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Bulawayo City Council's first black engineer laid to rest
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Bulawayo City Council's first black electrical engineer, Jongilizwe Harold Sobantu, was laid to rest yesterday at Lady Stanley Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy of humility, faith, and remarkable contributions to the city's development. Eng Sobantu passed away last Thursday at the age of 83 at his home in Riverside. His funeral service, held at the Harvest House International Conference Centre in Selbourne Brooke, was attended by family, friends, and community leaders, all of whom spoke highly of his character and achievements.
As the first black electrical engineer to join the Bulawayo City Council before independence, Eng Sobantu broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of engineers. Pastor Dr. Sarah Nyathi of Harvest House International described him as a man of great societal status, known for his humility and devotion to his faith. "He was an accomplished businessman, yet he willingly submitted to spiritual leadership, even from pastors younger than him. His life was transformed after surrendering to Christ," said Dr. Nyathi.
In 2008, Eng Sobantu and his wife were ordained as ministers and later as pastors. He was instrumental in the construction of the 10,500-seater Harvest House International Church auditorium, serving as its electrical engineer and as a member of the pioneering committee.
At the time of his passing, Eng Sobantu was serving as a High Court assessor. Justice Naison Chivhayo of the Bulawayo High Court, representing the Judicial Service Commission, praised Eng Sobantu for his exceptional contributions. "His contributions during deliberations were honest and intelligent. He served with distinction, without fear or favour. The community has lost a hardworking man," said Justice Chivhayo.
Dr. Barbatus Phanenga Msimanga, a close friend, shared his admiration for Eng Sobantu's unifying nature and warmth. "He worked tirelessly with people from all walks of life," he said.
Born on August 28, 1941, at Makokoba Clinic, now known as MaKhumalo Beer Garden, Eng Sobantu's journey began as a student activist during the colonial era. He led uprisings at Luveve Technical College in the 1970s while studying electrical engineering. His passion for education took him to the United States, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maine and a Master's in Public Administration from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.
Upon returning to Zimbabwe, Eng Sobantu joined Zesa, where he rose to the position of chief engineer and area manager for the southern region. His expertise and dedication eventually led him to the Bulawayo City Council, where he made history as the first black electrical engineer in the council's history.
Eng Sobantu's legacy will live on through his contributions to the community, his role in shaping Bulawayo's development, and his deep commitment to faith and service.
As the first black electrical engineer to join the Bulawayo City Council before independence, Eng Sobantu broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of engineers. Pastor Dr. Sarah Nyathi of Harvest House International described him as a man of great societal status, known for his humility and devotion to his faith. "He was an accomplished businessman, yet he willingly submitted to spiritual leadership, even from pastors younger than him. His life was transformed after surrendering to Christ," said Dr. Nyathi.
In 2008, Eng Sobantu and his wife were ordained as ministers and later as pastors. He was instrumental in the construction of the 10,500-seater Harvest House International Church auditorium, serving as its electrical engineer and as a member of the pioneering committee.
At the time of his passing, Eng Sobantu was serving as a High Court assessor. Justice Naison Chivhayo of the Bulawayo High Court, representing the Judicial Service Commission, praised Eng Sobantu for his exceptional contributions. "His contributions during deliberations were honest and intelligent. He served with distinction, without fear or favour. The community has lost a hardworking man," said Justice Chivhayo.
Born on August 28, 1941, at Makokoba Clinic, now known as MaKhumalo Beer Garden, Eng Sobantu's journey began as a student activist during the colonial era. He led uprisings at Luveve Technical College in the 1970s while studying electrical engineering. His passion for education took him to the United States, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maine and a Master's in Public Administration from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.
Upon returning to Zimbabwe, Eng Sobantu joined Zesa, where he rose to the position of chief engineer and area manager for the southern region. His expertise and dedication eventually led him to the Bulawayo City Council, where he made history as the first black electrical engineer in the council's history.
Eng Sobantu's legacy will live on through his contributions to the community, his role in shaping Bulawayo's development, and his deep commitment to faith and service.
Source - The Chronicle
