted
Magagula said Magongo, during his sermons, had always promoted peace among his congregants. He stated that he also loved soccer but put his family first in everything he was doing.
“He always preached the word of God without fear or favour as he was a dedicated Christian who loved God. At this sad moment, may his family find peace in God and unite in prayers as such will be fundamental in keeping you glued to one another,” he said. Dr Sicelo Dlamini who spoke on behalf of the Diocese of Eswatini said the Anglican Church has lost an irreplaceable priests who sowed the seed of love and unity among congregants in churches.
Dlamini further urged the family members to put God first in any challenges they faced in life and not to forget to pray. He described the late reverend as a stalwart leader who led his church with wisdom and love from God. “We are all here to honour and cherish the memories he shared with us on this earth. May God comfort his wife and children and give them strength to face life without the head of the family. I am optimistic that you will continue to pray and ask God for anything,” he said.
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