Rev Dr Tshenuwani Simon Farisani 30 August 1948 – 29 May 2025

When I lived in South Africa in the eighties, I heard of Dean Farisani. He was a fellow Lutheran. He lived and worked in the north of South Africa – I spent a year as a voluntary youth worker in Cape Town, in the southwest. The distance was about 1 900 km. But I heard of him. When he was detained in 1982, he was tortured and abused by the police in a way that it drew international condemnation.

Together with todays’ President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, Dr Farisani was a founding member of the Black People’s Convention (BPC). He served as its president 1973–1975. He also worked closely with leaders of the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM), like Stephen Bantu Biko.

After some years in exile, he returned to South Africa and became Member of Parliament (1994–1997) and Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Limpopo (1997–2004). He was also the Speaker of the Limpopo Legislature (2004–2009).

Dr Farisani was also a renowned and important proponent of black theology.

At his funeral, which took place today at the University of Venda Stadium, the Eulogy was delivered by the President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa. 

I quote from the official website of the Presidency:

President Ramaphosa said: “Dr Farisani has left us as part of a succession of stalwarts who have passed on recently and whose dedication to our freedom and national development demands both our mourning and reflection. 

TS Farisani preached the gospel of humanity and liberation in ways that energised our struggle and shook the apartheid regime into targeting him and depriving him of his personal freedom.

From the pulpit of his congregations in Venda and the then Transvaal, to the podiums of Parliament and the Speaker’s chair in Limpopo, Dr Farisani’s commanding baritone oratory conveyed his love for humanity and his fearless, sacrificial fight for our freedom.

The sermon was delivered by the Lutheran Bishop in the Northern Diocese, Bishop Naledzani Josephine (NJ) Sikhwari, who happens to be the first woman to be consecrated as bishop in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA).

Bishop Naledzani Josephine (NJ) Sikhwari, ELCSA.

May Dr Farisani's precious soul rest in Peace and rise in Glory!