The Ven. Dr. MJS Ledwaba PhD's Eulogy 

 

Dr. Shashi Ledwaba was born in Mashashane in the Polokwane West District, Limpopo Province, on 28 December 1941, and attended his primary schooling at St. Andrew Anglican School, now Morwasethula School. He completed a four year course in tailoring at Vlakfontein Vocational Training College in 1960, and continued working as a tailor in Mokopane, trading as “Shashi’s Modern Tailoring”. He served the community as a member of the Lebowa Legislative Assembly, 1978-1989. 

He completed the Junior and Senior Certificate through private studies. He then enrolled for correspondence theological studies at the TEE College. In 1993 he obtained the Certificate in Theology (cum laude), and in 1995 the Diploma in Theology (with distinction in Missiology) from the same college.

He then enrolled at the University of Pretoria where he first obtained the B.Th. (Hons) degree in 1996. He continued his studies to obtain a Master of Arts (Theology) (with specialization in science of Religion and Missiology) in 2000 with a study titled: “The exodus from the mainline churches to the African Independent Churches: a case study of the community of Mashashane in Polokwane West District, Limpopo Province”. He was further awarded the PhD degree in theology with a thesis titled: “Development of Indigenous Leadership in the church of the Province of Southern Africa, with special reference to the Diocese of St. Mark the Evangelist." 

Dr. Ledwaba was ordained to the priesthood on the 14th of June 2003, and ministered at St. Andrews Anglican Church Mashashane in the Parish of Mahwelereng as a community priest. In 2004 he was appointed coordinator of the Southern Archdeaconry and also as acting Priest in Charge of St. Andrews Parish (Modimolle, Bela Bela and Mookgophong) in the Naboomspruit District. On the 10th February 2008 he was licensed as Priest-in-charge of the Parish of Mashashane, which was established on the 1st January 2008. He was licensed to be Archdeacon of the South in June of that year, in the ninth year of Bishop Martin’s consecration. The license authorities and enjoins him to preach the Word of God, to administer the sacraments, and to perform other ecclesiastical duties.

 At the beginning of 2011 he was licensed to be Archdeacon of the newly established Archdeaconry of the West, which is made up of four Parishes: Baken-Matji, Mashashane, Matlala and Moletji. Here he is a member of the Chapter, the Diocese Finance Board and the Board of Trustees. 

He is survived by his sister Blantina Magongoa, his wife Mokgaetji Mabel (Marudeni), a son Malakia, daughter Margaret, four grandchildren Pebetse, Kabelo, Dudusile and Mosa; and six great grandchildren. He has already travelled to USA, Mauritius, Italy, Thailand (Bangkok), Morocco, Singapore, Spain, Portugal and Seychelles.

 He was an Theological author and has several books published. From time to time he published articles in the Limpopo Pensioners Association Magazine. 

May his soul rest in peace. Thobala Ghahle Dlou. 

A  Message from Dr. MJS Ledwaba PhD  

Goodbye for now

Theme: “You do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope” (1 Thess. 4:13)

Greetings in the wonderful name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We grief for our brother, cousin and uncle. To say goodbye for now, with the hope that we shall one day meet in heaven. “For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come” (Hebrew 13:14).

 As Christians, we look forward to the city whose architect is God, the heavenly country, the city God prepared for us (Hebrew 10:10, 16). Believe me, even the best goodbyes are oh-so difficult. But for those who trust in the Lord, the memory is much more sweet than bitter, for it is never forever. How good it is when we can honor those who have served others.

 Our present troubles are temporary. We are “foreigners and strangers on earth” (Heb. 11:13) but gazing at the horizon of God’s promises provides the point of reference we need. We need to focus on God and regain perspective. Let us have courage and confidence in facing life’s challenges and comfort the bereaved families, and encourage them that believers leave us for glorious home Christ has prepared for us all. The glories of heaven await all those who believe in God’s son. Let us rejoice in sure hope of heaven, remembering God’s goodness.

 Because life is so precious, it can be very hard to let our beloved ones go when time comes for them to depart this earth and go to heaven. And yet God has set time for each one of us to leave this world. Psalm 116:15 tells us, “Precious in sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. “Let us be encouraged and remain faithful to the Lord. And have hope that all who loved and served Him honestly shall receive the crown of righteousness” (Philippians 1:23).

