Deputy President to attend the Beatification Ceremony of Benedict Tshimangadzo Daswa

At the invitation of the Bishop of the Tzaneen Diocese, Bishop Joao Rodrigues of the Catholic Church of South Africa, Deputy President Cyril   Ramaphosa will attend and address the Beatification Ceremony of Benedict Tshimangadzo Daswa on Sunday, 13 September 2015 at the   Tshitanini village near Thohoyandou, Limpopo province.

Benedict Tshimangadzo Daswa, was a South African school teacher and principal. He was killed by a mob in February of 1990 for refusing to   abandon his Christian beliefs and to fund anti-Catholic superstitions. He was declared a martyr this year, 2015, paving the way for his beatification.

The beatification mass will be led by Cardinal Angelo Amato, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Cause of Saints based in Rome, who will also be representing His Holiness Pope Francis.

Members of the media are invited as follows: 

Date: Sunday, 13 September 2015

Venue: Benedict Daswa Shrine Site at Tshitanini, Thohoyandou

Time: 07h30 – Opening Ceremony (Youth Presentation)

         09h00 – Prayer of the Church in honour of Benedict Daswa

         10h00 – Beatification Mass led by Cardinal Angelo Amato SDB

Contact person: Matome Bopape 082 318 5251 and Ronnie Mamoepa 082 990 4853

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria