‘Giant of faith’ dies at 94
Tributes pour in for St Stephen’s deacon known for cycling to house-bound
KNOWN as a giant of faith, a Port Elizabeth reverend who would walk or cycle to bedridden members of the community so they could receive Holy Communion will be buried tomorrow following his death on Monday.
Tributes have been pouring in since the death of the Rev Wellington Mgwanqaza Biyana, a deacon at St Stephen’s Anglican Church in New Brighton
Tatu’Biyana, as he was fondly known, was 94.
Born in Tsomo on November 10 1922, Biyana married the late Gertrude Thobile in 1945.
The couple moved to Port Elizabeth in the late 1940s.
Granddaughter Canon Melissa Awu said Biyana had died in his sleep at his New Brighton home.
She said her grandfather’s life had inspired her to also get involved in the ministry.
“His dedication, commitment and perseverance to hold on to God have always been a good example for me,” she said.
“If you are rooted in Christ, nothing of this world can uproot you.”
Awu said Biyana had not only been a father to his own family but also to those in his church as well as the greater community.
“He used to travel to the communities of New Brighton, Kwazakhele and Daku on a bicycle and serve Holy Communion to bedridden St Stephen’s parishioners,” she said.
“He never discriminated and was [also] seen walking into the homes of non-Anglicans as he knew we are all a family of Christ.”
Biyana only stopped pedalling to ill parishioners in 2010, at the age of 87, when his own health started to deteriorate, his family said.
Awu said her grandfather had lived through some tough times, including the struggle years, but had always kept his eyes fixed on the cross.
“He was always firmly rooted in Christ,” she said.
Biyana was among the founders of the Bernard Mizeki Men’s Guild, in the Diocese of Port Elizabeth, aimed at strengthening Anglican men’s faith.
The Rev Dr Ruby Zauka, who lectures in communication at NMMU, described Biyana as a very wise man.
“God kept him to that age so he could share his wisdom with the community of New Brighton,” Zauka said.
“After work, Tatu’Biyana visited the sick.
“On Saturdays, he would also prepare for the Sunday service and he taught lay ministers how they should serve.”
Port Elizabeth Anglican Bishop Bethlehem Nopece said Biyana was ordained as a permanent deacon for St Stephen’s in June 2001.
“I came to know him through his ministry, especially for visiting the sick and housebound,” Nopece said.
“He would go and visit the people in their homes and give them communion.
“He would pray with them and this brought hope. He carried this ministry diligently.”
Nopece said the last notable thing about Biyana was that on Sunday, a day before his death, he was worshipping with the other congregants.
Archdeacon Zweli Tom, who said he had worked with Biyana for eight years at the New Brighton church, described him as a pillar of strength during turbulent times.
“I regarded him as a giant of faith. He was excellent. I could not [fault] him in his pastoral ministry [care of the people],” Tom said.
“When his name was put forward to be ordained as a deacon the whole congregation stood up in support of him.
“He was committed to his calling rather than position.”
Biyana is survived by daughters Xoliswa, 64, and Priscilla, 62, son Vuyo, 58, and eight grandchildren.
The funeral service will start at 8am tomorrow at St Stephen’s Anglican Church.
Biyana will be buried at the Sydenham Cemetery.