 I wish to encourage you all to put your confidence in the hands of our Lord Jesus Christ. “He is the way, the truth and life”, “No one comes to the Father except through Him” (John 14:6). The only ticket to heaven goes to those who put their faith in Him as our savior who is the comforter of broken heart. If things have been bad for you that you have given up hope, hand it all to the Lord. He will enable you to look forward with courage. 

Bearing our sins, He willingly died and shed His blood to become our sacrifice. We now have confidence to enter God’s presence. How could we ever thank Jesus enough for making His sacrifice, His life our life, and His Father our Father. The blood of Christ washes away our sins. When we face difficult circumstances, fear may cause to wonder if God is aware of our situation. Jesus’ teaching assures us that God cares deeply and is in control. His tracking of our lives will never fail.

 James writes that our growth in faith is also made possible by difficulties. “Consider it pure joy”, he writes, “Whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

 It’s difficult to be joyful during trials, but we can take hope from the fact that God will use difficult circumstances to help us reach maturity. Like Morula trees, faith can grow in times of trials when difficulty clears space in our hearts for the light of God to touch us.

 None of us knows when or how we will breath out last breath, but we can ask for God to help us trust that He will be with us. We can believe the promise that Jesus will prepare a place for us in His Father’s house (John 14:2-3). The Lord will never abandon us, especially at the time of our death. 

“Goodbye for now, till we meet again.” ~The Ven. Dr. MJS Ledwaba PhD  

Gallery of  the life of  The Ven. Dr. MJS Ledwaba PhD

Tributes to Ven. Dr. MJS Ledwaba PhD

Margy Ledwaba

My dad, Johannes Morwamaraba Shashy Ledwaba. A real genius. Firstly I would like to thank God for choosing this great man to be my father. I was born during their teenage years but they natured me to the woman I became. He called me his little girl even after I had grandchildren. Papa was a loving father, who despite his poor background made sure that we got good education. He and his beloved wife sacrificed the little bit they had for their doves. We both had a privilege of attending the best schools. During our time Setotolwane and Pax were associated with the few best schools in the the Transvaal. Students descended all the way from Gauteng to study in Lebowa. He worked very hard for me to be accepted at Medunsa and made sure that he followed up on my application. The day he took me to Medunsa, he was speeding so much and when he was stopped by traffic cops, he told them that if he doesn't arrive at Medunsa by 12h00 his daughter won't be a doctor. The traffic cops told him to have a safe trip and left him to put his foot on the accelerator. I am proud of him for that. We grew up in a thanksgiving environment, hence we still believe in thanksgiving. We know more relatives than our cousins because my dad valued relatives. He taught us to respect all God's children and to treat people equally. In our family there is no VIP. He went all out to find lost family and taught us to do the same. Initially I used to get angry because I didn't understand why one has to know distant relative but as time went by I was on the same page with him. That's the legacy I would love to pass onto my children and grandchildren. Papa made us to love the word of God and share with God's children. I thank him for that because now with technology I became a mini priest. He made the word of God so simple and practical. The way he loved education, as a tailor, he saw himself through JC, matric, diploma, honors, masters and doctorate. This shows that if he was from a well to do family he would be a professor of one university. In his old age he obtained a doctorate before most of the young people who went to formal universities.

