PAPERS FOR THE EXECUTIVE COMMISSION 2019

GREENACRES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PORT ELIZABETH

23rd - 26th Sept 2019

PAPERS FOR THE EXECUTIVE COMMISSION 2019

GREENACRES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PORT ELIZABETH

23rd - 26th Sept 2019

LIST OF CONTENTS OF EXECUTIVE COMMISSION 2019

REPORT PAGE Agenda iii Assembly Business Committee Supp Audit :

Annexure 1 - Internal Risk Workshop 138 140

Changes in the Ministry 15 Church Associations 45 Church in Society

Annexure A – Calendar dates 2019 Annexure B – Monitoring Inequalities and Inequities Annexure C – Thematic Reports Annexure D – Projects Guidelines for Funding Annexure E – South Africa CIS Annexure F - Zimbabwe CIS Annexure G – Zambia CIS

179 182 184 187 192 193 194 195

Church Office 154 Clerk of Assembly 25 Commissioners 1 Court of General Assembly and AARP 156 Communications 196 Confessions of Faith (Ad Hoc) 268 Doctrine Questionnaire – Surveying the Understanding of Baptism

259 261

Education and Training Annexure 1 – Visit to Zambia by Convener Annexure 2 – Pholela Secondary School Annexure 3 – Session Management – Enrichment Course for Elders Annexure 4 – Where have we gone wrong?

198 204 206 207 212

Ecumenical Relationships: Appendix A – CUC Appendix B - Bible Society

233 239 242

Finance: Graphs Annexure 1 - Annual Financial Statements ended 30 June 2018 Annexure 2 - Budget July 2019 – June 2020 Annexure 3 - Sedibeng Trust Financial Statements as at 31 December 2018 Annexure 4 - Presbytery Assessment Analysis for 10 years Annexure 5 – Congregations Assessment Analysis 10 years Annexure 6 – Assessment Ranking Annexure 7 - Non-contributing Congregations

50 59 76 98 99 113 114 131 136

GAWG General Assembly Working Group Constitution of the Fellowships of UPCSA Annexure A1

32 40 43

General Secretary 27 Health and Wellness

Annexure A – Depression 245 248

In Memoriam Minutes 11 Ministry

Appendix A - Seconded Ministers Questionnaire Appendix B - Forms of Ministry Task Team

- Appendix A – Definitions for Forms of Ministry

166 175 176 178

Ministers Emeriti 19 Mission and Discipleship:

Appendix A - Analysis of CDE Appendix B - Designation of Congregations Appendix C - Month of Mission 2019

221 227 228 229

Moderators of UPCSA ii Nominations

Appendix A - Draft Policy and Procedure from General Assembly Committees 264 264

Pension Funds UPCSA Pension Fund PMP&W&O Pension Fund of Zimbabwe

150 153

Priorities and Resources Appendix A - Introduction

158 161

Proposals in Decision-Making Sequence Supp Standing Orders 3 Stewardship 213 Transactional and Missional Proposals Supp Tributes to Retiring Ministers 20 Worship

Appendix A – Directions and Guidelines for Conducting a Marriage 253 254

i

UPCSA MODERATORS OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY

YEAR GENERAL

ASSEMBLY EXECUTIVE

COMMISSION NAME OF MODERATOR PRESBYTERIES

VISITED 1999 Port Elizabeth Bryanston The Rev CW Leeuw FICB Drakensberg &

Zambia 2000

Gordon’s Bay Pretoria The Rev AD Vorster BD, MTh EGoli

2001 Benoni Parkview The Rev MT Chigwida BA, MDiv Limpopo & E.Griqualand

2002 Pretoria Strubensvalley The Rev MK Boshomane DipTheol,BTh(Hons)

Thekwini

2003 East London Mulbarton The Rev GA Duncan Bed, BD. MTh, DTh Zimbabwe & Zambia

2004 Bryanston Benoni The Rev J Pillay BTh.(Hons) MTh, PhD Mthatha 2005

Kempton Park The Rev J Pillay BTh.(Hons) MTh, PhD Transkei

2006 Botha’s Hill, wa Zulu Natal

The Rev J Pillay BTh.(Hons) MTh, PhD Western Cape

2006 Livingstone The Rev WD Pool BA (Hons) 2007 Orlando The Rev WD Pool BA (Hons) Thukela 2008 Gcuwa, Butterworth The Rev WD Pool BA (Hons) 2008 Eston, Kwa

