Pretoria – President Jacob Zuma has described the beatification of the late Limpopo school principal, Tshimangadzo Samuel Benedict Daswa, by the Roman Catholic Church on Sunday as a significant moment.
Daswa will after the ceremony be the first ever South African to be referred to as “blessed”.
“This is a significant moment for our country and indeed the African continent as a whole. Such ceremonies are extremely rare in the history of the Catholic Church. This is the first ever beatification in Southern Africa.
“We are truly humbled that a South African is being honoured in this manner,” said the President.
He said he was truly excited that the historic ceremony was taking place in the country. “We congratulate the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference for taking this step and wish the church a successful historic Mass.”
Daswa’s mother and his children are expected to attend the service and will be part of the making of history not only in their family but the country and Africa as a whole. Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will also attend the ceremony.
According to the President, the church has described Daswa as a man who led a holy life, a diligent worker, a good family man, an industrious educator, an active layman, an avid sportsman, an involved community leader, a man of charity and, above all, a person of deep prayer and spirituality.
Daswa was beaten, stoned and burnt to death for his beliefs on 2 February 1990, the same date on which FW de Klerk announced the release of President Nelson Mandela and the unbanning of political organisations.
The President said the beatification service will restore the dignity of Daswa and inspire people all over the world to do good at all times even under extremely difficult situations.
“Mr Daswa lost his life because he believed in human rights and dignity and did not support the persecution of fellow villagers on allegations of witchcraft. Many people, especially elderly women, have lost their lives due to accusations of witchcraft in some communities. Such practices have no place in our country and we are happy that this is not widespread.
“May this ceremony remind all of the need to unite in fighting this dangerous practice of stigmatising and condemning innocent people, especially women, due to gossip and innuendo,” said President Zuma. – SAnews.gov.za
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