We mourn the tragic loss of the much-loved Sabelo Sibeko and the Perrott family. The Perrott family, who with Sabelo Sibeko, were full of life, vibrant, servant hearted, integrous and loving. It is with great sorrow that we confirm our loss. Our loss is heaven’s gain. We are mourning, grieving and suffering the loss of such vital members of our family and our community. They, though, lived life to the full and aspired to be vessels of honour for our Lord. They lived as vessels of love and hope. They lived lives that where exemplary. They breathed hope and opportunity into all around them. They looked for opportunities to serve, to bless, to encourage, to empower. They were role models.

Five principals they lived out that stand out: Life is a gift! Servant leadership is true leadership. True love is selfless, not selfish.  Empower and equip the youth today to better prepare for tomorrow. Maybe better said, love well by empowering and encouraging. Hospitality is a way of sharing to care.

Brendan, Melissa, Evelyn and Colton Perrott, along with Sabelo Sibeko were returning from Sabelo’s adventure race in the Drakensberg, South Africa. An oncoming bakkie overtook a vehicle in the Harrismith area at an extremely high speed. It crossed a solid line, lost control and hit our precious family in a fatal head on collision.  This tragic accident has snatched from us a young family, who were full of life, were deeply committed to our nation, our children and one another. The fatal accident has been reported widely on SABC news. We are numb at the news. We mourn and grieve for ourselves, as well as with their families, relatives and friends as we bring them home.

Sabelo grew up and completed his schooling in Bulembu. He was talented in sports. He had a lifegiving smile, joy and was loved by many. Brendan and Melissa spotted his athleticism and encouraged him to live out his passion through adventure racing. He worked at the dairy and as an intern with plans to start his own animal husbandry business this year. We were so proud of his combined qualities of both care and compassion through serving the next generation at Bulembu children’s church and his strength and dedication as an athlete, making him a wonderful role model who will never be forgotten.

Brendan, Melissa and their two children came to serve the people of eSwatini but especially the children of Bulembu. They followed the call of God and left their comfortable home and successful careers in Sherwood Park Canada for Bulembu, eSwatini. They were selfless, they loved wholeheartedly, empowering lives wherever they went and in so doing impacted many people’s lives.  We are not without hope, despite the tragedy. We believe Sabelo and the whole Perrott family are in the presence of our Savior, where there is no pain, where there is joy, peace and love. Our loss is heaven’s gain.

Melissa and Brendan loved spending time and investing in people especially the children of Bulembu. They loved having the young adults over for socials and games and even giving driving lessons. Brendan loved playing music. He was extremely talented in music and gifted in leading worship. He loved including the young adults in making music and sharing his passion. They encouraged the children and the children adored them. One of Melissa’s passions was baking. Her mother ran an events and catering enterprise and loved baking. She passed her skills and delights down to Melissa. Not only would Melissa bake birthday cakes to bless people in Bulembu, but on weekends she would always have groups of children over for baking lessons. Melissa ministered compassion, hope and life to the mothers and young ladies. They gave of themselves selflessly. They were shining lights for Jesus and will be dearly missed.  They will be able to say with confidence, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day- and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8.)

As soon as Evelyn and Colton arrived in Bulembu, they made friends and fell in love with the people, just like their parents did. Colton enthusiastically grabbed life by the horns and that is how he did life and made friends – full of life, love and enthusiasm. He could be seen in church raising his hands in worship and singing to Jesus. Evelyn was a gentle, caring spirit showing kindness and compassion to all her friends. She would often go to school with toys in hand and then gift them away. The pre-primary school children and staff were blessed by these two precious souls. School to their little friends will not be the same without them.

Rest in peace Sabelo and Perrott family. Until we meet again. We suffer our loss now, knowing you are heaven’s gain. Thank you for your exemplary lives. To our nation, eSwatini, they would ask of us, life is a gift, how will you use this precious gift? Their answer would be, build others in faith, hope and love. What would your answer be?

Donations

If you would like to make a donation in their memory, please designate your gift to the Perrott Family Memorial Fund available in the Designation dropdown menu.