Ndebele pays homage to Mgojo
2012-09-05 13:06
Johannesburg - Struggle veteran Reverend Elliot Mgojo was a peacemaker and a great leader, Correctional Services Minister Sibusiso Ndebele said on Wednesday.
"In the passing away of Mfundisi Mgojo a big tree has fallen... a leader of the people, a peacemaker, a passionate mouthpiece for what he believed in, a spokesperson for the downtrodden, as well as a historian of note," Ndebele said in a statement.
Mgojo, 80, died in hospital on Sunday.
"Rev Mgojo was a chaplain for the aged, a service he performed with utmost dedication to the end."
Ndebele praised Mgojo's work in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the self-sacrifice he demonstrated throughout his life.
"To me, personally, he was a father and guide during a difficult period in KwaZulu-Natal when we needed a voice of reason that we could trust for guidance."
He thanked Mgojo's family for sharing him with the people of South Africa.
"He has, indeed, fought a good fight, finished the race and kept the faith."
According to Mgojo's biography on the presidency's website, he held a degree in theology from the University of Fort Hare, a masters degree from Chicago University and a doctorate from Harvard University.
He founded the Natal Church Leaders’ Group and acted as its chairperson and was president of the SA Council of Churches from 1990 until 1996.
In 1998 he accompanied Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu on a visit to the Vatican.
He led the National Church Ecumenical Leaders in its meetings with the National Party and observed the signing of the National Peace Accord.
- SAPA
