Khayelitsha residents came in large numbers to pay their last respects to the late teacher Sikhumbuzo Charles Ntsiko who passed away a week ago.

Mr Ntsiko, who taught at Luhlaza High School from the 1990s until retirement, was born in Kariega in 1951.

He obtained his teachers Diploma at Lovedale Teachers College, furthering his studies and obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1986 from the University of Cape Town. He further obtained his second degree of Bachelor of Education from UCT in 1988.

Mr Ntsiko, a devout Pan Africanist, was an elder at the Church of God and Saints of Christ.

“He was dedicated to his religion from childhood studying the Torah and serving the Almighty God. He served as a Sabbath school superintendent, a deacon and then ordained to ministry in 1988 as an elder by the late evangelist at large R Matshaka. Elder Ntsiko was then sent to Cape Town where he established the first tabernacle in 2002,” said Myra Mangena.

She said he kept the fires burning at the Cape Town Tabernacle Beth-el as the pastor in charge until he died.

Community leader Zukile Sinama said Mr Ntsiko was a “philosophical giant who humbled himself amongst the people”.

“He was always concerned about education and sought to find solutions where children were not getting bursaries; he would intervene on their behalf,” said Mr Sinama.

Former Pan Africanist Student Organisation leader Kholisile Dilima said Mr Ntsiko served wholeheartedly, educating the African child with love and dedication.

“This was a dedicated African, the son of the soil underpinned with black consciousness. He was a loyal local member and chairperson of the PAC in this area. Tata Ntsiko was a community leader serving in a number of structures in his residential area of Elitha Park,” he said.

He hailed him as a father, a teacher, a leader and a philanthropist.

Mr Ntsiko who was predeceased by his wife leaves behind three children, Nombulelo, Mseki , Sikhululwe and grandchildren.

Sikhumbuzo Charles Ntsiko at the graduation of his daughter, Nombulelo.