Zulu Natal The Rev C Mkandawire

DipTh, BTh

2009 Moregloed, Tshwane The Rev C Mkandawire DipTh, BTh Free State 2010

No Exco The Rev C Mkandawire DipTh, BTh Tshwane

2010 Vereeniging, Lekoa

The Rev Dr G Marchinkowski BA BD DMin

2011 The Rev Dr G Marchinkowski BA BD DMin

Lekoa

2012 Perridgevale, Port Elizabeth

The Rev Dr G Marchinkowski BA BD DMin

Central Cape

2012 Stellenbosch Western Cape

The Rev RJ Botsis BA

Amathole

2013 Kimberley The Rev RJ Botsis BA Limpopo

2014 Limpopo The Rev ME Ramulondi BTh (Hons) Zimbabwe 2015 East Griqualand The Rev ME Ramulondi BTh (Hons) Mthatha 2016 East London The Rev Dr R Munthali BTh PhD Transkei 2017 Harare, Zimbabwe The Rev Dr R Munthali BTh PhD Highveld 2018 Highveld The Rev Dr P Langerman (DMin) eGoli 2019 Central Cape

Port Elizabeth The Rev Dr P Langerman (DMin) eThewini

ii

THE UNITING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA EXECUTIVE COMMISSION

(THEME: LIVE YOUR LEGACY)

DRAFT AGENDA

SESSION TIME EVENT LENGTH SUNDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER 2019: 14h00 Arrival and registration (GAP CHURCH)

18h00 SUPPER

MONDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2019: 07h30 BREAKFAST FIRST 09h00 Constituting/Opening Service 90

Welcome Public Worship Roll of Commissioners Moderators Address Holy Communion In Memoriam Minutes First call for Notices of Motion

10h30 TEA 30

SECOND 11h30 Administrative Session 60

Local arrangements Assembly Business Committee Final call for Notices of Motion Clerk of Assembly Changes in the Ministry Overtures

12h30 LUNCH 60

THIRD 13h30 Listening Session (1) Executive Session 120

Allocation of Notices of Motion General Secretary Finance and Audit Pension Funds Church Office Court of Assembly and AARP Priorities and Resources

15H30 TEA 30 FOURTH 16h00 Insaka Session (1) 120 18h00 Closing devotions 30 18h30 SUPPER 30

iii

TUESDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 2019: 07h30 BREAKFAST 60 FIFTH 08h30 Morning Devotions 30

09h00 Decision Session (1) 90 General Secretary Finance Pension Funds Church Office Court of Assembly and AARP Priorities and Resources

10h30 TEA 30

SIXTH 11h00 Listening Session (2) 120

Ministry Working group on Associations Church Associations Church in Society Communications

Ecumenical Relationships 13h00 LUNCH 14h00 CUC and Dutch Reformed Church 30

14h30 Insaka Session (2) 90

16h00 TEA 30 SEVENTH 16h30 Possible unfinished business 60

17h30 Evening Devotions 30 18h00 SUPPER 60

WEDNESDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2019: 07h30 BREAKFAST 60 EIGHTH 08h30 Morning Devotions 30

09h00 Decision Session (2) 90 Ministry Working group on Associations Church Associations Church in Society Communications Ecumenical Relationships

10h30 TEA 30 NINTH 11h00 Listening Session (3) 120

Education and Training Stewardship Mission and Discipleship

Manual

iv

13h00 LUNCH 60 TENTH 14h00 Listening Session (4) 90 Health and Wellness Worship Doctrine Ethics and Discipline Nominations 15h30 TEA 30 ELEVENTH 16h00 Insaka Session (3 and 4) 120 18h00 Evening Devotions 30

18h30 SUPPER 60 THURSDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2019: 07h30 BREAKFAST 60 TWELFTH 08h30 Decision Session (3 and 4) 120

Education and Training Stewardship Mission and Discipleship

Manual Health and Wellness Worship Doctrine Ethics and Discipline Nominations

Ministers Emeriti Records

10:30 TEA 30

THIRTEENTH 11h00 Closing Service 120 Valedictory Service Recognition of Retiring Ministers

