/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

Thohoyandou in Venda, Limpopo will never be the same again after tomorrow, 13 September 2015, when the Roman Catholic Church undertakes the momentous beatification of  the late Limpopo school principal, Mr Tshimangadzo Samuel Benedict Daswa, who shall be the first ever South African to be referred to as ‘blessed’.

This is a significant moment for our country and indeed the African continent as a whole. Such ceremonies are extremely rare in the history of the Catholic Church. This is the first ever beatification in Southern Africa. We are truly humbled that a South African is being honoured in this manner.

The late Mr Daswa will from tomorrow be known as Blessed Benedict Daswa.   We are indeed truly excited that this historic ceremony is taking place in our country.

We congratulate the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference for taking this step and wish the church a successful historic Mass.

Mr Daswa was born on the 16th June 1946 in Mbahe, 20km from Thohoyandou, a firstborn son of the late Tshililo Petrus Daswa (Bakali) and his wife Thidziambi Ida DASWA (Gundula) who is still alive. He was named “Tshimangadzo” (one with miracles) and Samuel when he went to school. His mother and his children are expected to attend the service and will be part of the making of history not only in their family but the country and Africa as a whole.

The church has described Mr Daswa as a man who led a holy life, a diligent worker, a good family man, an industrious educator, an active layman, an avid sportsman, an involved community leader, a man of charity and, above all, a person of deep prayer and spirituality.

Mr Daswa was beaten, stoned and burnt to death for his beliefs on the 2nd February 1990, the very date on which Mr FW de Klerk announced the release of President Nelson Mandela and the unbanning of political organisations.

The Beatification service will restore the dignity of Mr Daswa and inspire people all over the world to do good at all times even under extremely difficult situations.

Mr Daswa lost his life because he believed in human rights and dignity and did not support the persecution of fellow villagers on allegations of witchcraft. Many people, especially elderly women, have lost their lives due to accusations of witchcraft in some communities. Such practices have no place in our country and we are happy that this is not widespread. May this ceremony remind all of the need to unite in fighting this dangerous practice of stigmatising and condemning innocent people, especially women, due to gossip and innuendo.

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will represent government at this august and blessed occasion which will be watched by millions of people in our country and beyond.

We thank all media houses that will broadcast the beatification mass live as this will enable South Africans to be part of this phenomenal event in our country.

Issued by The Presidency