We introduce one of our seasoned journalist who will be delivering stories and many more historical facts about soldiers of God. Here he introduces himself and shares one of his articles called "Iculo lika Ndiweni lo Mahleza" meaning the song by Ndiweni and Mahleza.
My name is Joseph Brian Mapondera and I have a passion for story writing. It started when I was doing my Journalism and media studies degree. Stories keep us alive hence the reason why telling them will forever be a passion worth pursuing.
If love was a melody, theirs would forever be a tune never forgotten.
We seek things that shape our narratives and despise those that ruin our parade and yet what we seek will forever be determined by love. A few in our generation know the definition of love. To most of us, it is what we are infatuated with not what we ought to seek for our peace of mind. This is why Infatuation is the sole reason why love has become hearsay, a leading cause of depression and divorce cases amongst young couples where we request from God to cleanse such spirits and have everlasting marriages.
Guta RaMwari religion is built on families. The importance of strong families is observed in Chinhoyi when God returned after 40 days as He had promised. He walked 24 steps to signal 12 couples upon which Guta RaMwari foundation was set. The chosen 12 families were a solid foundation that managed to spread the news about God's return leading to so many souls to be part of the Heaven agenda and receive salvation. These families would have never existed without this element called love. Love is critical in family building. As we celebrate love, it is best we seek its meaning. This piece is not about love for material things and possessions, or ‘thou shall love your neighbour as you would love yourself’. Its about romantic love, love which leads to marriage and is sustained in eternal marriage by mutual feelings, efforts and commitment to build a strong unbreakable bond. Love that does not shatter because someone said this or the other person does not have a (stable income source, a car, an iPhone, nice shoes and clothes) or someone picturing themselves more valuable than their partner.
Jay Ndiweni and Sylvia Hleza(Ndiweni) were a true reflection of true lovers sponsored by God and cemented by culture. Theirs blossomed from an early age to their passing, calling and giving each other sweet every-things they could think of and afford. They started their courtship in 1969 when Jay saw and fell for her at both their cousins wedding. They were groomsman and bridesmaid suffice to say it was a blessing in disguise for their solid marriage. In 1971 they had their 1st born, a girl they named Nhlanhla and one might say that Jay gave her that name based on is luck in winning Sylvia’s heart and soul. It did not take long for them to get married and they did on the 29th of August 1972, the same year they had their 2nd born Nontokozo.
In 1973 Sylvia left Jay’s home in Avoca, Filabusi to live with her husband who was working and staying in Bulawayo. One might ask why they were living in different places but customary to African culture, a wife had to live with the family of the husband before they went on to live together as a couple. It was a norm.
Two years later they had their 3rd born a boy whom they named Gugulami because their children had been attacked by different sicknesses at the time. A year later they had their 2nd boy named Nkosini. In 1978 they had their 5th child Zandile, a girl whose name probably came from the fact that there were a multiple of females in their family. Six year later they had their 6th child their 3rd boy whom they named Anele. Anele was always sick hence the reason why on March 26th 1986 the couple decided to go to Guta Ra Mwari religion to seek assistance for the healing of their troubled child who got healed. Their last born Samkelisiwe a girl was born in the year 1988.
During their years together many people would attest to the fact that the couple would never mistreat each other or be seen fighting. Their love language was always smiles and laughter. Jay was a joker always putting smiles on people’s faces, specially that of Dade (Sylvia). He would call her wife Dade (sis in short for sister). Few people (besides their children who would be caught doing bad things) would have seen him angry. One of Sylvia’s love language was cooking for her Nguni warrior Jay. However they were rare moments when Jay would cook for Dade leaving their children astonished. The two fought tooth and nail with life’s hardships and reality, hand in hand to make sure that their children had a bright future. In many moments, the couple would be seen sitting or walking together, a rare sight for today’s couples. Evangelist J. Ndiweni was an active member in progressing choirs and also worked as an Evangelist in Guta RaMwari. Holy Messenger S. Ndiweni was a dedicated humble Holy Messenger who was devoted in that duty until her departure.
May the current and coming generations learn from these unsung heroes, champions and soldiers who will forever inspire those that seek love and peace of mind. Their love lasted for 54 years. It is them that taught us peace, love, respect and lucky are those that will learn from their love life. A life that words aren't enough to describe.
We ask God to increase wisdom and understanding in the topic of Love .
Forever