Understanding Death

A grieving Phum is comforted by Zoisa from Canada

To say today has been a big day would be an understatement.
My third day here and a third death of someone directly related to the organisations working here. Mam Dube’s niece was mentioned yesterday, Sindy who works for World Vision has a funeral Thursday for a family member. On arriving at the office this morning I was greeted by Carol and John both distressed and with tears who advised me of the death of Sibingosini who had started with Philakahle in 2004 in the Channels of Hope Program.
A convoy of staff and pastors of local churches went to his father’s house. I was able to join for what is the traditional Zulu grieving process. About 25 people were seated in the small living area of this Zulu house. Joseph from Philakahle commenced by introducing John Green the Board member who is an Anglican minister. John spoke first to the family identifying with their loss as well as the huge shock of grief felt by all at Philakahle and World Vision. Then followed a series of people speaking of what he meant to them – at leasy a dozen people, work colleagues, pastors from the local churches with whom he networked and finally his brother speaking on behalf of the family. In between speakers there were songs led by Joseph. To hear Zulu women sing is an unbelievable experience and very moving. As I was to learn during the day this was the first of many such events and Phila was organising to buy food to feed guests who will come to sleep. The funeral won’t happen till the following weekend so it is a long mourning period.

There was an association of Home Based Carers (HBC)being established in the hall. This brought a conversation by the GP who was concerned about an event being planned to recognise HBC next week which might cause some divisions as other carers joining this association are from different networks. The suggestion was to allow the carers themselves to suggest how to deal with the issue.This resulted in a meeting I attended later in the day.with the committee of the HBC Association who discussed the issue. In the end it was decided to leave the event next week as is. They have however accepted an offer to assist them is seeking funding which I will try to do over the next few weeks.

People in and out of the office all afternoon. Many in tears and upset at the death of someone who was very much loved by all.

I also had Bongekile from the school that will be partnering up with a school in the Macarthur area (St Peters). I advised her of the interest St Peters has in forming a relationship with her school and gave her the letter from the Principal of St Peters. I have indicated I will arrange to visit next week. Bongekile is a member of the Phila Board and speaks exceptionally good English.

I have been here three days and am wondering about all the work to be done. Apart from the week in Kenya there is visits to other agencies AAF supports near Durban.

The weather today was in the low 20’s and very pleasant. I am not as tired as earlier this week.