Obituary

Dr Rev Tsiu, was born on the 14^th of May 1944 – the fourth son of the late Mme Thope and Ntate Liau Tsiu. He was raised in Bethlehem in the Free State. In the year 1970, he married the love of his life Liteme Cornelia Mopeli and they had 4 boys and 1 girl. 

Alongside his wife, his adult life was dedicated to being a servant for the Lord at the Dutch Reformed Church that later transitioned to what is now known as Uniting Reformed Church. In 1971, he accepted a call to his first Ministry in Stanger- Kwa-Dukuza, in the KZN where he served for 1 year. Subsequent to that, he accepted a call to Bethlehem, in the Free State in 1972, where he became prosperous in many different ways; among others, he managed to assemble resources and funding to build a church which is still a testimony of hard work till this day. In 1979, he accepted a call to a congregation in Westonaria, where he managed to put a solid relation within the local community and the mining society to advance their purpose to spread the word of God. It was in 1984 when he accepted a call to serve the Botshabelo Congregation in Diepkloof which was his pinnacle for 34 years before he took his retirement in 2018. During this period, Dr Rev Tsiu produced and mentored trainee Ministers 

Dr Rev Tsiu – a distinguished leader, author, father, friend, confidant and lifelong student. He was an avid reader who believed in the power of education and the gradual acquisition of knowledge – this is evident through his attainment of the following accolades:  Diploma in Theology (QwaQwa Theological Seminary- known as Lefika); BA Degree; BA-Honours; MA- in Literature from Unisa; MA-in Theology from New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Jersey, USA and finally a PHD- in Literature and Philosophy (Unisa).  

In conjunction to his calling, Dr Tsiu worked at the Department of African Languages as Head of Sesotho Section (Sub-Department) Of the Department of African Languages where he specialized in Oral and Written Literature, Creative Writing and Translation, Speech Processing and Language Technology. In addition to that, Terminography and Lexicography in African Theatre and Drama for Development was part of his specialisation at Unisa. He further served as an Examiner for candidates who were concluding their Masters in Arts, as well as a Promoter of Doctor of literature for Doctoral candidates. 

He was a member of Lesiba, the Association of Basotho Authors.  Along with his wife, they authored several literatures, including children’s books. He adjudicated manuscripts for the Southern Sotho Television programs, holds translation accreditation with the Translators Institute where he did various translations of written documents from many sectors, which includes among others- the translation of the Biblical tracts as a member of the Bible Society of Southern Africa, Constitution of South Africa and also one of the famous books called “The Prophet” written by Gibran Khahlil into the South Sotho version. 

The Reverend continued to contribute and deliver sermons through various social platforms and Radio – Lesedi FM in particular.

Dr Tsiu was an affiliate member Of Soweto International Rotary Club, The Examination Committee of The Northern Theological Seminary of The Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa, and the Gauteng Provincial Language Committee (A Sub- Committee of Pensalb, Sesotho Representative on a Committee Promoting the Official Languages).

He answered the call from God, for whom he trusted, loved and served, on Sunday the 7^th of March’21 after a short illness.

He is survived by his wife, his sister Keneiloe Tsiu, his brother Tseliso Tsiu, 5 children, 2 daughters in-law and 9 grandchildren –  all of which he loved and touched deeply.

Service

Funeral details 

Thurday 11 March 2021

8:30am for 9:00am-11:00am

907 Nkomo street, Phase 3, Diepkloof Ext

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