The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape has learnt with shock on the passing away of The Right Reverend Themba Bright Mahuwa, Bishop of the Diocese of iNqweba – Ethopian Episcopal Church , Umzi Wase Topiya.
Our collective hearts are heavy on hearing about the sad news, our memories of the good heart that has stopped beating are alive about the loss to the nation.
Bishop Mahuwa played a key in the struggle against injustices of apartheid since his youth days.He remained steadfast in his conviction to fight any form of injustice. His passing away sends a reminder to all of us to be true to the cause of freedom against injustices and remain commited to changing lives of the people for the better. We shaped our country on the plausible notions of non-racialism, non-sexism and non-sectarianism. What we achieved, which is deemed by many nations of the world as the miracle, is attributable to the sacrifices made by many men of the cloth, including The Right Reverend Mahuwa.These were men and women who understood that church cannot remain silent and feign blindness in the face of injustice. These were anointed messengers of God who were willing to lay down their lives so that others can live in peace and harmony. They were forever ready to speak out against brutality, state sponsored violence and self serving apartheid ideology.
The Right Reverend Mahuwa was an outstanding Christian, a devout Ethiopian and spiritual leader, humanitarian and a committed family man with laudable qualities we need to build our still healing and cohering nation
We pay tribute to a great Son of Africa who was not only a great thinker, but was a respected scholar in biblical languages and theology. The Right Reverend Mahuwa dedicated his entire life to serving Christ. He was well known for his inspirational and uplifting sermons.
We are so sad that we shall not hear his laughter again, but we know that heaven will be a livelier place! Yet in our pain and grieving, we entrust him into the eternal arms of the Lord he loved so deeply, confident that ‘we are more than conquerors through him who loved us, for nothing can separate us from God’s love in Jesus Christ our Lord.’
We deep our banners in honour of his contribution to our nation and believe that he left us a legacy that must be emulated by all in order to rid our nation of poverty and hunger.
The ANC Eastern Cape extends its heartfelt condolences to his wife , Sisi Pamella Mahuwa , the Mahuwa family, the Ethiopian Episcopal Church and all the progressive forces for justice. This loss can only be eased by taking his spear and continuing in the cause he believed in.
May God give you the strength to bear the pain and reach deep into your grieving hearts and erase the anguish and make your spirits strong and your faith deeper. May it comfort you to know that we feel the pain of your loss as it is our loss as well. Thank you for sharing his life with us.
Hamba kahle, faithful priest in the church of God.
May he rest in peace, and rise in glory.
Lala ngoxolo Bhayi, Khetshe!
Sohlala sikukhumbula!
ISSUED BY THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS – EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Enquiries :
Cde Gift Ngqondi
Provincial Head of Communications
ANC Eastern Cape
Mobile No-0849519924/0848439706