Papa dedicated his life to the work of his creator. Since he was ordained as a priest he practically stayed at st Andrews mission. He behaved like he owned the place. Tried by all means to develop the church and the congregation. Those who understood his mission learned a lot from him. Those who are still in darkness thought he was a control freak. I am proud that he turned the mission around in a short while. He never underestimate his vision. His writing journey started the year he began his journey to salvation. Hence his second book is the journey to salvation. Papa started being sick in 2012 and never fully recovered. Every time he was admitted, he came out with an idea of a book. The amazing one is the "Mysteries of life". 2013 he had a near death experience. The day he came off life support machines he told me and the nurse who was nursing him that he was going to write a book about the mysteries of life. He said that it was a mystery that he was alive. By God's grace he lived to write the book. That was the start of writing journey. Everybody who read papa's books confess that the books changed their lives. He used all his experiences to educate people. After the second stroke we tried to stop him from writing but he went on to write 2 books. He sold more books to the doctors and nurses who treated him through his many admissions. I remember one morning his physician walked in to see him. His greetings were, Dr let me teach you about the biblical explanation of coronavirus . By that time he was so sick in ICU. Whoever came to his bed had to hear about the book he was writing about coronavirus . " The Ransom. I believe that he contacted coronavirus to get more ideas for his book, so that he writes about his own experience. Indeed he completed the book and it became the best selling book. Even in pains he used to make people laugh. In September when he was admitted for covid he told the nurses in casualty that he deserved a discount as he was a regular customer. At that time he couldn't even breathe.

He turned the family house into a palace. When you try to tell him to slow down he would tell you that he wants to show us that he is not wasting the money we give him.

Papa survived the most dangerous infection which kept him in ICU for 3 weeks and died from a leg ulcer. These are real mysteries of life. You talk to person in the afternoon and the following morning he is in coma. I kept on telling the nurses that papa will come back because he didn't say goodbye. As days went by I remembered that papa told me that someone phoned him and told him that she is at the door coming to collect him. That time I thought he was hallucinating but as I recalled how he suddenly went into coma I understood that he is really called to go home. My colleagues tried to keep him longer but his maker became inpatient and took him home. I saw my dad take his last breath. When he heard my voice he opened his eyes. I rushed and called my brother and my daughter. He so passionately looked at us and closed his eyes. That was the end of the giant. Papa fought his fight. He ran his race and won it with flying colours. I am so proud of him. We will try by all means to make sure that his books reach many more people. Papa suffered for many years but he never lost faith. In his pains he held his cross tight and kept on praying. Even when we convinced him to retire he insisted that he will retire the day he dies. Indeed he served his congregation until his last days on this planet. Papa you will be dearly missed. We are proud to be your children. Your constructive discussions will always be missed. Some days I would feel that you were too bossy but when digesting the discussions I would really understand where you came from. You taught me to say what's on my mind and not be apologetic about the truth. And your wise teachings helped me because at 60 I am still strong without chronic diseases. Truly the person on the phone was sent to collect you. The pain you had was so unbearable.
Thobala ghahle dlou.

Emma Maraba

To the Ledwaba family

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.

My condolences for your loss, may God give you strength to face everyday during this difficult time and ease your pain.

Khutso Moshoeu and Family

It took me the whole day trying to figure out words that can describe you because you were the most caring person, you never discriminate anyone whether poor or rich, you were always there to comfort and encourage. Papa Shashi you were really born with a purpose and you made sure that your purpose is implemented, you touched so many lives. In happy times and sad times you were always there. People like you are rarely found in this world. You will be always be remembered with your inspirational words.
May your soul rest in eternal peace.

Mosheou's family (Mapela)

As the Moshoeus’ we knew Mr Shashi Ledwaba as our father’s cousin. From him we gained knowledge, wisdom and love. He was ever determined, courageous and ambitious. Even when strong winds blew, heavy rains fell he was always there for us and to everyone. He never ran away from his responsibilities and never complained. He dedicated his life to serve the people.

Even though he is gone he deserves to be praised, honoured and respected. His good deeds will remain with us forever. We will always remember him for his kindness and warmth.
May his soul rest in peace.

