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Roselyne Sachiti
Assistant Editor
ON August 5 this year, the National Sports Stadium in Harare turned into a sea of purple and white, as thousands bade farewell to Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa Forward in Faith (ZAOGA FIF) founder and national hero Archbishop Ezekiel Handinawangu Guti.
As a man who lived life to the fullest — especially after celebrating his 100th birthday — Archbishop Guti left a legacy of love, hard work and dedication.
The August 5 send-off ceremony was punctuated by song, prayer and eulogies.
One hundred pigeons were also set free to represent his long life.
Befitting send-off
The huge send-off was befitting and duly graced by President Mnangagwa, First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga and his wife Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi, ministers and other senior Government officials.
As congregants from across the globe burst into song, a cavalcade of cars slowly drove in.
The convoy included two purple hearses that were in front, a white hearse with a touch of purple carrying Archbishop Guti’s casket in the middle and two more purple hearses behind.
There were several other branded vehicles.
Behind the wheel of the hearse carrying Archbishop Guti’s purple casket was Nyaradzo Group chief executive officer Mr Philip Mataranyika.
Just as he did at late music icon and national hero Dr Oliver Mtukudzi’s funeral in January 2019, he personally offered his services.
He had to shelve his plans and return to Zimbabwe from his United Kingdom base to pay his respects.
He literally led his team from the front.
It was clear a lot of work, planning and thought had been put into handling a funeral of such magnitude.
The purple Nyaradzo hearses blended well with the ocean of purple and white in the giant National Sports Stadium.
In the hearse carrying the casket, the national hero’s widow, Mai Eunor Guti, sat beside Mr Mataranyika, who was dressed in a navy-blue suit, mauve shirt and violet purple tie.
Other close family members and dignitaries travelled to the stadium in purple-and-white-branded Nyaradzo Group Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Etiquette
Pallbearers carried the purple casket from the hearse and followed Mr Mataranyika’s lead.
The team walked in lock step towards the casket catafalque in the tent.
The Nyaradzo Group CEO’s strong history with the visionary Archbishop Guti — one with an endless list, including fatherly love, mentorship, wisdom, humility and kindness — could have given him an insight into the kind of send-off the cleric would have wanted, and deserved.
Soon after learning of Archbishop Guti’s death, Mr Mataranyika wrote the heartfelt message below on his Facebook page:
As I put pen to paper, my heart is heavy with grief, for we have lost an extraordinary spiritual leader, mentor and father figure. Ezekiel Handinawangu Guti, or as I fondly called him like many, “Baba Guti”, was not just an influential figure in the Pentecostal world but also someone who profoundly touched my life. To say Baba Guti was an influential spiritual leader would be an understatement. He was a beacon of hope, unwavering faith and a guiding light in a world often clouded with doubt and uncertainty. From the moment our paths crossed, he became not just a mentor or teacher to me, but a cherished father figure. His nurturing spirit enveloped me, offering solace during my most challenging times, struggles and moments of doubt.
In the presence of Baba, one could not help but feel the weight of his wisdom, as if each word he spoke carried the divine essence of God’s love. His gentle voice echoed with profound truths, tempered with humility and kindness. He taught me lessons not only through his sermons, but also through the countless conversations we shared. It was in those quiet moments that his genuine care and concern for my well-being became evident.
The bond we shared went beyond the realms of spiritual mentorship.
With his warm smile and compassionate eyes, he imparted lessons of patience, perseverance and unwavering love.
He showed me that true strength lies not in the absence of weakness but in the ability to find solace and growth within our vulnerabilities. Through his example, Prof Guti transformed my perception of leadership, showing me the power of humility, empathy and the unwavering belief in the ability and potential of others.
His genius extended beyond his academic achievements, which were undeniably remarkable. The depth of his knowledge was surpassed only by his unyielding hunger for understanding and truth. He demonstrated that true wisdom is not confined within the pages of books, but is alive in the way we live our lives, treat others with respect and kindness, in our collective quest to make the world a better place.
The impact of his visionary projects will forever be etched in the fabric of my memory. Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University and the Mbuya Dorcas Hospital stand out as testaments to his unwavering determination to serve humanity. Under his guidance, these institutions were founded and built, becoming symbols of hope, compassion and progress in our society.
It was in witnessing his dedication to these causes that I learned the transformative power of selfless service and the immense impact one individual can have.
As I reflect upon this immense loss, I am haunted by the memory of the immense sorrow Baba Guti carried within his own heart. The passing of his beloved son, Ezekiel Jnr, marked a tragedy that no parent should ever endure.
Yet, even in the depths of his grief, he remained faithful to his calling. His courage and resilience continue to inspire me to confront my own battles with grace and fortitude.
The void left behind by Archbishop Guti’s departure is immeasurable. My soul aches with the weight of his absence. As I try to navigate a world without his physical presence, I cling to the wisdom he imparted, the lessons he taught and the unwavering love he showered upon us all.
Rest in eternal peace, Baba. Your legacy is etched in the hearts of those whose lives you touched.
You will forever be remembered as a father, mentor and spiritual giant. Though the pain of your departure is unbearable, your spirit lives on within us. As we continue our journey, we strive to honour your memory by carrying forward your teachings, love and unyielding faith. Until we meet again, your presence will remain a guiding light, illuminating our paths amidst the darkness of this world.
Online Reporter