Moderator’s Address

13h00 LUNCH 60

v

Administration

PAPERS FOR THE EXECUTIVE COMMISSION 2019

ROLL OF COMMISSIONERS 2019 Report to Executive Commission 2019

Name & Surname M/F E-Mail Phone Number Ex Officio The Rt Rev Dr. P Langerman M peter@dpc.org.za 0729361345 The Rev R Munthali M robert_munthali@yahoo.com 0828319654 The Rev L Mpetsheni M lmpetsheni@presbyterian.org.za 0822546679 The Rev V Mkhungo M clerk@presbyterian.org.za 0829529888 The Rev C Mkandawire M chsmukandawire@gmail.com 00260977799201 Mr Ryan Johnson M Ryan.j@live.co.za 0834591950 Amathole The Rev Sicelo Sam M stphillips@border.co.za 082 974 9459 Elder Tshangana M c/o stphillips@border.co.za c/o 082 974 9459 Central Cape Yibanathi Mahleza M YibanathiM@sassa.gov.za 0835358438 Luvuyo Mbanga M l.mbanga85@gmail.com 0786021237 Copperbelt The Rev. Richard Mkandawire M ramkandawire@yahoo.co.uk +260977422809 Mr Jeremiah Ndhlovu M jeremiahndhlovu@gmail.com +26077127695 Drakensberg The Rev TP Mlotshwa M zitha.ntumbeza@gmail.com 084 448 1660 Mr SK Sithole M c/o zitha.ntumbeza@gmail.com East Griqualand The Rev Shona van der Lingen M tickytakkie@gmail.com 0662041570 Mr. SS Dlodlongana M prodlodlo@gmail.com 0725420634 eGoli The Rev T Nopapaza M egoli.moderator@gmail.com 081 466 1487 Ms Ntombi Currie F egoli.clerk@gmail.com 073 697 4055 Thekwini The Rev Dr Amon Kasambala M amontiba@gmail.com 0812706832 Mr Linda Mbatha M Mndaks26@gmail.com 0832794536 Trans Xariep The Rev Galela-Thema F thembisa.galela-thema@dcs.gov.za 083 492 2647 Mr Herman Booysen M clerk@fspresby.co.za 082 551 3901 Highveld The Rev. Ruth Lucy Armstrong F standrews@mweb.co.za 011 825 6402 Mr Justice Banda M Justbanda66@gmail.com Lekoa The Rev D Monokoane M monokoaned@gmail.com 0723224232 Ms Meisie Mokoena F Meisie.eunice@gmail.com 0827486372 Limpopo The Rev. Awedzani Nemaukhwe M awedzani@gmail.com 0826807592 Ms. Irene Anna Mokgadi Modiba F mokgadimodiba@gmail.com 0824995303 M’Chinga The Rev. Edward Chirwa M chirwae@yahoo.co.uk 00260 97 886 3788 Mr Lawrence Makani M c/o chirwae@yahoo.co.uk 00260 97 780 6818 Mthatha The Rev V.P Mabo M qwathi@telkomsa.net 0832462972 Mr J.Z Maqekeni c/o qwathi@telkomsa.net c/o 0832462972 Munali Rev Panji Nkosi M Panjiko2001@yahoo.com 00261 97 363 9485 Dr Overs Banda M Dr.oversbanda@gmail.com 00260 97 724 2924 Thukela The Rev IT Masikane M tmasikane@vodamail.co.za 0726632244 Mr Dumisani Khoza M djkhoza.65@gmail.com 0827149836 Tiyo Soga The Rev Xola Mluma M x.mluma@yahoo.co.za 0835114254 Mr Twasile Mbandazayo M tmbandazayo@gmail.com 0844001503 Tshwane

1

The Rev Zola Matutu M zmatutu@webmail.co.za 0769376723 Ms. Mabuse Mmule F Mabusemmule33@gmail.com 0828119264 Western Cape The Rev Madoda Mfene M mzwamadodamfene@yahoo.com 0798873231 Mr Gerry Snyders M gerritsnyders@gmail.com 0844539124 Zimbabwe The Rev. David Mushayavanhu M remushayavanhu@yahoo.com 0772816252 Ms. Samkeliso Siwela F Ssiwela6@gmail.com 0772295253

2

THE UNITING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

STANDING ORDERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMISSION 2019

1. WHO ARE THE MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMISSION? The Executive Commission meets once every two years in the year that the General Assembly does not meet .It consists of its office bearers as specified in paragraph 13.9 (a) and; along with Commissioners appointed by Presbyteries as reflected in paragraph 13.9 (b) of Manual of Faith and Order. 1.1. Approximately three months prior to the meeting of Executive Commission, the Clerk of Assembly

shall issue to each Presbytery Clerk forms for the commissioning of ministers and elders to the forthcoming Executive Commission.

Each Presbytery then elects its Commissioners to the Executive Commission in terms of paragraph 13.9 (b) of Manual of Faith and Order. 1.2. Completed forms detailing the names, addresses and telephone numbers of Commissioners and their

Alternates shall be returned by each Presbytery Clerk to the Clerk of Assembly (paragraph 12.6) not later than two months prior to the meeting.

1.3. Should any Presbytery find it necessary to appoint a substitute for a Commissioner unable to attend

Executive Commission, his/her name, address and telephone number shall be submitted to the Clerk of Assembly not later than 10 days before the Executive Commission convenes. Any substitute shall be accepted as a regularly appointed Commissioner when the Roll of Commissioners is amended upon presentation to the Executive Commission.

