01 Aug 2021

Various speakers have described Archbishop Andrew Ndubano (85) of St John Apostolic Faith Mission of Botswana as a true servant of God who had people’s interest at heart. 

He was buried in Francistown on Saturday. Archbishop Ndubano who also served as a BDP Councilor in Gweta from 1974- 1994 succumbed to COVID 19 on July 25. 

The speakers described the founder of St John Apostolic Faith Mission of Botswana as a hard worker as shown by the establishment of the church’s 150 branches in Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia. 

They remembered him as a charismatic leader who mastered English language and a shrewd debater. 

He made history as the only councillor to ever be invited to parliament to debate and defend his motion for salary increase for councillors. 

Former Francistown South MP and vice chairperson of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Francistown Branch, Mr Khumongwana Maoto described the Mr Ndubano as a humble person who contributed to nation building. He said among his many achievements was Gweta Primary Hospital. 

Another speaker, Bishop Aobakwe Miti said Mr Ndubano was an honest person who stood for the truth. He said despite his demanding church work, the deceased was a dedicated father. He said Archbishop Ndubano’s demise was a great loss to the leadership of the church and the congregation as a whole. 

A member of the church executive committee, Bishop Malani Morapedi said starting the St, John’s Apostolic Faith Mission of Botswana was not an easy task for the late bishop. 

He said the church worshiped in a homestead in Monarch and through Archbishop Ndubano’s grit he acquired a plot where the mission now stood. “He built an arch which is now the Headquarters of the St. John Apostolic Mission Church of Botswana,” he added. 

In his message of condolences, the MP for Francistown West, Mr Ignatius Moswaane said the death of Archbishop Ndubano was not only a loss to the church he founded and led, but also a loss to the whole nation. 

He said Mr Ndubano was a true leader both at the church and during the time when he was a councillor. His children Ms Elmah Nthebolan and son Mr Rudoph Ndubano described their father as a promise-keeper and a true leader. 

They also described him as a walking encyclopedia, a legend, an embodiment of wisdom. His hard work saw him receiving the Presidential Award for selfless service to the nation. 

“We were fortunate enough to have been raised by you, a father to many in religion. You ensured that you walked us down the aisle and that we will forever cherish,” they said. 

“Leadership in the kingdom of God is not a title but it is a service and serving was not an option but a calling to my father. 

He served God with distinction even though at some point he was persecuted in many ways,” said Ms Nthebolan.

 She said her father was a courageous person, a man of integrity and was a cut above the rest evidenced by his fearless approach when the church split. 

“He was not the one to be swayed by the majority. He had to take his stance” She said her father raised his children in the fear and love of God and that he sacrificed the little he had to educate his children. 

Her brother added that in as much as his father was compassionate, he was also a disciplinarian.. 

The late Ndubano is survived by five children and 12 grandchildren. ends