Diocese of Tzaneen celebrates 10 years since the beatification of Blessed Benedict Daswa

by Kati Dijane · September 17, 2025

Top right: Bishop João Noé Rodrigues praying before the tomb of Blessed Benedict Daswa at the Assumption of Mary parish in Nweli, SA. Left centre: The clergy and altar servers pose with Benedicta Daswa, the last-born daughter of Bl Daswa. Bottom left: Bishop João Noé Rodrigues with Father Jacques Yakeng MSC and Father Bongani Mativandlela during the entrance procession at Blessed Daswa’s beatification Mass.

By Kati Dijane – The Diocese of Tzaneen welcomed pilgrims from across Venda and as far as the Diocese of Gaborone in Botswana to Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Nweli to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the beatification of Blessed Benedict Daswa. In the blazing heat, hundreds gathered dressed in colourful Minwenda (traditional Venda attire) and in T-shirts and caps bearing the image of Southern Africa’s first martyr.

Remembering a martyr

Blessed Tshimangadzo Samuel Benedict Daswa, a father of eight, teacher and parish leader, was killed 35 years ago for refusing to support a local practice rooted in witchcraft. His uncompromising commitment to Christ led him to reject a R5 contribution toward a superstition, an act that cost him his life. Today, he is remembered not only as a martyr, but also as a devoted family man and model of holiness in everyday life.

A day of prayer

The celebration on September 13 began at dawn with praise, worship and the Rosary, followed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation. By 9 a.m., pilgrims gathered for Mass, coordinated by Father Bongani Mativandlela, who ensured the programme flowed smoothly.

“Faith was the fabric of Blessed Daswa’s life”

Preaching at the Mass, Father Jacques Antoine Yakeng MSC reflected on what Blessed Daswa teaches the Church today:

“Today, we gather here at Nweli to give thanks to the Lord for the powerful testimony of Blessed Benedict Daswa,” he said. “He was a model of courage, an apostle of life, a man of prayer and a man who loved the Church so much that he would do anything for it.”

Drawing from the reading of the day, Book of Wisdom (2:12-20), Father Yakeng reminded the faithful that living with integrity often comes with rejection and sacrifice. “Powerlessness rather than power, shame rather than honour, poverty rather than prosperity—these are often the price of authentic faith,” he said.

Turning to the Gospel, John (12:24-26), he compared Daswa’s life to the grain of wheat that falls and dies to bear fruit. “Our brother Daswa shed his blood not out of heroism but out of love,” he declared. “Faith was not a garment he wore on special occasions—it was the very fabric of his life.”

He added that martyrdom is not about celebrating death, but about affirming life. “The Christian response to evil is not revenge, but the cross. Blessed Daswa teaches us that courage is standing firm with Christ, even when it costs everything.”

At the tomb of the Blessed

Before the final blessing, Bishop João Noé Rodrigues prayed at Blessed Daswa’s tomb inside the shrine, thanking God for the grace of the past decade and asking for the spread of devotion to him and for his canonisation.

Voices of pilgrims and clergy

For many, the day was personal and profound. Father Sanele Msomi from the Archdiocese of Durban said he was humbled to stand near Blessed Daswa’s relics:

“It was a great experience for me to be part of this celebration. We learned about Blessed Daswa even in the seminary. His witness as a family man is encouraging, because many saints we know are priests or nuns. Blessed Benedict Daswa shows us that we are all called to holiness.”

Father Yakeng also expressed his joy at the community’s devotion:

“He is a model of courage for us. I pray that after today’s celebration, we see many fruits in our parish and renewed involvement of Christians in the Church. God chose one of our own to be an example of holiness.”

Pilgrims from Botswana described how significant it was for them to attend. Mrs Keba Nyathi, a pilgrimage coordinator from the Diocese of Gaborone shared:

“Blessed Daswa is someone the people of Southern Africa can relate to. He was a family man, committed to his community and to God. Instead of building his own house first, he helped build a church. That selflessness inspires us. We wanted to be here to honour his memory and draw strength from his witness.”

A witness for today

The anniversary was both a joyful commemoration and a call to action. For the faithful, Blessed Daswa’s courage remains a challenge to live authentically as Christians in a world often hostile to the Gospel. May Blessed Benedict Daswa continue to pray for Southern Africa, especially for families and for the youth.