1.4. The onus of passing on Papers for the Executive Commission and other briefings or resources

supplied by the Clerk of Assembly to a substitute rests upon anyone who is unable to fulfil his/her commission. This should be done in consultation with his/her Presbytery Clerk.

1.5. On arrival every Commissioner shall report to the registration office. 1.6. Any alleged irregularity regarding the appointment of a Commissioner brought to the attention of the

Clerk of Assembly shall be referred to the Business Committee for examination and report to the Executive Commission.

1.7. Commissioning by a Presbytery obliges a Commissioner to be present for the whole period of the

Executive Commission. Leave of absence for any period must be applied for, stating reasons, through the person/s assigned to consider these applications. The Clerk shall report on each application to the Executive Commission and move that it be granted or otherwise.

Commissioners are encouraged to acquaint themselves with the rules by which the Executive Commission operates before coming to the Executive. These can be found in the Manual of Faith and Order chapter 14 and also here in the Standing Orders of the Assembly. 2. WHO IS REGULARLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE EXECUTIVE COMMISSION? 2.1 The association of Church members with the Executive Commission is in line with 12.68 of the Manual

of Faith and Order. The association of any particular person may be moved at the beginning of any Session of Executive Commission after consultation with the Clerk or Business Convener of Assembly.

2.2 Any fraternal delegate of a sister Church, local minister invited to bring greetings, representative of an

organisation, or individual invited to address the Executive, is for that purpose accorded the status of associate as defined in paragraph 12.68 of the Manual of Faith and Order, upon adoption of these Standing Orders.

Associates at the Executive Commission have the right to speak, but not to vote. Only Commissioners may vote. Associates may also not “move” a proposal on the floor of the Executive Commission. In terms of 14.16 of the Manual of Faith and Order; Associates and others who are not Commissioners must leave the Council when any business is conducted in a “private sitting.” 3. ORDERING OF DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED TO EXECUTIVE COMMISSION. 3.1 The Assembly Business Convener shall send to each Assembly Committee Convener and to the Clerk

of each Presbytery two months before the meeting a copy of the Preliminary Draft Agenda for the meeting of the Executive Commission. This agenda will indicate the day, session and order in which it

3

is proposed that the report be heard, discussed and decided upon and also the proposed time allocation.

3.2 The Convener of each Assembly Committee shall: (a) send one copy of the completed report to the Clerk of Assembly to reach him/her not later than three

months before the meeting; (b) submit to the Assembly Business Convener, to reach him/her not later than one month before the

meeting, written or telephonic motivation for: changing the place of a report on the agenda; changing the time allocated to discussion or decision on the report in the Assembly; REMEMBER It is not competent for a Convener to put into the proposal of his/her Committee a request to the Executive Commission to make funds available. He/she should deal with this according to paragraph 13.33 of the Manual of Faith and Order. 3.3 The Clerk of Assembly shall on receipt of each report:

a. review each proposal to ensure that its meaning is clearly expressed and that it is in proper form for printing in the Papers;

b. consult with the Convener concerned when an alteration to a proposal or other formal

document needs to be made to ensure that the meaning is clear and that it is rewritten in proper form for printing in the Papers;

Overtures and Petitions. 3.4. Clerks of Presbyteries shall submit to the Clerk of Assembly, by not later than three months before

the meeting (see 14.25 of Manual of Faith and Order), one copy of all Overtures and Petitions together with any related documents that have been transmitted to Presbyteries from Sessions and from individual members and other communications to be submitted to the EXCO. In the case of Overtures, a short report may be included if desired. These copies are to be forwarded as follows:

(i) one to the Clerk of Assembly; (ii) one to the Assembly Business Convener. 3.5. No Overtures or Petitions shall be considered unless the relevant provisions of the Manual have been complied with (including time frames). Reports. 3.6. The report submitted after the prescribed date will NOT be printed in the Executive Papers or in

Supplementary Papers. Instead the Clerk will report the matter to the Executive Council and the decision to listen to the report will be taken by EXCO. Should EXCO resolve to listen to the late report; the Convener of the affected Committee will then make copies for ALL commissioners.

