By Anita Dangazele
In the year 2000, Reverend Sicelo Duze stood resolutely in the street in front of Gqeberha’s failing Algoa Bus company. Over the next 24 years, he would turn it into one of the city’s most thriving businesses.
It isn’t often that a man of the cloth has the time to be the CEO of a large company, but Reverend Duze was no ordinary man.
He also founded the Ethembeni Enrichment Centre High School and was a mentor to many aspiring young black business people.
Motse Mfulen, Mpuma Kapa TV board chairman and Imbizo Group chair, said Duze had been his mentor since he was 16.
“All aspects of my personal and family development happened under his watchful eye.
“Sicelo trained us to mix theological thinking with political responsibility,” Kapa said. “He taught us to avoid becoming Christians who are occupied with going to heaven and not worry about the wrongs in society.”
Businessman and broadcaster Keith Ngesi said he will always remember Duze for steering him in the right direction during his youth.
“Over the past 25 years, I have learned so much from him. I often wonder how much more I would have gained if I had known him earlier. Yet, I find it hard to shed tears, wondering if I am still in denial. This loss has yet to fully register in my heart.”
Businessman, author and reformed convict Luvuyo Ngxiki said Duve believed in empowering young people.
“He read my book and said: ‘This is the gospel that people need to hear. We can’t always talk about Jerusalem. People need to hear a story from New Brighton.’”
Eastern Cape Transport and Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha was among the many who expressed shock over the businessman’s sudden death.
“We have lost one of our key dependable leaders, whose passing has left a void in our hearts,” Nqatha said.
“On behalf of the Department of Transport and the provincial government, I wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the family and Algoa Bus.”
Duze, 73, died peacefully in his sleep after suffering a heart attack on Sunday, 21 April, according to family spokesperson Percy Lamani.
He is survived by his wife, Nobuntu, and their three children, Vuyokazi, Mazotsho and Xolisa.
Pictured above: The late Reverend Sicelo Duze.
Image source: Facebook
