Sunday was a day of commitment and celebration for The Salvation Army Southern Africa Territory, beginning with the Ordination and Commissioning Service in the morning and continuing with the Appointment Service in the afternoon.
Ordination and Commissioning Service
The morning service began with the worship team inviting the congregation to prayerfully and prophetically sing Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. Lieutenant Colonel Themba Mahlobo, Chief Secretary, warmly welcomed everyone and encouraged them to allow the Holy Spirit to move freely as they gathered in God’s presence. Captain Miranda Mlambo then read a letter from The General of The Salvation Army addressed to the Champions of the Mission. This was followed by a moving solo from Londiwe Solomon, Goodness of God, which testified to God’s faithfulness throughout the journey.
Captain Owen Mutize, Training Principal at the College for Officer Training, presented the Champions of the Mission to the Territorial Commander for ordination and commissioning, noting that their two years of training had nurtured their head, heart, and hands. The Chief Secretary then led the Cadets in the Declaration of Faith, after which Commissioners Torben and Deise Eliasen commissioned and ordained the cadets. Cadet Fikile Radebe recited the Officers’ Covenant, and Lieutenant Colonel Nokuthula Mahlobo offered a prayer of dedication for the newly ordained officers.
Commissioner Deise Eliasen delivered the message, focusing on what it means to be a Champion of God’s mission. Her message spoke of clarity of purpose, compassion in service, perseverance through challenges, empowering leadership, and wholehearted commitment to Christ’s cause. Following this, the Territorial Commander created an opportunity for people to respond to the moving of the Holy Spirit, which prompted a strong response as many came forward to kneel at the mercy seat. Colonel Fikile Khoza closed the morning service in prayer.
Appointment Service
The afternoon Appointment Service was joyful and lively. The Territorial Leaders, CFOT Officers, and newly commissioned Lieutenants entered the service to a time of exciting praise and worship. The congregation joined in singing In Christ Alone, a reminder of their standing in Jesus, following a warm welcome from the Chief Secretary.
Lieutenant Colonel Nokuthula Mahlobo promoted the first-year Cadets, the Keepers of the Covenant, to second-year Cadets and announced their out-training appointments:
Keepers of the Covenant: Out-Training Appointments
- Cadet Sinomhlobo Dubayi: Duduza Corps – Central Division
- Cadet Thapelo Gumede: Tshoxa Corps – Eastern Cape Division
- Cadet Motion Lubisi: Gwegwede Corps – Northern KwaZulu Natal Division
- Cadet Phumelele Mbokazi: Tonga Corps – Mpumalanga & eSwatini Division
- Cadet Nosihle Mcineka: Bruntville Corps – Mid KwaZulu Natal Division
- Cadet Fikisiwe Mtshali: Tladi Corps – Central Division
- Cadet Angela Moye: Evutha Corps – Eastern KwaZulu Natal Division
- Cadet Asmeen Ngomane: Ginsberg Corps – Eastern Cape Division
Children who had participated in a separate weekend programme joined the main service to minister through song and dance. Musical support was provided throughout the day by the Central Divisional Songsters, the United Ladies Band, and the 2025 Music & Creative Arts Camp Band.
The Secretary for Business Administration presented awards to the top three Corps contributing the highest amounts to OWSOMS in 2025:
- St Helena Island
- Johannesburg City Corps
- Benoni Corps
Commissioner William Langa presented the Territorial Leaders with their retirement certificate, followed by a prayer from the Chief Secretary of the Mozambique Territory. Certificates of Retirement were also presented by Colonels Jabulani and Fikile Khoza to Southern Africa Territory Officers retiring in December 2025.
Lieutenant Tebogo Nkotane, speaking on behalf of the Champions of the Mission, encouraged his sessionmates: “Let us embrace and live out our sessional name and go into all the world.” The TPWM and TSWM welcomed the newest members into the Fellowship of the Silver Star.
Commissioner Torben Eliasen then charged the new Lieutenants, reminding them: “You are not champions of any mission, but Champions of God’s mission. You must do it God’s way!” Thereafter Lieutenant Colonels Themba and Nokuthula Mahlobo presented the Champions of the Mission with their appointments:
Appointments for the Champions of the Mission
- Captain Dumisani & Lieutenant Precious Fakude: Krugersdorp Family Care Centre & Corps Officers – Krugersdorp Corps, Central Division
- Lieutenant Nomakhwezi Hadebe: Michells Plain Corps & Creche – Western Cape Division
- Lieutenant Nombulelo Khumalo: Themba Memorial Corps – Mpumalanga & eSwatini Division
- Lieutenant Andile Matukane: Seshego Corps – Limpopo Division
- Lieutenant Ntandoyenkosi Masango: Vleifontein Corps – Limpopo Division
- Lieutenant Imisani Mbevhana: Khambi Corps – Northern KwaZulu Natal Division
- Lieutenant Lungile Mkhonto: Vryheid Circuit – Northern KwaZulu Natal Division
- Lieutenant Tebogo Nkotane: Wembezi Circuit – Mid KwaZulu Natal Division
- Lieutenant Fikile Radebe: Hammarsdale Corps & Creche – Mid KwaZulu Natal Division
- Lieutenant Sidney Shabangu: Vosloorus Corps – Central Division
Colonel Jabulani Khoza led the closing song, O Boundless Salvation, before the Territorial Leaders pronounced the benediction together.
As the Territory celebrated the commissioning of new officers, it was also a moment to reflect on the calling of every member of The Salvation Army. Whether soldier, adherent, or junior soldier, all are invited to participate in God’s mission. May we each be true champions of God’s mission!
