Officers (Messengers of Grace) from across the Southern Africa Territory gathered over 27–30 October 2026 for their Fifth-Year Officers’ Reviews under the theme ‘Leading with Vision, Serving with Excellence’. The review provided an opportunity for reflection, renewal, learning and alignment with God’s mission and the Territory’s strategic priorities.
In his welcome remarks, Lieut-Colonel T. Dlamini, Secretary for Personnel, welcomed and challenged officers to serve with excellence, reminding them that attitude, character and daily conduct are essential to effective ministry. Territorial Leaders, Colonels S. and T. Malins, in their keynote remarks, led officers through a series of ‘table conversations’ focused on vision, excellence, service and accountability. Through personal reflections using everyday objects, officers shared lessons from their leadership journeys, emphasising hope, faith, perseverance, passion, rebuilding, self-care and the centrality of God’s Word in ministry.
The leaders highlighted the importance of aligning local ministry with the Territorial Strategic Priorities and Territorial Mission Blueprint, noting that vision and alignment multiply effectiveness and strengthen the mission of The Salvation Army. Officers were encouraged to cultivate Christlike attitudes marked by humility, gratitude, servant leadership and lifelong learning, while guarding against entitlement, comparison, criticism, pride and disengagement.
During additional sessions, Captain O. Mutize, Leader Development Officer and Training Principal, emphasised the importance of continuous personal development as a foundation for competent and effective ministry. His session was followed by Lieut-Colonel Themba Mahlobo, Chief Secretary, who challenged officers to pursue excellence in ministry through vision-centred leadership while addressing the dangers of entitlement within officership. Lieut-Colonel N. Mahlobo, Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, further spoke on serving with excellence and integrity, encouraging faithful leadership that honours God and empowers others through consistent integrity.
The closing session was attended by all four Territorial leaders and provided a time for reflection and the renewal of commitments. The Chief Secretary encouraged officers to recognise and give thanks for how God had shaped and nurtured them over the past five years. He urged them to carry the blessings rather than the burdens, trust God’s guidance, seek fresh vision and renew their passion for ministry. Drawing from Isaiah 41:10, he reminded officers to serve with courage and move forward in faith. Times of personal reflection revealed deep gratitude among participants for renewed purpose, spiritual encouragement, leadership testimonies, constructive challenges and a fresh sense of calling. Officers testified to being renewed, reignited and strengthened for continued service.
The gathering concluded with reminders of the officers’ covenant as a compass for faithful ministry, a call to resilience in all circumstances, and encouragement from the Territorial President of Women’s Ministries (TPWM) to embody love, joy, prayer and calmness in leadership.
The final message was given by the Territorial Commander, who drew from 1 Kings 18:30–45 and challenged officers to continue trusting God for His provision and direction. Participants left with a clearer vision, stronger relationships, renewed unity and a deeper commitment to lead with vision, serve with excellence and advance God’s Kingdom through faithful leadership. They were encouraged to trust in God’s faithfulness and look forward with expectation to the new rains He would bring and the continued blessing of the Lord.