It is with great sadness that we advise the African Enterprise Australia family of the passing of Rev. David Hewetson, former Chairman of both the African Enterprise Australia Board and African Enterprise International.
A Tribute by Mike Woodall
Vale David Hewetson
Rev. David Hewetson was African Enterprise Australia’s longest serving Chairman. He joined the Board of AE two years after the company’s formation at the request of the founding chair Dr Paul White (the author of the Jungle Doctor books) who had been a missionary in Tanzania as had David along with his wife Ann.
In 1990 David took over as Chairman serving with distinction, later also serving as Chairman of African Enterprise International, the governing body of the partnership. During this period, he was also Rector of St Philips South Turramurra, and St Paul’s Rose Bay.
David was always welcomed in Africa. Being a Kiswahili speaker stood him in good stead in many countries, especially in East Africa. In 1994 He visited Israel Havugimana the Rwandan Team Leader after his house had been shot up to encourage him. Sadly, just days later the Rwandan genocide broke out and Israel and his family were massacred.
In all of the trials and tribulations of the late 1980’s and 1990’s, which were a particularly turbulent period for the countries around the Great Lakes area in the post-independence years, David was a calm and unifying voice.
David’s love for God and his commitment to African Enterprise were evident to all who knew him. Since news of his passing, tributes from the AE family across Africa have poured in:
“Mzee has gone home. Rest in peace, Baba.”
“Mzee David has left an indelible mark.”
“He ran the race and finished well to the glory of our God.
Hamba kahle, David, until we meet again.”
“He was a giant.”
“A wonderful friend, a true gentleman.”
“May his gentle soul rest in peace.”
I personally will miss David. As the then Executive Director of African Enterprise we travelled together a lot and had fun times, sometimes difficult times and sometimes sad times. David was always gracious, and his concern for the welfare of our colleagues in Africa shone through.
As we rejoice that he is now in glory we give our heartfelt love to his wife Ann and his family in their time of sorrow.
Memorial Service
A memorial service celebrating David’s life will be held at:
10:30am, Monday 20 July 2026
St James Chapel
Anglicare Mowll Village
Hilliard Drive, Castle Hill
Sincerest condolences, from all of us at African Enterprise,
go to Ann and the family at this difficult time.
