BCC’s first black engineer laid to rest at Lady Stanley Cemetery

Nokuthaba Brita Ncube, ncubenokuthababrita@gmail.com

BULAWAYO City Council’s (BCC) first black engineer, Jongilizwe Harold Sobantu, was laid to rest yesterday at Lady Stanley Cemetery. 

The 83-year-old passed away last Thursday at his home in Riverside.

A funeral service held at the Harvest House International Conference Centre in Selbourne Brooke was attended by family, friends, and community leaders who spoke highly of Eng Sobantu’s humility, faith, and contributions to Bulawayo’s development.

Eng Sobantu made history as the first black electrical engineer to join BCC before independence. 

Pastor Dr Sarah Nyathi of Harvest House International described him as a man of great societal status who remained humble and devoted 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 played a significant role in the construction of the 10 500-seater Harvest House International Church auditorium, serving as its electrical engineer and a member of the pioneering committee.

At the time of his passing, he was a High Court assessor. Bulawayo High Court judge, Justice Naison Chivhayo, representing the Judicial Service Commission, praised Eng Sobantu for his diligence and analytical skills.

“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, described Eng Sobantu as a unifying figure known for his warmth and kindness. 

“He worked tirelessly with people from all walks of life,” he said.

Born on August 28, 1941, at Makokoba Clinic, now MaKhumalo Beer Garden, Eng Sobantu was a student activist during the colonial era. He led uprisings at Luveve Technical College in the 1970s while studying electrical engineering.

He later moved to the United States, earning an Electrical Engineering degree at the University of Maine and a Master’s in Public Administration from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Upon returning to Zimbabwe, he joined Zesa, rising to the position of chief engineer and area manager for the southern region. He eventually joined BCC, becoming the first black electrical engineer in the council’s history.