3.7. No report will be considered as Supplementary unless provisions of the Supplementary report have

been complied with; i.e. an initial report has been submitted at an appropriate time and between the time of submission and 14 days between the Council meeting there have been some developments within the work of the Committee that warrant reporting to the Council. The report of the Assembly Business Committee is exempted from this rule

3.8. The Clerk of Assembly is empowered to examine Overtures as they are received. The Clerk then

recommends to the Assembly Business Committee how Overtures and Petitions are to be dealt with. When there is consensus between the Clerk and the Assembly Business Committee Convener, the Clerk makes a recommendation to the Executive Commission in his report

Applications from Presbyteries for granting status of minister emeritus 3.9. A copy of the Presbytery Minute supporting an application for the granting of the status of minister

emeritus must be sent to the Ministry Committee of Executive Commission and to the Clerk of Assembly three months before the meeting.

Returns to Remits 3.10. Clerks of Presbyteries shall submit two copies of Returns to Remits to the Clerk of Assembly not later

than the dates determined by Executive Commission. Assembly Papers and Yearbook 3.11. The Clerk of Assembly shall have all the foregoing documents printed and bound, prefaced by a

Content Index, the Preliminary Draft Agenda, these Standing Orders, the In Memoriam Minutes, the Roll of Commissioners with addresses, and the Changes in the Ministry. These shall be known as “THE PAPERS FOR EXECUTIVE COMMISSION”.

4

The supplementary reports, proceedings and an Extract of Executive Commission decisions will be published in the UPCSA Year Book.

3.12. The Assembly Office shall: 1. Distribute to all commissioners to the Executive Commission and to all conveners of Assembly Committees who are not commissioners;

a) the Papers in time for them to be read before it meets; and b) the minimum possible number of Supplementary Papers to commissioners immediately before it

meets and to conveners who are not commissioners as soon as is practically possible. 2. Place the Papers, the Supplementary Papers, and the final version of the Proceedings, the Decisions and the Remits on the website, each as soon as possible. 3. As soon as possible after the Executive Commission distribute to all commissioners and all conveners of Assembly Committees who were not commissioners copies of;

a) all the Decisions of the Executive Commission and b) all the Remits adopted by the Executive Commission, separately printed and identified.

4. Within two months after the Executive Commission to distribute to all conveners of Assembly Committees and to all Sessions a copy each of the annual Yearbook, which shall contain;

a) all the Papers and Supplementary Papers; b) all the Decisions of the Executive Commission (of which only one complete copy is necessary,

with the decisions affecting [a] Minister, Sessions and Congregations and [b] Presbyteries marked in different ways);

c) all the Remits adopted by the Executive Commission, separately printed and identified.

5. Send hard copies of the Yearbook and the Proceedings to all archival repositories. 4. APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES ACTIVE DURING EXECUTIVE COMMISSION 4.1. The Business Committee Each Executive Commission shall appoint a Convener of a Business Committee for the next Assembly, together with not more than six members to serve with him/her. The Clerk of Assembly shall be a member of the Business Committee. The General Secretary is an Ex-Officio member of the Business Committee. The members of the committee shall, where practical, reside in close proximity to each other. 4.2 The Records Committee This Committee shall examine the records of Synods, Presbyteries not within the bounds of Synods and Standing Committees of Assembly. They shall be reported on not later than the Session before the Closing Session of the Executive Commission. Records shall thereafter be attested by the Moderator and the Clerk or be dealt with as the Executive Commission may direct. 5. THE ASSEMBLY BUSINESS COMMITTEE’S ROLE 5.1. The Assembly Business Committee shall:

(a) in consultation with the Conveners of Committees arrange the order in which the business of Executive Commission is to be taken and in particular arrange with the Clerk of Assembly to have the Preliminary Draft Agenda printed and circulated with the Papers;

(b) consult with the Moderator and Clerk to decide how communications addressed to the Executive Commission through them are to be dealt with;

(c) make arrangements for: the distribution of documents; projection of presentations and

proposals, handling requests for leave of absence; appointment of a “Drafting Committee”; Elections Committee, scrutineers; vote of thanks; appointing of press officer; plans for next Council; translation of speeches; and the nomination and election of the Records Committee;

(d) report at the beginning of the meeting of Executive Commission regarding business

arrangements and personnel to be appointed to facilitate the meeting of Executive Commission, and be prepared to meet thereafter as and when required to guide the Executive Commission in its business;

5

(e) arrange for the meeting of “Insaka” groups during Executive Commission and advise commissioners on the appropriate words for proposals as well as the appropriate place on the Agenda of Executive Commission where the suggested proposal can be dealt with;

(f) do all it can to encourage the Executive Commission to communicate effectively, use its time

well and expedite its business in such a manner as may be well pleasing to the Lord; Drafting Committee

(g) appoint a Drafting Committee consisting of up to 3 members who will read the reports of each of the Insaka Groups and prepare, in consultation with those groups, a set of proposals for the Executive Commission’s Decision Session. The members of this committee must not be commissioners.

