Vhakoma Vho-Midana Samaria Siphuma (74) of Malavuwe village passed away at the Tshilidzini Hospital on 28 January after a short illness. She was laid to rest at the local Malavuwe Cemetery on Sunday, 5 February. Her funeral was preceded by a memorial service and night vigil that was held at her home the previous day (Saturday).
Siphuma was the mother of the present leader of the New African Apostolic Church, Bishop Tendani Nangammbi Tshifularo Gogome. She was known to love everyone around her and is described as a highly religious "prayer warrior" as she often went into the mountains to pray for the good of the village and the church.
She was given the title of Vhakoma as she was the first of the late Archbishop Tshisaphungo Samson Gogome Tshifularo's four wives. Her husband was the founder of the New African Apostolic Church.
The funeral was attended by many family members, relatives, and church members from Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Musina and around Limpopo. Among the traditional leaders who came to show their last respects were Vhamusanda Vho-Vangulani Phillip Ramufhufhi of Mudzidzidzi, Vhafuwi Vho-Dr Johannes Gogome Tshifularo and the local Vhamusanda Vho-Mafenya Mphaphuli. Tshifhe Vho-David Thidiela, Archbishop Bless Netshirioni, Bishop Ntshavheni Netshia and Bishop Phyllimon Miriri were among the notable church leaders there.
The late Siphuma's daughter, Bishop Tendani Nangammbi Tshifularo Gogome, remembered her mother as a loving and caring woman who healed the sick and prayed for many to get jobs. "She used to sell vegetables and clothes to support her family. She raised 26 of her late husband's children without discrimination when things were not right. We will always remember her good deeds and her love, and she will be dearly missed," she said.
Bishop Rebecca Nehelula of the Musina United African Apostolic Church described the late Vhakoma as a role model. "She was full of love, and we should draw inspiration from her memory when we pray," she said.
Siphuma is survived by her eight children, 18 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.