Picture: The late Bishop Daniel Matebesi/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
12 January 2026- SACMIC mourns the loss of its founding President, Bishop Daniel Matebesi (66), a revered spiritual leader, community builder and President of the South African Christian Ministers Council. Matebesi was a dedicated and passionate servant of both God and people, living out principles of servanthood.
The (SACMIC) spokesperson, Daniel April said Matebesi fostered unity among religious leaders and strengthened communities by uniting ministers of the Gospel through SACMIC, promoting safer, more prosperous and self-aware communities. April said he served as a Bishop of the Independent Congregational Church of Southern Africa, guiding with wisdom and compassion.
“As SACMIC President, he promoted interfaith collaboration, uniting clergy from all denominations to speak and act together for community empowerment. He openly opposed Gender Based Violence through organisation-led programs advocating for change and equality. Matebesi served in SAMIFRA, NICSA, IOTI, UCSA, State President’s Interfaith Forum, GBV Forum, NW PACF, North West Crime Prevention Programme for SAPS, and many more.
“He served as a Preacher on Motsweding FM for 41 years from 1985 to 2026. His influence extended beyond religious circles, contributing to national dialogues on human rights, dignity, and reconciliation. His legacy, rich and multi-faceted, is rooted in faith, conviction, service, and courage. He dedicated his life to improving the lives of those around him, the Body of Christ, and the nation of South Africa,” he said.
April further said SACMIC expresses its deepest condolences to the Matebesi family, ICCSA, Motsweding FM, and all those connected to him. He added that they comfort the mourners with Psalm 116:15 from the Davidic Psalms.
Meanwhile, the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) Provincial Convenor, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said Matebesi who had founded the Fountain of Hope Newspaper and the Independent Congregational Church of Southern Africa (ICCSA), presented the popular Rorisang Sunday religious programme as well as midday food for thought, “Seikokotlelo” and daily devotions on SABC’s Motsweding FM died in the early hours of Friday at his home in Lotlhakane after a short illness.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the demise of Matebesi whose untimely death has robbed our communities of a community builder, a social justice advocate, a servant leader, theologian of unshakable faith as well as Kingdom builder who sought to reposition the church for relevance and impactful ministry to address social ills.
“Matebesi had served MRM from its formation in the province and was nominated to the Provincial Interim committee, serving briefly as a member of the Programmes & Campaigns Sub Committees after the provincial structure was resuscitated in December 2022,” he said.
The Guardian 