Benedict Daswa becomes first Blessed South African

Benedict Tshimangadzo Samuel Daswa was beatified in his hometown, Tshitanini village in Limpopo, on Sunday, becoming the first South African to be referred to as “blessed” and laying the foundation for him to become South Africa’s first saint.

Daswa was a schoolteacher and principal. He was killed by a mob on February 2, 1990 – the day former president FW de Klerk announced the unbanning of the ANC and other liberation movements – for refusing to abandon his Christian beliefs and to fund anti-Catholic superstitions.

He was declared a martyr this year, paving the way for his beatification. The beatification mass, at the Benedict Daswa Shrine site at Tshitanini, Thohoyandou, was led by Cardinal Angelo Amato, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Cause of Saints based in Rome, who also represented His Holiness Pope Francis.

Addressing those present at the ceremony on Sunday, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “The Roman Catholic family and all South Africans are witnessing history today with the beatification of the Servant of God Tshimangadzo Samuel Benedict Daswa. This is an occasion in which millions of South Africa will share with deep faith and affection.”

This was the first time in the history of the Catholic Church of Southern Africa that a South African man was being recognised as a Blessed Martyr of Christ.

It was also an extraordinary honour for the Daswa family, who tragically lost a 43-year-old son and father on February 2, 1990, he said.

“Benedict Daswa died after being ambushed by people opposed to his outspoken rejection of witchcraft and witch-hunts. He paid the ultimate price for his beliefs on the same day that the then president FW de Klerk announced the unbanning of our liberation movements and the release of our beloved Nelson Mandela. Such is the often dramatic confluence of events in our beloved country,” Ramaphosa said.

“Today we remember TS Benedict Daswa as a man who led a holy life, not in isolation of the social realities around him, but rather deeply engaged with these realities. He was a good family man, a hard worker and active member of his community, inspired by his faith.

“His fearless ministry cost him his life, but has caused the church – 25 years after his death – to accord him the status of being part of ‘the great cloud of witnesses surrounding us’, as it is described in the Letter to the Hebrews.

“And may this also be a day when we renew our commitment to building a society free of ignorance, intolerance, and violence,” Ramaphosa said.

In a message marking the beatification ceremony, President Jacob Zuma said it was a significant moment for South Africa and the African continent as a whole.

“Such ceremonies are extremely rare in the history of the Catholic Church. This is the first ever beatification in Southern Africa. We are truly humbled that a South African is being honoured in this manner,” he said.

Daswa was born on the June 16, 1946, in Mbahe, 20km from Thohoyandou, a firstborn son of Tshililo Petrus Daswa (Bakali) and his wife Thidziambi Ida Daswa (Gundula), who is still alive. He was named “Tshimangadzo” (one with miracles) and Samuel when he went to school.

Other dignitaries and religious leaders present at Sunday’s beatification ceremony included Bishop Joao Rodrigues, Bishop of the Tzaneen Diocese, Cardinal Wilfred Napier, Archbishop Stephen Brislin, and the Daswa family.