At the funeral of the late Dr SD Gumbi, Bishop Makamu delivered a deeply heartfelt tribute that captured the essence of a truly unique spiritual leader. Celebrated for preaching across denominational lines, Bishop Makamu recalled how Dr Gumbi fearlessly carried his message to every corner—“uBaba bekangena eRoma ashumayele, angene eZayoni, angene ePostoli”—showing no regard for church names or divisions.
With genuine gratitude, the bishop thanked Dr Gumbi for his generosity and humility, honoring him with touching words: “Lala uphumule Babu Gumbi, lala uphumule somkhanda, lala uphumule umzukulu kaJazi.” These heartfelt phrases reflected not only respect but deep love for a man who was both a father figure and a unifying force.
Bishop Makamu also spoke candidly about those who had let Dr Gumbi down during his lifetime, yet chose to focus on celebrating his enduring legacy—a legacy of honor, unity, and an unbreakable spirit that helped bridge South Africa’s diverse faith community.
Dr SD Gumbi’s passing marks the loss of a rare leader whose influence transcended religious boundaries, leaving a lasting imprint on the nation’s spiritual landscape.