Sana Ledwaba

Your sudden death has brought us to the understanding of what Paul says in Philippians 1:21: that “for me to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Death has robbed us a grandfather that we were hoping that we will still spend many more years to come so as to learn even more from you.The emptiness of the space that you have left is unbearable and so deep especially even after you have not even said Goodbye.
Although we cannot hear your voice or see your smiling face ,We know deep down In our hearts you have not left us,instead every day you surround us with your spiritual presence ,the singing of the birds,rising of the sun and falling of the stars.
I never knew my biological father but with your love I never felt the need to even find him because to me to were there for all of us and gave us the love and the protection of not seeking it somewhere else.
Just few weeks as I was reading one of your book Christian marriage and I smsed you that ,should I have read this book before my first marriage I could have not divorced and I promised you that the words has impacted in me and I will definitely do better in my second marriage God willingly.
Your love of God and dedication has shown us what God can do for us in our lives if we fully give ourselves unto him,Thank you for being the perfect example and teach us that God is all we have. we promise that your legacy will forever live in us and our great grandchildren.
There is so much that I want to write but tears are just rolling down and it’s becoming difficult.
I wish My daughter Leago could have had the opportunity to learn from you and I know she was going to be an amazing young woman as I have been because of you.
We will forever remember how wonderful,joly and fun you are.our memories and your name will forever be engraved in our hearts for as long as we live.the town trips with you and you fetching me from Motse Maria and you will sleep while driving and i will be scared thinking something bad will happen but you always say “e wa tle ndlela”,i must relax will get home safe.and indeed we never had a single accident
Heaven heights,family gatherings,and those buns that we used to buy at that shop when we go to town with you,will never taste and be the same without you.
We hope bo Mologadi ,Namu and Mbaba and the the rest of all the family that has gone are waiting for you and will Rejoice with you when you get to haven to meet with them that Songwana has arrived.

Go Well Nkholo untill we meet again in heaven

We will forever live in your shadow
Love Sana and Leago

Bafana Malesela Ledwaba

Lethobele lesonghololo lelentima
Khamba Ghahle dlou
Yakho ndhema oe kgathele
Ndlela yehle osibonisile
Nathe seta sala se bonisa babanye
Thobala Ghahle wena dlou wagha maghuba

Jerida Ledwaba

Malome Shashy, your death came as a shock to us.
You have left a void in the family that will never be filled.
You will forever remain an award winning Uncle, and I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU AS A SECOND FATHER.
Rest in eternal peace.

Elsie Hobyane Serite

Nkholo Shashi is such a precious gift from above for us to love and treasure.
Even when You are gone to be with the Lord, You will be in our hearts forever.
You have been our greatest source of inspiration and courage. Deep in our hearts we will always keep your image.

Caleb and Francina Manyashi's children and grandchildren

Our deepest condolences to our beloved uncle, you will always be remembered of the good service you have rendered to our family, our community and to the province as a whole.
You have been our pillar of strength in times of need our shoulder to cry on when life seemed unfair to us.
You taught us generosity with expecting anything in return, you fought a good fight Morwamaraba, songwana wethu.
I am honestly humbled by your big heart and may the Almighty God be with you now and forever more, May his soul rest in peace.

Thandi & family

You have fought a good fight of faith.
You have finished your race.
May your soul rest in perfect peace.

Connie Kganakga & Family

Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your husband, father, my brother the Ven Dr Shashy Morwamaraba Ledwaba. We feel the pain that you are going through during this difficult time. Your loss is also felt by the whole community of Mashashane as the entire Anglican family.
My brother was a pioneer in all respect. He will be remembered by the contributions he made in many respects from time immemorial for both the community and it’s people as well as the church in particular.
He was an example of great determination and leadership as he attained his education not only for himself but ensured that he shared knowledge with others.
The legacy he left in the books he wrote will remain indelible throughout the history. What a MENTOR.
Rest in Eternal Peace my dear brother

Carol Moshewo

We often discussed some issues of life. 

• Occasions of 1945 about the wedding where the transport mode was ox-wagon

 • Schooling at St. Andrews primary school where he excelled in certain subjects

 • Went for tailoring at Mamelodi, that’s where he meet Bishop Taylor who became the mentor of his religious life and inspired him to lead a Christian life. He kept the faith until his passing on. His inspiration and courage let to the improvement in church management in the parish and had some members trained to preach. He encouraged to have the church hall built and the old one replaced. Fortunately, he had the ability to have the congregants take his word. Today St. Andrews church hall in one of the best in Limpopo.

 I don’t think there will be another like him to further his wishes. He never believed in failures. He never took leave, and his refreshing rest was to go overseas, and he ran his business successfully. His service to the church has been so remarkable. I the government he encouraged members to have a positive attitude to serve the needs of the people  

Paul & Gladys Maapola and children

SRM Mashao

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