ZCC mourns the passing of senior pastor Vhafunzi Vho Rabumbulu

The Mukula branch of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) has suffered a significant loss with the passing of one of its most senior pastors, Vhafunzi Vho Nyambeni Alfred Makungo Rabumbulu.

A dedicated prayer warrior who touched countless lives, Rabumbulu passed away at the age of 85 on Sunday, 27 October, following a long illness. He was laid to rest in his home village of Mukula on Sunday, 3 November.

Despite the intense heat, thousands of mourners gathered to pay their last respects to this respected man of faith, whose contributions to the local religious community will not be forgotten.

Representing the family, Emmanuel Makungo Rabumbulu described his father as a loving and trustworthy person with a profound devotion to God. Although advanced in age, he remained active in church activities and was fully committed to the word of God. “Despite his busy church schedule, he never neglected his role as a responsible parent. He was a provider who ensured his family was well cared for.”

Speaking on behalf of the Zion Christian Church, Vhafunzi Vho Samuel Mukosi said losing a devoted servant of God like Vhafunzi Vho Rabumbulu was an irreplaceable loss. Mukosi shared that the deceased would always be remembered for his favourite hymn, Ndila ndi ya Sioni, ri dzhena nga mahala ("The path to Zion, we enter for free"). He encouraged young pastors to follow in Rabumbulu’s footsteps throughout their lives.

The late Vhafunzi Vho Rabumbulu was born in Mukula Tshitopeni on 12 February 1939. He was the only son among four children, all of whom died before him. Before attending Takalani Primary School, he tended his uncle’s cattle at Tshifudi village.

After completing Standard 5, he worked on various farms and later joined the Meselane construction company in Pretoria. He was among the Meselane workers tasked with building the Tshinane River Bridge in the late 1970s. He continued with Meselane until his retirement in 1999, after which he returned home. He is survived by his wife, Tshinyadzo Mutshekwa Tshidino Rabumbulu, six children, 20 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Date:10 November 2024

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