Only one word is sufficient to describe the Remembrance session held on 01 December 2019 at Ka-Mukhomi, Malamulele District, “success”. The event was organized by Limpopo Youth Committee to remember their most revered Spiritual Father, the late Archbishop Dr EMM Mureri, who passed on in December 2019. The Youth arranged the session as they were used to hosting the Archbishop during the first week of December each year and felt that though he is no longer with them, it was befitting to gather and remember him.
Though it ignited a sombre mood that engulfed its initial phases, it was indeed a very successful session as hundreds of UAAC faithful paid tribute to their departed Spiritual Father.
The session was graced by the presence of Women’s League Leadership comprising of Insp Maudu and Snr Insp Tshisikhawe, NEC led by Rev Nelufhangani and also Bishop Hlabangwana. UAAC Youth President Ndivhuwo Ramutsheli also participated, flanked by Gauteng Provincial Youth Secretary, Mr Phumudzo Ramufhufhi and Pretoria Youth Organizer, Mr Eric Mbombi.
Eyes welled up as Bishop Hlabangwana lit the Remembrance Candle and led the Youth Committee in lighting their own candles. He instructed the Youth leadership and congregation at large to rise, bow their heads and observe a moment of silence. After that, the energetic Bishop ceremoniously led a queue of the Youth Committee members clutching their candles tightly as they reminisced about their Spiritual Father.
It was a memorable day as speaker after speaker spoke fondly of the Archbishop. Adjective attributes such as unifier, peace-maker, visionary, conciliator, and respectful were common denominators in all speeches as speakers described the Archbishop. They all summed up by saying that UAAC members must follow his example and live his legacy.
Bishop Hlabangwane eased the sombre mood as he emulated the Archbishop in song and dance, much to the appreciation of all congregants. He led them in songs such as Rudo, Twanano, Vha do Gonya naa, Lentswe and other Archbishop’s favourite songs amidst the riveting drums. The young lions roared once more and the dance floor was suddenly filled up as they all emulated their Father.
The Remembrance session was preceded by a fundraising service wherein the youth collected thousands of rands for the Provincial Youth coffers that is mainly utilized for conference and other events’ preparations.
It was really a day to remember for the both the Limpopo Youth and UAAC at large.
Peace unto all!
