By Ncaba Ntshakala
The online community, especially young people, is in mourning following the passing of Pastor Zakhele Israel Malaza, the revered founder of the Gospel Powerhouse International Church.
Malaza, a former pastor of Jesus Calls Worship Centre’s Manzini and Piggs Peak branches, died last Thursday after a short illness.
His teachings were admired deeply by the youth, who have flooded social media with tributes and expressions of sorrow.
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Pastor Mzwandile, on behalf of the Gospel Powerhouse International Church, confirmed Malaza’s death with a heartfelt statement:
“It is with great sadness that we inform you of the Thursday, June 6, 2024, transition to glory of our father Pastor Zakhele Israel Malaza. We are prisoners of hope.
We hope against hope that even in death, we still hold onto the hope of resurrection that when the last trumpet sounds, the dead in Christ shall rise.
Final arrangements will be forthcoming. As information is finalized, we will communicate it as soon as it becomes available.
Our prayers are with Pastor Ntsiki Malaza, our mother, Thapelo, Thabani, Ncoba, the Malaza family, the Mdluli family, the great GPI family, and all who were dear to him.”
The church held its first Sunday service after Malaza’s death, which was a bittersweet blend of praise, tears, and memories.
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Congregants, fellow clergymen, and those whose lives he touched gathered to pay their respects, creating a poignant atmosphere of reflection and gratitude for his life and ministry.
Social media has been awash with tributes from young people who admired and connected with Malaza’s teachings. Gcina Nhlabatsi commented, “He was not only a Teacher of the Word, but he was also a Worshipper of the Most High God.
Rest Well Apostle the Great Pillar of the Gospel… tsine insali sitolichubekisa lelutsi will run the race.” Another user, Sifiso Dlamini, wrote, “Rest well man of God. You were a teacher and everything to us.”
Notable figures have also paid their respects, including gospel musician Benjamin Dube, a close friend of the late pastor.
Also, musician Nduduzo Matse shared his tributes to the Pastor expressing his encounter with him. Malaza was lauded for his widespread influence and relationship he had with the gospel community.
