POPULAR BISHOP NASH SHONGWE MOURNED

MBABANE – “What will the world be without Nash?”

These were some of the sentiments shared by some pastors and members of public after learning about the demise of the charismatic Dr Bishop Nash Shongwe. Bishop Nash, as he was affectionately known by many, passed away at around 10am yesterday, as he succumbed to an undisclosed illness while receiving treatment at a South African hospital. His demise was confirmed by his son, Bongani, who, along with other family members, was present during this difficult time. The leader and founder of Divine Healing Ministries International, known for his healing powers, good heart and infectious laughter, succumbed to the illness while undergoing treatment. Shongwe, a former member of Liqoqo, the King’s Advisory Council, was a beloved figure among many.

Unique

“He had a unique ability to bring joy and laughter wherever he went. Even in the most sombre of settings, like a funeral, he would find a way to crack a joke, his distinctive hoarse voice echoing through the room,” shared Pastor Hezekiel Nkambule, a close friend of the late bishop. Pastor Hezekiel, who served with Shongwe at the Assemblies of God, before he founded the Devine Healing Ministries International, shared that the man of God had the gift of healing and preaching the true Gospel. Worth noting is that the men of God were more active when they ran a popular crusade known as ‘Back to God’ around the 1980s and 1990s.  At the time, they pitched marquees and preached the Word of God. He said it was during that time that he observed Shongwe’s gift of healing. “He will be remembered for his unique style of worship, often singing with the fervour of a Zionist, his hand gently resting on his cheek as he swayed in soulful motion,” Pastor Hezekiel said.

He said Shongwe was a unique man of God in that his ministry was not only limited to his church, but also to all people. He made an example about the charity organisation aimed at reaching out to the elderly people across the country. Pastor Hezekiel said Shongwe was a simple man, whose love covered all people. The loss of Bishop Shongwe has left a profound void within the Christian community. “What will the world be without Nash?” lamented Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, reflecting the sentiments of many.  Nkambule said Shongwe had a remarkable gift for turning even the most difficult situations into moments of light-heartedness.

He said Shongwe was a great man with love and compassion. Bishop Nkambule said he felt Shongwe’s support as he always offered advice and prayer when he established his ministry.
“He was jolly and kind. Everything was a joke to him. I can take the whole year describing the bishop’s character. I spent some time with him,” he said. Beyond his congregation, Bishop Shongwe was a familiar voice to many through his popular radio programme, ‘Nkulunkulu akehlulileki’, which was aired on the Voice of the Church Radio Station.

His listeners will undoubtedly miss his words of wisdom and his signature brand of humour. During the programme, Shongwe would listen to the listeners’ problems and invite them to hold the radio as he prayed. Many testified that they were healed during the course of the programme. The outpouring of grief from fellow pastors underscores the significant impact Bishop Shongwe had on their lives. He was not only a spiritual leader but also a mentor and a friend, always offering a helping hand and a word of encouragement.

Mourns

As the Christian community mourns the loss of this beloved figure, they remember Bishop Shongwe not only for his spiritual guidance, but also for the laughter and joy he brought into their lives. His legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of those he touched. In an interview, award-winning Gospel Artist Linda Dlamini, who was still not ready to speak about the death of Shongwe, said the man of God was more than a spiritual father to him. He said the bishop was more like his father and mother in his journey of life, which saw him venturing into the music ministry.

“I have learnt a lot from the bishop, who preached the Word of God without compromise. I mean the man who lived his life without mistakes. I would have not been what I am today had it not been for my bishop. I have learnt a lot from him as he was a father and a mentor,” Dlamini said briefly.In an emotional statement, Bongani, the bishop’s son, shared that the family had confirmed his father’s passing between 10am and 11am yesterday. He asked for privacy at this time, noting that the exact details of his father’s illness and the length of his hospital stay would not be disclosed, as some family members and Their Majesties had not been officially informed. Bongani also requested that no further comments be made until their mother returned from South Africa.

By afternoon, several vehicles could be seen parked outside the bishop’s home at Fairview, as close family, friends and relatives gathered to offer their condolences to the Shongwe family.
Paul Dlamini, Liqoqo Chairperson, shared that he had learnt of the bishop’s passing via social media, as the news had not been officially communicated to him. Nonetheless, he expressed deep sadness at the loss, describing the passing of such a key figure as a tremendous blow. “I have known him for many years, even before we were both appointed to work together. I was aware of his ill health, but there had been hope that he would recover. I extend my condolences to Their Majesties, who relied heavily on him, and to the bishop’s family. He greatly respected Their Majesties as well,” Dlamini remarked. The Liqoqo chairperson also highlighted Bishop Shongwe’s immense contributions to the Christian community, particularly his work in founding ministries across the country and his charitable deeds, including providing food, clothing and homes for those in need.

Saddening

“The bishop played a monumental role in the Christian fraternity, and his passing is deeply saddening. May God heal the wounds of the Shongwe family during this difficult time, though we understand that this was all part of God’s will,” Dlamini said. He fondly remembered the bishop’s wisdom, recounting how he would step in during tense moments at council meetings, offering corrections with grace and maturity. His calm, steady hand and wisdom in resolving disputes left a lasting impression on all who worked with him. “We will always remember him for his good works,” Dlamini concluded.

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