Bishop Mavhungu Tshishonga (69) from the Ha-Mutsha Full Gospel Church of God was buried on Sunday at Ha-Mutsha. He died after a short illness at the Tshwane District Hospital in Pretoria on 24 January.
The family spokesperson, Mr Rendani Tshishonga, said: "the visionary may depart this life, but the vision never dies. We will continue to live by the godly principles our father has taught us at home and in church. My father was a man of unusual faith."
Rendani, who is a financial specialist working at the University of Pretoria, said his father had applied his faith to everything that he was involved in. On behalf of the family, he thanked everyone who prayed for them, contributed financially, and attended the funeral in person or via the Facebook live streaming. "The family would also like to encourage everyone who has somehow been affected by the passing of the bishop to be assured that the bishop is in heaven and that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life," he said.
Thovhele Vho-George Tshishonga Muila commended the family's unity, saying that it underscored their uniqueness. He said hearing or seeing an elder brother, in the presence of everyone, openly encouraging his younger brother to take up the baton, as per the instruction of the late father, was rare. The late bishop had apparently charged every member of the family with a "kingdom responsibility", much like in biblical days. "There is no speculation of siblings fighting for resources and that is proof that the bishop was not only a good leader to the church and community, but he was also a good leader in his home," he said.
Bishop Tshishonga is survived by his wife, Lucy, whom he loved dearly, four children and 11 grandchildren. He was chairman of the Ha-Mutsha pastor's forum and a member of the Makhado Pastor's Forum.