In this testimony, Mr. Thulani Dlamini shares his journey of faith and service within The Salvation Army. From his early experiences to his current role at Territorial Headquarters (THQ), Mr. Dlamini reflects on how God has guided him through various stages of his ministry. His story highlights the ongoing call to serve both at his local Corps and at THQ, showing how God’s faithfulness has shaped his path in The Salvation Army.
I was born in Nkandla and raised in the Salvation Army home in Thokazi, Kwa Nongoma, by my late mother and officer grandparents. Nobody would have thought that my simple upbringing was shaping my life. Those born to officer parents will understand the unrealistic expectations that hang over their heads, expectations I had to endure due to the reputation of my family.
My testimony began with the signing of the Junior Soldiers’ pledge, which was the first step in the right direction toward knowing Jesus as my personal Saviour. Like many, I signed to comply with the expectations for my age at the time. But as the years went by, life brought its own challenges that reminded me to reflect on my conviction and the commitment I made as a Junior Soldier. I believe it was in 1989, through the Student Christian Movement at Sibusiso High School in Buxedene, Kwa Nongoma, when I raised my hand during the service and accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour.
I will forever be grateful to God for the late Majors Douglas and Janine Neale (R), who were close friends of my late grandparents. The significant role they played in my service at THQ is immeasurable. The journey began in November 1998 when I served in the Field Department under Lieut. Colonel Peck Koopman (R) as a Territorial Statistician, under the supervision of Major Jeqeza Mabaso. Later, I served as an Administrative Assistant in the same department. This was followed by a role in the Printing Department (Supervisor – Pro Tem) under Mrs. Helen Tuck, and then I moved to the Finance Department as Administrative Assistant, led by Mrs. Ina Poole, then Major Ernest Jones, Major Gerrit Marseille, Major Daniel Moukoko, and Mr. Leon Viljoen. Serving in these departments helped me learn more about the co-dependent functions of THQ departments and gave me the opportunity to be led by diverse leaders. I had no choice but to be equipped for my current role as Senior Administrative Officer in the Leadership Office. It is clear that all of this was part of God’s plan.
I believe that Jesus had more than one way for me to follow and serve Him. While others committed to full-time Officership, God called me to serve as a Local Officer.
My journey as a Local Officer began in Daveyton Corps in a rather unusual way. As soon as the late Major Thembinkosi Bhengu (R) knew I was from an officer’s family and that he knew them, he said, “Ngeke ngihlupheke ukhona” (translation: I can’t suffer with you here.) From that moment, I was commissioned as the Corps Secretary, followed by serving as a YPSM/Sunday School teacher. Not long after I arrived in Duduza Corps, the call to serve as Corps Secretary was too strong to ignore. I am currently serving as Acting Corps Secretary. I believe my exposure to THQ operations has been a blessing, as it has proven advantageous in my Corps work.
As I reflect on the journey God has taken me on, I see His hand guiding every step, from my early years in Nkandla to my current service as Acting Corps Secretary. The road hasn’t always been easy, but with each challenge and blessing, I’ve come to understand that every part of my story is part of God’s perfect plan. I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to grow and serve, learning valuable lessons along the way. As I continue to walk this path, I hold fast to the words of Romans 12:21 and Galatians 6:10, trusting that through it all, God’s presence remains constant, equipping me for what lies ahead.
❤️🙏🏾