Passing of Reverend Xundu a great loss to the social sector
Minister Bathabile Dlamini and the Department of Social Development wishes to send condolences to the family and friends of Reverend Mcebisi Xundu on his passing.
Minister Dlamini has described Reverend Xundu as a committed and dedicated servant of the nation who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the poor until the last day of his life.
He was one of the few religious leaders who were able to interpret the conditions of the poor and link them to Christianity, in the process articulating a clear role for religion in improving the lives of the poor,” said Minister Dlamini.
Reverend Xundu has over many years been an important role player within the social sector, helping in particular to foster an effective working relationship between the sector and faith-based organisations.
"The Department of Social Development and its agencies – the South African Social Security Agency and the National Development Agency – today enjoy a constructive relationship with faith-based organisations because of efforts of faith-based leaders like Reverend Xundu.
“He was instrumental in the creation of a solid partnership between the Department and the faith-based sector, through which fruitful programmes have emerged in our continuing efforts to address the many social challenges facing the South African society,” explained Minister Dlamini.
At the time of his passing, Reverend Xundu was a board member of the National Development Agency. Recently, he had also worked with the Department of Social Development on the Inter-Faith Summit (October 2013) and the National Interfaith Twenty Years of Freedom Thanksgiving Ceremony (August 2014).
“His forthright manner and his uncompromising bias for the poor will be missed in the sector. May his soul rest in peace,” concluded Minister Dlamini.
Media enquiries may be directed to:
Ms Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
E-mail: lumkao@dsd.gov.za
