Rev Zopsile Obituary | Life & Legacy
- Zolile Mbali, a South African Anglican priest who served in both his native country and the United Kingdom, died at age 84.
- Born in Johannesburg, Mbali spent his early years on a family farm in Transkei.
- In 1969, Mbali received a World council of Churches scholarship to study theology at Queen’s College, Oxford, after a advice from Desmond Tutu.
The Rev. Zolile Mbali,a formidable Anglican priest adn anti-apartheid activist,has passed away at 84,leaving behind a powerful legacy of social justice. forced into exile from south Africa due to his stance against apartheid, Mbali dedicated his life to community service, ministering in both South Africa and the United Kingdom. He worked tirelessly, including aiding those affected by HIV/AIDS. His journey reflects his unwavering commitment to human rights and equality. News Directory 3 provides a closer look at his life, from his early years in Johannesburg to his impactful work in the UK and beyond.Discover what’s next as we await details regarding the memorial service celebrating his life.
Anglican Priest Zolile Mbali, Anti-Apartheid Activist, Dies at 84
Updated June 1, 2025
the Rev. Zolile Mbali, a South African Anglican priest who served in both his native country and the United Kingdom, died at age 84. mbali,forced to leave South Africa in the early 1970s due to his opposition to apartheid,leaves behind a legacy of social justice and community service.
Born in Johannesburg, Mbali spent his early years on a family farm in Transkei. His education was briefly interrupted as he worked to support his family, during which he contracted typhoid. This experience led him to pursue the Anglican priesthood, studying at St. Bede’s theological college and Fort Hare University.
In 1969, Mbali received a World council of Churches scholarship to study theology at Queen’s College, Oxford, after a advice from Desmond Tutu. He returned to South africa in 1971 and was ordained. He later became the first black chaplain at Grahamstown’s white theological college.
Mbali’s opposition to apartheid created meaningful challenges. His engagement to Charlotte Lebon, a British woman, was complicated by laws prohibiting mixed relationships. Lebon moved to Botswana in 1973 to be closer to Mbali, who joined her a year later after learning that South African police where after him. They married in 1975.
While in Gaborone,mbali worked with the Botswana Theological Extension Program and ministered to refugees.After South Africa refused to renew his passport, he became a refugee himself.Facing threats from cross-border military raids, Mbali and his family returned to the United Kingdom in 1981.
Upon his return to the UK, mbali served as vicar of All Saints’ church in Preston-on-Tees. In 1984, he transitioned to parish ministry in Leicestershire, first as a curate and then as vicar to four village churches near Market harborough.
Mbali’s commitment to social justice extended to his academic work. His book, “The Churches and Racism: A Black South African Perspective,” published in 1987, was based on his doctoral research at the University of Leeds.
From 1988 to 1992, Mbali served as a community relations officer in Leicester and was made a canon of Leicester Cathedral in 1990.
Following the end of apartheid, Mbali and his family returned to South Africa in 1993. He ministered to parishioners affected by HIV/AIDS and to Anglican students at natal University, while Charlotte joined the university staff.
After retiring from the ministry in 2003, Mbali survived a criminal assault and several health challenges. In 2017, he and Charlotte returned to the UK to be closer to their grandchildren. Mbali spent his final days in a nursing home in Walmer, Kent, suffering from dementia.
He is survived by his wife, Charlotte, their three daughters—Thandiwe, Ma-Jali, and Mandisa—and five grandchildren. His legacy as an Anglican priest, advocate against apartheid, and champion for social justice endures.
What’s next
A memorial service is planned to celebrate Mbali’s life and contributions to the church and society. Details will be announced by his family.