REGULATING OF DEBATE IN THE EXECUTIVE COMMISSION 5.2. The Moderator chairs the meeting of the Executive Commission, seated at a table set up at the front

of the Council. The Moderator is assisted by the Clerk (seated to the Moderator’s left) and the Assembly Business Convener (seated to the Moderator’s right). The General Secretary shall also be seated at the “Front Table”. The Minute Clerk/s are seated at a table to the left of or behind the Clerk.

Duties of the Clerk 5.3. The chief responsibility of the Clerk, during the meeting of the Executive Commission is to see that

the minutes are properly kept. The Clerk is assisted in this by one or two Minute Clerks appointed by the Executive Commission. The Clerk of Assembly supervises the process and makes sure that the Minute Clerk/s have all the documents they need to keep the minutes accurately.

5.4. The Clerk advises the Moderator on procedure, whether this relates to the rules of debate or to the laws of the Church.

5.5. The Clerk moves proposals with regard to overtures, remits and reports. Duties of the Assembly Business Convener 5.6. The Business Convener supervises all the “officers” appointed by Council to perform tasks except the

Minute Clerks who are supervised by the Clerk. 5.7. The Business Convener advises the Moderator on when notices of motion, overtures and all business

not listed on the agenda should be dealt with. 5.8. The Business Convener advises the Moderator or the mover of a proposal as to whether the motion is

competent in terms of the provisions of the Manual of Faith and Order. 5.9. The Business Convener advises the Moderator with regard to the time available for Executive

Commission to transact its business and may use proposals contained in paragraph 14.10 of the Manual of Faith and Order to help Executive Commission to handle its business more expeditiously.

5.10 Although the Clerk is responsible for advising the Moderator on procedure, the Business Convener

may also do so. 6. WHAT HAPPENS FIRST AT EXECUTIVE COMMISSION Roll of Commissioners 6.1. The Clerk of Assembly shall advise the Council of each apology and substitution. The Clerk shall

report on any allegation of an irregular commission. After the decision of the Assembly on these reports has been taken, the Clerk shall move that the Roll of Executive Commission commissioners be adopted.

Changes in the Ministry 6.2. The Clerk shall move the adoption of the report on Changes in the Ministry as printed in the Papers.

When the Council has satisfied itself as to the accuracy of the changes reported since the previous Assembly, it shall agree to adopt the report.

Report of the Assembly Business Committee: 6.3. The Assembly Business Convener shall report on, and move for the Council’s approval: (a) The Final Draft Agenda;

6

(b) His/her Committee’s nominations. (c) Standing Orders 7. WHAT SORT OF RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED AT EXECUTIVE COMMISSION? 7.1. The minutes of the Executive Commission shall contain a brief narrative where appropriate on the

conduct within any Session of the meeting and record of its decisions. 7.2. Where Executive Commission decides by consensus against a particular proposal, or where Executive

Commission chooses to “pass from the subject”, or where proposals are referred elsewhere, the manner in which the Executive Commission disposed of the proposals shall simply be noted alongside the number and subsequent proposals shall not be renumbered. The numbering of decisions of Executive Commission may be changed at any time by the Clerk of Assembly so that the decisions follow in an understandable way.

7.3. Proposals introduced by the way of Supplementary Reports or Notices of Motion should be numbered

in accordance with the above system. 7.4. The Decisions of Executive Commission shall be listed together as the “Decisions of Executive

Commission”, in appropriate order. Confirmation of Minutes 7.5. The minutes of the Executive Commission shall be recorded during the course of the meeting. All

except those of the last three sessions shall be distributed during the course of meeting, but none shall be presented to the Executive Commission for confirmation. The completed minutes will be distributed to all Commissioners within 30 days of the end of the meeting of Executive Commission and shall be confirmed within 60 days of the same date.

8. HOW DOES EXECUTIVE COMMISSION MAKE DECISIONS? The Role of Standing Committees 8.1. Executive Commission receives reports from Assembly’s Standing Committees. These reports contain

proposals for decisions that Executive Commission is being requested to make. These proposals constitute the beginning of the decision making process. Requests for action can also come in the form of Overtures and Petitions from Presbyteries or Sessions. Without these proposals, the process of decision making may never begin.

The Listening Session 8.2. The Convener of a Committee (or in their absence their nominee, or the Clerk of Assembly) is offered

an opportunity by the Council to present their report in the Listening phase of the Council’s meeting. This presentation may take the form of a speech, a video, a computer presentation or display. The aim is to showcase the committee’s work for the sake of celebrating what the Lord of the Church is doing in the midst of His Church. The proposals are not moved at this point, but their substance forms part of the presentation.

