By Cliff Shiko and
Malesela Mangena
info@alexreporter.co.za
The priest of the Roman Catholic Church in Alexandra has passed away.
Father Ronald Cairns OMI of St. Hubert died at hospital on Saturday (06 February) after complications.
According to church council chairperson Advocate Lindiwe Maseko, father Cairns was admitted at Milpark Hospital on the 12 January 2021 and had since been in the Intensive Unit Care (ICU).
Cairns was appointed as the head of the Catholic Church for Alexandra township in 1981.
He had since become permanent resident in Alexandra.
He was a leader who denounced the apartheid system.
Alexandra’s historian and community activist, Thabo Mopasi said he was baptised at the church in 1972.
Mopasi said Father Cairns was a very strict person but loved peace wholeheartedly.
“I remember when he prayed for Alex Taxi Peace Accord.”
“The last time I met him was last year when I spoke to him about Civic education programmes that I ran.”
Mopasi said he also asked for the church school to be resourced from him.
“Father Cairns told me he liked all the plans and that he would present them to the church Council.
He will be greatly missed and condolences to his family.”
Funeral details wil be announced soon.
