Co-operative governance and traditional affairs deputy minister Prince Zolile Zweliyajika Burns-Ncamashe, a long-serving royal spokesperson and adviser of the AmaRharhabe kingdom, has added another feather to his cap — he is now a deacon.
Burns-Ncamashe, 58, was ordained as a deacon of the Ethiopian Episcopal Church during a service conducted by church head Archbishop Dr Nkosinathi Ngesi at the AmaRharhabe kingdom’s Mngqesha Great Place near Qonce on Sunday.
“Serving the people is an honour bestowed by God through grace,” Burns-Ncamashe said.
“This is therefore a journey that resonates well with my government task as assigned by President [Cyril] Ramaphosa to serve the people of God with humility, compassion, and diligence.
I strongly believe that it takes a God-fearing leader to be faithful, respectful and honest in executing your assignment
“I strongly believe that it takes a God-fearing leader to be faithful, respectful and honest in executing your assignment.
“We must accept the vulnerability that goes along with accountability so that we are also able to instil the same values of accountability to our bureaucrats.
“Ours is to serve not to be overwhelmed by power that goes with the status of being a priest or state minister to the extent of expecting to be served, when in fact it is you who are a servant,” Burns-Ncamashe said.
Ngesi said Burns-Ncamashe would serve as a burning torch in the parliament.
“Tshawe [Burns-Ncamashe’s clan name] has been active for years in serving the people of God. He is s a good example of servant leadership,” Ngesi said.
He said parliament was short of men and women who feared God.
“We are involved in this mess because our leaders in parliament lack honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, morality and love of God.
“Parliamentarians and politicians, including those who are not in parliament, do not care for the church and God.
“They only remember the church during the time of elections.
“I trust Prince Burns-Ncamashe would continue to fear God and serve the people with love, honesty and integrity and will be bigger than the people he is serving,” Ngesi said.
He said if politicians, traditional leaders and the church could work together and dismantle immorality, corruption and greed among those leading the country, SA could indeed be a beautiful country and the Eastern Cape proven to be the home of legends.
Church administrator Mzwandile Nosilela said Burns-Ncamashe had been a lay preacher for many years.
“To us, knowing him, this has been long coming.
“The people and the priest in charge in Dikeni, the Rev Thembani Mafani, agreed that he was ready for this preferment to the position of a deacon of the church.
“We wish him well and we hope and pray that he will take charge of his responsibilities with due diligence,” Nosilela said.
AmaXhosa King Ahlangene’s wife Queen Nonzuzo Sigcawu, his uncle Nkosi Xhanti Sigcawu and his wife Nobuzwe Sigcawu and other traditional leaders witnessed the ordination.
“We are excited as the AmaTshawe and the two main houses of Phalo that Zwelajika as been ordained as a deacon,” Xhanti said.
“He is the true servant of God and good shepherd of his sheep.”
DispatchLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.