In the case of an Overture or Petition, the person/s appointed by the relevant Council is/are invited to

present the proposal. After the report is presented:

8.2.1 Clerk moves that the Council receives the report. 8.2.2. The Moderator allows for questions for the purpose of finding clarity. 8.2.3. Clerk moves which proposals are “T” and “M” (also allows change from “T” to “M” without any

debate but the “M” CANNOT be changed to “T”.) 8.2.4. Clerk then moves all T proposals as linked proposals for adoption. 8.2.5. Moderator informs Council that “M” proposals are to be dealt with in Insakas

The Discussion Session (including Insaka Groups) 8.3. Any report, having been presented to the Council during the listening stage, is sent by Executive

Council to Insaka Groups. Before the meeting of Executive Commission the Clerk shall, in consultation with the General Secretary, divide Commissioners into Insaka Groups of between 8 and 10 Commissioners in size and appoint a facilitator for every group from among the Commissioners. An Insaka Group is a group which shall meet on the days of Executive Commission to discuss reports of Standing Committees, Overtures, Petitions and such other business as the Executive Commission will instruct these to consider.

7

8.4. An Insaka Group will, at its first meeting, appoint for itself a scribe who will record the Group’s decisions and possible amendments. The Clerk of Assembly will prepare a list of proposals for the Insaka Group’s consideration. The Group will then discuss each proposal and record its consensus on each. Where the Group is not able to find consensus on a proposal, the reasons for this are stated in the Insaka Group’s report. Where consensus can only be found after the proposal is amended, then the amendment is stated in the Group’s report.

8.5. The Executive Commission may consider certain proposals, overtures or petitions which are regarded

by the the Moderator, Clerk, General Secretary and Business Convener as needing further discussion in a General Session. All commissioners are expected to attend these Sessions which are held in “open Council”.

8.6. The Business Committee shall appoint, in consultation with the General Secretary, a Drafting

Committee. The function of this committee shall be to study the reports from all the Insaka Groups as well as the content of General Session(s) and then draft a consolidated report and possibly a fresh set of proposals for the Decision Session.

The Decision Session 8.7. Only Missional proposals are dealt with at this level and these proposals shall normally be presented

by the Clerk of Assembly with the Convener of the relevant Committee assisting if required. The Clerk of Assembly shall move each proposal in turn and the Council shall decide by consensus.

8.8. Committees to which matters have been especially referred during the Executive Commission shall

deal with those references promptly and shall report as the Executive Commission may direct. 8.9. During a Decision Session, the Clerk of Assembly moves the proposal and then the Moderator calls for

an indication of the Council’s response. This is gauged through the display of indicator cards, each Commissioner showing either the colour “orange” to indicate support for or “blue” to indicate lack of support for the proposal as moved.

The Moderator considers the response of the Council to each proposal or group of linked proposals. If

there is no disagreement, consensus is announced either by declaring that the proposal is carried or lost by consensus. In each case, the Moderator declares the decision of the Council and this decision is recorded in the minute of the Council.

If the Moderator observes, from the display of the indicator cards, that there is no consensus on the

matter, the Moderator calls commissioners to discuss the issue. Amendments may be moved in the course of the discussion with the Moderator being the judge of when consensus is achieved. A decision is reached when any one of the following occurs:

(a) all are in agreement (unanimity); (b) most are in agreement and those who disagree are content that the discussion has been both

full and fair and that the proposal expresses the general “mind of the meeting”; the minority therefore gives consent;

(c) it is agreed that consideration on the matter be postponed; (d) it is agreed that no decision can be reached.

8.10. If the Council believes that consensus cannot be reached then it may, by a two thirds majority,

choose to use the formal majority procedures. Indicator Cards 8.11. The Council may use indicator cards for the purpose of communication between Commissioners and

the Moderator. Orange indicator cards may be used to indicate approval and Blue to indicate disapproval.

Formal Majority Procedure 8.12. The Council may, if it votes by two thirds majority, choose to operate by formal majority procedure.

This simply involves an indication of those in favour of a proposal and those against. After the votes are counted, the Moderator announces the Council’s decision.

Notices of Motion The use of Notices of Motion is discouraged. Any member of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa is free to communicate with the Clerk of Assembly or Convener of the relevant Assembly Committee regarding an issue that he/she would like the Executive Commission to take up. This may also be done with greater weight by means of an Overture or petition submitted by the member through the Session and/or Presbytery. The use of these procedures whenever

8

possible would limit the necessity for bringing to Executive Commission by Notice of Motion any matter that has not been previously examined in a Session, Presbytery or Committee of Assembly. 8.13. A member of the Executive Commission desiring to bring up a matter not covered by a proposal of

the appropriate Committee shall take the following steps: (a) he/she shall draft his/her notice on the Notice of Motion form; (b) he/she shall consult with the Convener of the relevant Committee or, if the matter falls under

no particular Committee, with the Clerk of Assembly, as to the substance and urgency of his/her notice.

