The Sunday News
Loveness Mpofu, Sunday News Reporter
THE late Reverend Geoffrey Bizeni Mkwanazi of Assemblies of God Church was laid to rest yesterday at his Blue Ridge Farm in Esigodini.
Thousands of people filled the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo for a funeral service to celebrate the legacy of the man who earned himself the name “father” of Pentecostal churches in Zimbabwe as he worked to ensure that the Assemblies of God Church took root in the country.
Speaking at the church service, Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Cde Eunice Nomthandazo Moyo said the nation has lost a man of courage and wisdom. Cde Moyo described Rev Mkwanazi as a humble man of God who is now at his rightful place in Heaven.
“As we are gathered here, the Heavens are rejoicing that one angel has joined them. So, let us not be sad but also rejoice for the work he has done for the people of Zimbabwe,” she said.
Cde Moyo said Rev Mkwanazi should be commended for his role in promoting religion in Zimbabwe.
“Let us celebrate his works and not forget or throw away the good works he left us. Let us keep it and continue with his legacy especially for the church of Assembles of God,” she said.
Bulawayo Mayor Councillor Martin Moyo said Rev Mkwanazi groomed many people to be responsible in society.
“We expect the clergy to stand by their conscience and speak against the ills in our society. You are the conscience of the nation and the commandments are your guide to destroy poverty. To the Mkwanazi family, we say although he is gone, we cherish the good moments we shared with him. So, let’s have good thoughts of him because good thoughts manifest good things in our lives,” said Clr Moyo.
Bishop Colin Nyathi from Harvest House International Church who was speaking on behalf of Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe said Rev Mkwanazi was a humble and God-fearing man.
Present at the church service were politicians like Zapu leader Dr Dumiso Dabengwa, National People Party leader Dr Joice Mujuru, Pumula representative in the National Assembly Cde Godfrey Malaba and People’s Democratic Party deputy president Mr Kucaca Phulu.
Rev Mkwanazi was born on 30 August 1929 to Bizeni Mkwanazi and Selina Hlabangana, who were both practicing members of the London Missionary Society, now the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa.
He started his primary school in 1939 and among others attended Tshunkunyane Primary School, Hope Fountain School and Tsholotsho Native Government Industrial School where he met the late nationalists who include the late Cdes Stephen Nkomo Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo and Edward Ndlovu.
Between 1968 and 1973 the clergyman established assemblies in Tshabalala, Luveve and Njube and currently there are 34 branches all over Zimbabwe. Rev Mkwanazi is survived by his wife, daughter and five grandchildren. He was 87.
