The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape has learnt with great shock and sadness of the sudden passing of Algoa Bus CEO , Reverend Sicelo Duze , an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader who played a critical role in pursuit of black economic empowerment in the transport sector.
Rev Duze played a prominent role in the early 80’s leading worker struggles with the trade union , Motor Assembly and Components Workers Union of SA (MACWUSA) with the likes of Dumile Makanda and Dennis Neer.
His love for education of an African child found expression in many school initiatives which included founding the Ethembeni Enrichment Centre in the early 90’s period of educational crisis. He was joined by the Youth For Christ member , Mr Bird wherein they took over the old North End Grey Primary School .The school received good matric results for years. Ethembeni was also involved in a Street Children Programme, and in recent years accommodated boys from Khayalethu House who later enrolled at the school. One of his pioneer projects was the Youth for Christ . Many of the members of the Youth For Christ today form a core of the crop of leadership in all tiers of government, including business, health and several other sectors.
Reverend Duze was a larger-than-life figure who brought his remarkable passion, experience and energy which placed Algoa Bus Company on a higher pedestal. He will be remembered for his passion and dedication to his work which earned him the admiration and adoration of many in the transport sector. He founded Sakhisizwe Christian Ministries and dedicated his entire life to serving Christ. He was well known for his inspirational and uplifting sermons .
Reverend Sicelo Duze was many things to many people who knew him very well and could therefore be aptly described as a mentor and coach, consummate and compassionate professional, industrious, agile and very decisive, tenacious, ambitious, pioneer, intelligent, ethical, dependable, pragmatic, visionary, humanitarian, philanthropist, spiritual being,community and nation builder, and most importantly a man of prodigious stature and character and a snazzy dresser .
We lost an audacious roaring giant and an embodiment of impeccable values of honesty, hard work, diligence and humility Reverend Duze never withdrew into moral indolence and looking down on other people despite their stations and positions in life. His confidence and energy was very infectious.
Reverend Duze’s life was fruitful, significant and abundantly full. His memory will undoubtedly live on. Death have stolen from us our black jewel, and our dynamic, jovial and glittering star.
To the bereaved Duze family, we would like to assure you that you are not alone in this dark hour. We share your loss and feel your pain. May you find comfort in the knowledge that Reverend Duze lived his life with purpose and enriched many with his work and teachings.
Farewell Ngutyana !
Lala ngoxolo Zotsho!
END….
ISSUED BY THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS-EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Enquiries:
Cde Gift Ngqondi
Provincial Head of Communications
Mobile No :?0849519924 /?0848439706
