One of the pioneers who established the Jehovah’s Witnesses in a Port Elizabeth township has died at the advanced age of 107.
Steven Fanele Gqamlana, of New Brighton, will be laid to rest on Sunday after a church service at the Nangoza Jebe Hall in New Brighton.
Church elder Vukile Gqeke said he had fond memories of Gqamlan and mourned his death.
“He was one of the pioneers who established Jehovah’s Witnesses in the township,” Gqeke said.
“He worked tirelessly. He was still strong at the age of 100.
“Today we have 11 congregations – one in Kabega Park and 10 in the township and he was very instrumental [in creating those],” he said.
Gqeke said Gqamlana had been strong both spiritually and physically, adding that he had used to walk from New Brighton to Dasi.
“He was the last soldier standing in the regiment.
“We used to go to him each time we wanted to know more about the history of the church. The [information] inspired us and his death has left a huge void.”
Born in Steytlerville on August 1 1911, Gqamlana died on Saturday at his Gqamlana Street home.
Originally the family came from East London, but they moved from one place to the other due to the evangelic ministry they were involved with.
Gqamlana Street and Jarvis Gqamlana Public Primary School – both in New Brighton – were named after Gqamlana’s uncle – Jarvis Gqamlana – who was also a respected minister in the Presbyterian Church.
Grandson Mandla Gqamlana, 53, said as a family they had lost a fountain of knowledge, and he described his grandfather as a “no-nonsense” type of person.
He said he did not know exactly when his grandfather had arrived in Port Elizabeth, but he had lived in Uitenhage for a short period and then moved to Port Elizabeth, where he worked for several years.
“My grandfather was a family man and also loved people.
“On top of that, he had a no-nonsense approach as a man and would never spoil you,” Mandla said.
“If you had a problem he would expect you first to deal with it.
“He would question what you had done before he could meet you halfway.
“We have learned to be independent-minded. He taught us the hard lessons and we are strong today.”
Gqamlana is survived by five daughters – Nomvuyo, 75, Nontobeko, 73, Nontuthuzelo, 69, Nombulelo, 64, and Nontsikelelo, 60 – as well as his son Sakhiwo, 53.