The Eastern Kwa Zulu Natal Division was blessed to have Lieutenants Colonels Themba & Nokuthula Mahlobo as our Easter guests, supported by our Divisional Leaders, Captains E & L Zola, along with the officers and envoys in the division. The Easter Weekend was held in Wetani.
On Friday, Mr Mjiyako (CSM from Dondotha Corps) led the first session in the morning while everyone was still finding their balance and settling into the Easter mood. The second session, also known as the Seven Sayings of Jesus on the Cross, was held after lunch and led by Mrs Khumalo (CSM Mandeni). Attendance had grown to about 700 people, and there was an overflow as the tent could not accommodate everyone. The children’s ministry had their own tent where they held their services for the weekend. The attendance was excellent, and at times we could hear their voices from the main tent. They really were having so much fun.
The youth programme took place on the Friday evening and registered strong attendance, with the young people fully involved in the evening service. Lieutenant M. Ndwandwe shared words of motivation with the young people, and Cadet A. Moye shared her personal testimony, which encouraged everyone.
On Saturday, we had a successful open-air meeting. We were visible on the streets of Wetani, and over 20 people joined the open air. The response to the altar call was positive. Our young people went into the surrounding homes during the outreach, inviting people to join the service, and many responded positively. Some individuals even commented that they know The Salvation Army through Envoy Mthiyane. On our way back, people stood outside their homes and near their fences, waving and calling out in support and excitement. It was deeply encouraging to see everyone fully engaged in the open air and march of witness, without needing any persuasion. The enthusiasm and passion were evident on people’s faces.
When we returned from the open air, we had a short break before gathering for a soldiers’ meeting, where the Divisional Leaders shared the State of the Division, including updates on statistics, finances, and other key matters. Envoy T. Mthiyane then gave feedback on how the Shayatafula 2025 funds were distributed and how the process will be managed this year. The information was well received.
Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries concluded the second session with encouragement to the division, reminding everyone of the importance of working together as a team and supporting one another. After lunch, we held a GBV session led by Lieutenant A. Mbane together with the men of the division. This has become a feature of our Easter programme since last year. The purpose of the session is to raise awareness that The Salvation Army stands against GBV and injustice in all forms.
We were also joined by Mr Khumalo, Station Commander of Sundumbili SAPS in Mandeni, who is also a soldier at Mandeni Corps. He addressed the gathering alongside one of his colleagues, who also gave a presentation. The information shared was eye-opening and highlighted that help is available for those in need, though many are still unaware of these services. The session therefore proved valuable in equipping people with practical information.
After the GBV session, we moved directly into Shayatafula. Corps contributed their funds with joyful hearts and exceeded expectations. It was encouraging to see that the total raised surpassed the previous year. Envoy T. Mthiyane and his Shayatafula team led this session through until supper.
After supper, the Women’s Ministries held a night vigil (umlindelo), where they worshipped and waited in expectation for the celebration of resurrection morning. The service ran from around 21:00 until 00:30 the following morning. During this time, women shared testimonies of struggle and how God had carried them through.
On Sunday morning, the day began with a march of witness led by officers, the band, and soldiers. This moved into the Resurrection Sunday service, which was led by Cadet A. Moye. The united songsters rendered a powerful ministry of music, and Envoy Mthiyane presented a report on the total funds raised through Shayatafula. The turnout on Sunday was even greater than the previous two days.
The Easter Weekend at Wetani drew to a close with hearts full of gratitude for all that had been experienced together. From the early gatherings to the final moments of worship on Resurrection Sunday, there was a clear sense of unity, purpose, and renewed commitment to mission across the division. As people departed, there was a shared awareness that Easter had not only been observed, but lived—through worship, witness, teaching, service, and fellowship. The Eastern KwaZulu-Natal Division returned to its various appointments encouraged and strengthened, carrying with it the joy of the resurrection and the call to continue serving Christ faithfully in every corner of the division.