On December 2nd, 2023, Salvationists from across the Territory gathered together for a joyful service titled ‘Celebrating Christmas Side by Side’ during the Ordination and Commissioning of the Reflectors of Holiness weekend. The special guests for the Commissioning weekend, International Secretary for Africa, Commissioner Keith Conrad, and Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Commissioner Yvonne Conrad, were warmly welcomed home! The worship was enhanced with musical contributions from the Central Division Ladies Band, and Divisional Songster Brigades from Mid Kwa Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga & eSwatini & Central Divisions.
The service included the Recognition of Long Service, Retirements, Promotions and Officer Academic achievements, emphasizing the commitment and dedication of Salvation Army Officers as follows:
Long Service
| 30 Years | 40 Years | 45 Years |
| Major Thenjiwe Zungu | Commissioner Torben Eliasen | Major Elizabeth Rossouw |
| Major Rosannah Ntshangase | Major Johannes Raselalome | Lieut-Colonel Lenah Jwili |
| Major Veliswa Raselalome | ||
| Major Reginah Mcineka |
| Retirement: |
| Aux-Captain Alexina Motaung Lieut-Colonel Lenah Jwili Major Valerie Potgieter Major Elizabeth Rossouw Major Marlene Butler |
| Promotions to the rank of Captain: |
| Lieutenant Gerald Kabade Lieutenant Thandokazi Kabade Lieutenant Miranda Mlambo Lieutenant Owen Mutize Lieutenant Rebecca Mutize Lieutenant Thandeka Khumalo Lieutenant Mandisa Ntuli Lieutenant Forgiveness Ndlovu Lieutenant Londiwe Gumede Lieutenant Siphephelo Sibisi |
The Academic Achievement of the following Officers was recognised:
| Captain Khanyisile Mcineka – SALT Management 2 Major Reginah Mcineka – Bachelors of Education Lieutenant Londiwe Gumede – TEEC Higher Certificate in Theology Lieutenant Forgiveness Ndlovu – TEEC Higher Certificate in Theology |
All 15 members of the Mission Team were awarded Certificates of Completion. The Reflectors of Holiness received their Certificates of Salvation Army Officer Training and four additional awards were presented to the following Cadets for their achievements in these specific areas:
| The Professor JSM Khumalo Award (Top Music Student 2023): Cadet Philani Khumalo The Brigadier S. Ramohlala Award (Most Improved Music Student 2023): Cadet Mzwakhe Ngobeni The Top Academic Award: Cadet Philani Khumalo The Colonel Dr Brian Gordon Tuck Award: Cadet Nosipho Ntuli |
Cadet Mzwakhe Ngobeni rendered his testimony titled ‘I am a Reflector of Holiness,’ giving personal insight into his journey with the Lord. A meaningful epilogue was shared by Commissioner Yvonne Conrad encouraging Salvationists to allow God’s gifts of love, joy, peace, and hope to guide them to a place of gratitude. The Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries also reminded the congregation about Jesus’s second coming and challenged all in attendance to be ready and to keep shining His light brightly.
An exciting, challenging and encouraging first day of the Commissioning weekend closed with the singing of ‘Joy to the World’ as we rejoiced in the presence of God and the assurance of His return!
