Friends, family and fellow church members paid their last respects to the late leader of the Masia Apostolic Faith Mission Church, Pastor Phineas Mugumo (63), on Saturday, 2 July, at Ha- Masia. Mugumo passed away at the Elim Hospital on 22 June, following a long illness.
Bishop Shonisani Tshikomba of the Soutpansberg Apostolic Faith Mission Church described Mugumo as a real torchbearer who never looked back under any circumstances. "Life is not about how many years you have lived, but how many good things you did in the time you lived, and Mugumo made an impact on this world," he added.
One of Mugumo's daughters, Ms Shudufhadzo Mugumo, said his death was a big loss to the family. "He was one of a kind; an exceptional, unique person who was always ready to help every member of his family as well as whoever came to him for help. We had lost a great father."
The chairperson of the Masia Apostolic Faith Mission Church, Mr Sydwell Matsila, said that the community and church had indeed lost a pillar, who had worked hard towards the development of the church. "We are greatly saddened by his death, but I am happy too, because I had the opportunity to see and speak to him a few hours before his death. He called my name and then started talking about the greatness of God. May his soul rest in peace," he said.