Retired Methodist Church of Southern Africa Bishop Don Doran Dabula was laid to rest in the Royal family graveyard of Mpendle in KwaBhaca on 10 September 2026.
The funeral was held at Madzikane KaZulu Memorial Park in Kwa Bhaca. Retired Bishop DD Dabula passed away at the age of 89 being the longest serving Bishop of the Clarkebury district. The Retired Bishop was accorded a state funeral by the state president of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa in recognition for Bishop DD Dabula service to the community of South Africa. He was accorded Special Provincial funeral Category 2.
Bishop Dabula was ordained Methodist minister in 1964 at age of 21 and served the Methodist Church for 67 years. When the Methodist Church was banned in the former Transkei by President KD Matanzima, Bishop Dabula kept the Methodism name alive. Bishop Dabula was also an Icon of Madzikane KaZulu Royal House.
Speakers at the funeral included Eastern Cape Premier, Mr Oscar Mabuyane who delivered a eulogy on behalf of Government. Retired Judge and Chairperson of Madlanga Commission Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga also delivered a message at the funeral. Judge Mandela Makaula spoke on behalf of the Zulu Royal family. Thousands of dignitaries including politicians, clergy, legal fraternity, traditional leaders and business people graced the funeral. Amongst politicians was former leader of Transkei who overthrow the Government of Matanzima, General Holomisa now United Democratic Front leader, Kings of Pondos in Qaukeni and Nyandeni, Mpondomise, Thembu and Xhosa kings and all Methodist Church ministers led by Presiding Bishop. Rest in Peace Zulu.