Life came to a standstill as scores of Zion Christian Church (ZCC) members, family, friends and community members gathered to pay their last tribute to one of the longest-serving religious leaders of the ZCC, Rev Johannes Tshililo Malada (98).

Malada was buried during a high-profile ceremony at Makonde village at the weekend.

He was a role model to many as his son, Moses, is a respected businessman in Limpopo. His other son, Dambuza, spent many years in exile before he returned home in the nineties.

The late Rev Malada spent many years in Moria, outside Polokwane, where he worked for the development of the ZCC. According to church members, Malada was a good man who helped everyone despite the circumstances. His son Moses said: “My father was very solemn, very restrained and very dignified. His death has left us speechless, but we have to cope because we have no choice. For so many years, he served selflessly and faithfully in parishes throughout the country, and in those dark days he made himself available day and night to all who needed him.”

On behalf of the Ravhura Royal Council, Fulufhelo Nedzingahe said during the funeral: “We are gathered here today with heavy hearts and we can’t remove the sadness which goes along with a gathering of this nature. The grief which the family is experiencing also touches us and we will always remember Rev Malada, because he had done so many good things for this community.”