One of the country’s most powerful and fastest growing churches, the Rivers of Living Waters ministries, has joined the entire country and the world in mourning the passing of Nelson Mandela. Speaking to Mpumalanga News, the founder of this huge church, which has just spread its wings to the province with a branch in Valencia, Nelspruit, Bishop Zondo who has met with Mandela and many other political leaders, described Mabida as an extraordinary man born to lead. “There was always something magical and unique about him, which set him above all men on this planet. “We have seen leaders come and go, but we have never seen one such as him. He was like the Messiah of our times and I am sure he continues to lead even beyond the grave,” said Zondo.

Zondo, who was recently in Nelspruit where he performed miracles, healed the sick and prayed for peace and unity just before the general elections, said he and many other religious groups owe their freedom to Mandela who paved the way for them to be able to do God’s work without any fear of being discriminated against and restricted to go and preach in certain areas. “As a church, we will always cherish and celebrate the gifts he left us with and he will always have a special place in our hearts. We will continue to pray for his family, friends and his organisation which he loved so much. In him we saw Christ and we had a true leader chosen by God himself. May his soul finally find the peace which he endlessly and selflessly fought for.”

The Nelspruit branch under Past Zitha will join the province in some of the provincially organised mass gatherings to bid farewell the world’s greatest leader.