Adelaide Sithole

 MRS ADELAIDE SITHOLE nee Jona (Siyamuzhombwe), Beloved wife of the Presiding Bishop, Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, Women’s Fellowship and G.C.U. Connexional President went home to be with the Lord on the 24th August 2026.

Early Life and Family Background
Mrs Adelaide Sithole was born on 16th December 1972 at Kandava Village, Seke, to the late Mr James Mashingaidze Siyamuzhombwe and Mrs. Josephine Siyamuzhombwe, nee Tunha. She was the second born in a family of seven, five brothers and one sister. Their names are Knowledge, Leonard, Norbert, James Jr, Learnmore and Precious. Mrs Sithole received her primary education at Kandava Primary School before proceeding to Mandedza High School and later on to Nyatsime College for her Secondary education.

Marriage and Family
On 27th April 1996 she was joined in holy matrimony to Reverend Simbarashe Sithole. Through marriage, Mrs Sithole became a devoted daughter-in-law to the Sithole family, particularly to Gogo Sithole whose welfare she diligently cared for. The union of Reverend and Mrs Sithole was blessed with two children, Corrine Chipo and Simbarashe Jr.

Life of Service in the Church
Mrs Sithole lived a life wholly dedicated to God and service in the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe. Together with her husband, she served in the following circuits/stations.

Greater Harare District
• Epworth Circuit

Marondera District
• Waddilove Schools where Revd Sithole served as Chaplain.
• Chemhanza Schools where Revd Sithole was the Chaplain and later Minister in Charge.

Greater Bulawayo District
• Bulawayo Wesley Circuit. Revd Sithole was the Superintendent and Mrs Sithole served with distinction as President of Ruwadzano/Manyano and GCU.

Connexional Office
• From August 2005 to November 2010 following the election of Reverend Sithole as Presiding Bishop, Mrs Sithole assumed the role of Connexional Ruwadzano/ Manyano and GCU President.

Harare East District
• Mt Pleasant Circuit – Ruwadzano/Manyano and GCU President.

Gweru District
• Holy Trinity Circuit – Ruwadzano/Manyano and GCU President

Masvingo District
• Masvingo North Circuit -Ruwadzano/Manyano and GCU President.

Second Term and Continued Leadership
In 2025, Revd Sithole was re-elected Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe. Consequently, Mrs. Adelaide Sithole once again assumed the role of Connexional President of Ruwadzano/Manyano and GCU.

Work with Girls Christian Union (GCU)
Mrs A. Sithole worked and interacted very well with the GCU group and believed that the group should be helped to become financially self-sustaining in the future. She celebrated the successes and achievements of the girl child and especially those whom she worked closely with in the executive.

Work and Achievements in Ruwadzano/Manyano
First Term
During her first tenure as Connexional President, Mrs. Sithole provided visionary leadership and spearheaded several landmark projects, including the following: Procurement of a brand new R/M Kombi to facilitate the movement and outreach work of the organization. At Ruwadzano Centre, she initiated the building of the accommodation complex with Conference Hall, and the putting up of the 500 - seater Gazebo and outside ablution blocks. In 2009, Ebenezer Park was established at Waddilove with the aim of developing the place as an income-generating project to help sustain the organization's work. In 2010, Ebenezer Park was able to host the Ruwadzano/ Manyano Connexional Convention after initial developmental works.

Second Term
During her second term, Mrs. Sithole launched what she termed a "100-Day Cycle of Developments" at both the Centre and Ebenezer. Key infrastructure developments included the installation of flood lights, solar geysers, washing basins, washing machines and landscaping at the Centre. At Ebenezer Park, under her leadership and direction, significant progress was also made with the siting of 10 boreholes to secure water supply. An electricity transformer was also installed. A site was identified for a proposed Police Base to ensure security at the park. It was her heartfelt desire that Ruwadzano/Manyano should take a leading role in the development of Ebenezer Park as the church prepares to celebrate its Golden Jubilee. Mrs. Sithole was always grateful for the support of her executives, district and circuit Ruwadzano/Manyano leaders as well as the generality of Ruwadzano/Manyano members in the execution of Ruwadzano/Manyano work.

Her Faith and Character
Mrs. Sithole was deeply passionate about God’s work and was a steadfast support to her husband in fulfilling the divine calling upon their lives. She was loving, honest, and committed to principles of accountability and stewardship in all matters pertaining to the work of God. Her vision was to see Ruwadzano Manyano grow into a self-sustaining organization that empowers women through viable self-help projects. She championed the strengthening of the business arm of Ruwadzano Manyano with the goal of reducing member subscriptions and ensuring that funds raised were directed towards local developmental initiatives.

In Loving Memory
Though her life was cut short, we believe that Mrs. Adelaide Sithole fulfilled her God-given duty to the Lord and to His Church. She ran the race, she kept the faith.

May her dear soul rest in eternal peace. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23