Life came to a standstill at Phadzima on Saturday as scores of members of the Holiness Church of Christ, family, friends and community members gathered to pay their last tribute to one of the longest-serving religious leaders, Bishop Alpheus Ravhugoni (68).

Ravhugoni died on 28 February after a long illness.

During the funeral ceremony, Ravhugoni was described as a pioneer, a born leader and a man of vision. Archbishop Andries Makhitha said the whole community gathered “with heavy hearts,” because the bishop was very influential in the area. Makhitha said the family and church members were in great pain after losing one of their beloved members.

The deceased’s son, Mr James Ravhugoni, said that his father was a very solemn, restrained and dignified person.

He is survived by two wives, nine children and 24 grandchildren.