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BISHOP MASILELA DIDN’T LIKE MEETINGS WITH TINYANGA

17/01/2021 00:19:00 BY MFANUKHONA NKAMBULE

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mfanukhona@times.co.sz

Mbabane – There is something that Bishop Stephen Masilela didn’t like, which the Ministry of Home Affairs sometimes did.

Arch Deacon Bhekindlela Magongo said the Ministry of Home Affairs sometimes called ministers of the gospel to a meeting or workshop to discuss issues related to religion, beliefs and others.

He said Bishop Masilela felt uncomfortable attending those meetings if tinyanga (traditional healers) were also invited and present. He said the late president of the Eswatini Conference of Churches was protective of the Christian faith, which he followed with dedication and diligence till his death.

Magongo, who represented the Eswatini Churches United in Christ, was speaking during the celebration of Masilela’s life at Church of God of Prophecy. The memorial service, which preceded his burial at Maphalaleni yesterday, was held at Ngwenya.

services

The memorial services for Bishop Masilela were held throughout Africa. Botswana Church of God of Prophecy held a service in honour of Masilela on Friday.

He was also the Church of God’s general presbyter for Africa, leading ministries and serving 350 000 members in 35 nations.

Masilela died of a COVID-19-related illness. He was a member of the COVID-19 National Task Force and Citizenship Board.

Magongo said he was also unhappy to see pastors whose churches are affiliated to the Eswatini Conference of Churches defying his leadership. He said the deceased minister of the gospel of Christ would complain to him that he was a leader of certain men of the cloth who were stubbornly defiant of authority (bonhloko ayvutfwa).

He recalled a call he received from Bishop Masilela congratulating him on his appointment as chairperson of the Council of Swaziland Churches. He said the bishop asked him what his vision was for the church in Eswatini.

In his response to him, Magongo said he told him that he purposed to unite the churches so that they shared ideas, experiences and exposures regardless of affiliations, school of thought or belief. He said he shared the same vision with Masilela – to unite Christian churches.

He told the mourners who attended yesterday’s service that the bishop believed that spirituality and the economy intertwined.

Magongo also passed condolences to the Masilelas and his in-laws (Ngwenya), friends and the church, on behalf of Princess Lindiwe, the Minister of Home Affairs.

Church of God General Overseer Sam Clements said: “we thank God for the legacy of faithfulness and commitment that he leaves behind.”

Masilela’s best pal, Jan Mathunjwa, said he met his deceased friend in 1980 at Bulembu High School, where they were both doing Form I.

education

He said they were connected until death separated them on January 7, 2021. He died aged 57. He was born on March 19, 1963.

Masilela went on to complete his education at Mankayane High School. Mathunjwa said they both participated in the male traditional dance – sibhaca and umbholoho (step dance).

“We are motivated by the fact that he will rise from the dead,” Mathunjwa said.

His wife, Sibongile, said her husband finished his race, and thanked him for being faithful to her. She said his smile was very welcoming, hoping that they would meet again.

His children had a message: “Thank you dad for loving our mum, for loving us and helping us know God.”

They also quoted his words of comfort, which Bishop Masilela shared with people who attended the memorial service in honour of the late former Prime Minister, Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini.

substitutes

Masilela said some people get upset when a coach particularly substitutes a favourite player.

He said the coach substitutes the player to protect his (player) career and the interests of the entire team.

He then said God also substitutes His people when the right time comes to protect them.

The master of ceremonies was Apostle Jethro Malindzisa. Pastor Sibusiso Nhleko, who represented the Citizenship Board said they had lost a pillar. Pastor Nhleko mentioned that the country, church and whole world had lost a great man.

Pastor Hlophe, who represented the Church of God in Ngwane Park, said Bishop Masilela never robbed them of truth.

He described him as a great warrior, man of integrity and passion, a man who was gifted in wisdom, resolver of problems and conflicts.

He said the deceased used the Bible as the only means to address issues.

Bishop Masilela is survived by his wife, Sibongile and three sons, Lindani, Simanga and Welcome.