EXECUTIVE MAYOR LOBISHE WELCOMES PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA AS HE VISITS BANTU CHURCH OF CHRIST LATE BISHOPS FAMILY
Published: February 09, 2026<< BACK TO NEWS
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On behalf of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, we extend a warm yet solemn welcome to the President of the Republic of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa, to Nelson Mandela Bay.
His visit today, Monday, 9 February 2026 comes at a time of deep national sorrow, as he joins the Bolana family, the Bantu Church of Christ, and millions of South Africans in mourning the passing of the 5th Bishop of the Bantu Church of Christ, the late Bishop Bolana.
President Ramaphosa’s presence in the Metro follows a heartfelt message of condolence issued by the Deputy President of the Republic, Mr Paul Mashatile, on behalf of government, shortly after the announcement of Bishop Bolana’s passing. This gesture reflects the high esteem in which Bishop Bolana was held, not only by his congregation but by the nation at large.
As Executive Mayor, I wish to confirm that since the announcement of this profound loss, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has stood side by side with the Bolana family and the leadership and members of the Bantu Church of Christ, sharing in their grief and offering support as preparations for the funeral continue.
Bishop Bolana was more than a spiritual leader, he was a visionary, a moral compass, community leader and a servant of the people. Through decades of devoted service, he played a pivotal role in nurturing faith, promoting unity, and uplifting communities, particularly the most vulnerable. His life was marked by compassion, humility, and an unwavering commitment to social development, philanthropy, and the restoration of human dignity.
We are deeply grateful to the President for taking time to personally convey the nation’s condolences to the Bolana family and the church. The passing of Bishop Bolana is not only a painful loss to his loved ones and the Bantu Church of Christ, but also to Nelson Mandela Bay and South Africa as a whole. His legacy of servant leadership, love for humanity, and tireless work for community development will continue to inspire generations to come.
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