When the famous ZCC pastor, Gerson Muvhulawa Mulaudzi, passed away on 9 July last year, the Covid lockdown regulations, which restricted gatherings and funerals, were still in place. The Mulaudzi family members were left devastated, knowing that close friends and relatives would not be able to bid him a last farewell. Since these regulations have been scrapped, they, like many other bereaved families, took the opportunity to make up for it in honour of their departed loved ones.
On Saturday, 16 July, the family hosted a memorial service for the late pastor, held at Ha-Matsa village in Nzhelele.
Mulaudzi had also acted as vice chairperson of the church board. He was described as a God-fearing man who had loved people. His cousins called him a "straight talker". Mulaudzi's eldest child, Ms Rofhiwa Mulaudzi, said it still felt as if her father had passed away only yesterday. "He was a man of love to all his children and grandchildren. It will be impossible to forget him. He always encouraged the family to stay united," she said.
His son, Mr Rudzani Mulaudzi, could not hold back his tears. "My father had been like a friend to me. We have lost a true man; one of life's soldiers. We are so very grateful for everything he did for us," he said.
Mr Lawrence Matsila also remembered Mulaudzi with kindness. "He was just such an honest man and true pastor, who knew the Word of God by heart. He loved and always wanted to please God. Ha-Matsa ZCC will remember him always, knowing that the church has lost a warrior. Our wish is that his children follow in their father's footsteps. May his soul rest in peace."