The community is mourning the death of a devoted man of God who spent 66 years of his life preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Archbishop Prof Isiah Mcoshwa Simelane died at the age of 90 on Wednesday, June 24, surrounded by his loved ones.

He was well known as a visionary founder and overseer of the Evangelical Gospel Church of South Africa.

Isiah was a father and a mentor to many, and was actively involved in community initiatives. He was among those assisting community members in KaNyamazane who were affected by severe 2020 storms. He built homes and provided shelter. He also assisted young people with funding to further their studies.

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During an interview with his first-born daughter, Gugulethu Bongekile Simelane, she said the family thanks God for the time they had with their father. She said before he passed away, he spent time with them and they got precious moments to bond with him.

“My father used to travel a lot due to the role he had in the community and church, so after he was discharged from the hospital, he came back home to spend time with us. It was not nice to see him in that state.”

Gugulethu described Isiah as a man who remained faithful to God in his last days.

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She said he believed wholeheartedly that he was going home to God. He was laid to rest on Wednesday, July 1.