Hundreds of people from all walks of life gathered at the Tsianda Apostolic Faith Mission Church to pay their last respects to their beloved spiritual leader, Past MJ Ramaano. He passed away last Monday morning, October 10.

Past Maanda Johannes Ramaano, or Mufunwi wa vhudi, as he was widely known, was born at Tsianda village on January 7, 1932. After passing Std 6, he worked as a temporary teacher at Tshifulanani Primary School for several years. He then moved to the reef in search of greener pastures. He joined the South African Police Force, where he served for several years as a detective and worked as a part-time pastor. After completing his theological studies, Ramaano decided to resign from the public service in 1979 to pursue his career as a full-time pastor.

He then came back home where he was given the leadership post at the Gwamasenga Apostolic Faith Mission. He later established another congregation, The Apostolic Faith Mission Emmanuel Assembly, at Tsianda village.

All speakers who shared the podium during the ceremony described Pastor Ramaano as a pioneer, a born leader and a man of vision. Past Frans du Plessis from the Word and Life Network described Ramaano as a real torchbearer who never looked back under any circumstance.

Pastor Ramaano is survived by his wife Jane and five children, Livhuhani Ramaano, Tshilidzi Gracious Madzivhe, Adam Ramaano, Lufuno Ramaano and Murunwa Ramaano and four grandchildren.