(c) He/she shall submit the drafted notice to that person for signature and an indication of the attitude of the Convener towards the proposal;

(d) Notices of Motion to be presented at Executive Commission must be handed to the Clerk by morning tea (at the latest before lunch time) on the first day of Executive Commission. (NB this is the only opportunity where Notices of Motions will be received.)

(e) a single original copy shall be presented at Executive Commission upon giving notice. The Notices Secretary will then attend to the photocopying and circulating of the required copies;

Notices of Amendment 8.14. Notice of Amendment is not required in the Discernment Model of Decision Making. Commissioners

are encouraged to make their amendments in their Insaka groups when it is their intention to move a major amendment to any proposal of an Assembly Committee. No opportunity will be provided for Notices of Amendment as in the Formal Majority procedures. The Moderator will allow amendments from the floor in the Decision Session only when this seems helpful to finding consensus on the matter.

8.15 Any question as to the competence of an amendment shall be decided by the Moderator. 8.16. The Drafting Committee has the right to bring a completely amended set of proposals to the

Assembly each day after they have studied the reports of the Insaka groups and made every effort to reach consensus with those who have serious reservations about the issue under discussion.

Overtures 8.17. When an Overture is presented to the Executive Commission, the procedure then followed is that laid

down in the Manual of Faith and Order, paragraph 14.18 – 14.26. Time Limits 8.18. The timing of speeches is under the direct jurisdiction of the Moderator. 8.19. A Convener of an Assembly Committee presenting a report and moving its reception shall not address

the Executive Commission thereon for more than the amount of time allocated in the final agenda. 8.20. A Convener moving the adoption of subsequent proposals of a Committee shall not speak thereto

except when invited by the Moderator to do so. 8.21. Other speakers on a report, proposal or amendment shall not exceed five minutes each. 8.22. A member submitting an Overture or speaking to a motion, of which he has given notice, shall not

exceed ten minutes. 8.23. Others speaking to an Overture or a motion of which notice has been given shall not exceed five

minutes. 8.24. The mover of a proposal has five minutes to reply to the debate on his Motion when it is put as the

substantive motion. 8.25. Once the Moderator has signalled the end of the speech, the speaker may be given extra time only if

the Moderator has ascertained that the Executive Commission desires the speaker to continue. 8.26. The Assembly Business Committee Convener, in consultation with the Moderator and Clerk, may at

any time during the Executive Commission move the proportional lengthening or shortening of these limits according to available time.

8.27. The Executive Council shall meet in three “postures”, Listening, Discussing and Deciding. Each of

these is separate and the Moderator will clearly announce the moving from one phase to another.

9

8.28. In the Listening phase, the Council will be afforded the opportunity of receiving presentations on the

work of standing committees. There will be no debate or decision making during the Listening phase. 8.29. In the Discussion phase (Insaka Groups), opportunities will be offered for commissioners to discuss

reports in groups so as to search for consensus on each proposal. Amendments can be suggested. Each group will write a report for the Drafting committee who will then present a consolidated set of proposals to the Council for Decision.

8.30. The Business Committee may provide an opportunity for plenary discussion as well but only pre-

selected proposals will be discussed here. 8.31. A Decision Session will be held where proposals will be presented, discussed and consensus will be

sought. 8.32. No Commissioner shall, during the course of the discussion, employ speech that is of an insulting,

inflammatory or defamatory nature. 8.33. When several members wish to enter the discussion they indicate their intention to the Moderator and

then wait to be recognised by the Moderator. The Moderator in any case decides who shall have the floor at any time.

8.34. Any Commissioner to Executive Commission may make a written request to the Moderator for

corporate or shared prayer on an issue confronting the Executive Commission. The decision to accede to any such request shall rest solely with the Moderator, who will determine the form of the prayers and who may lead them.

8.35. No Committee, except by leave of the Executive Commission, shall continue to sit after the Moderator

has taken the chair. 8.36. The distribution of circulars and the making of announcements at Executive Commission must have

the prior approval of the Clerk of Assembly and the Assembly Business Convener. 8.37. Whenever a physical count of votes is taken, the number of abstentions will be ascertained and

recorded. Press Release 8.38. The General Secretary shall be responsible for all Executive Commission’s releases to the Press.

10

IN MEMORIAM MINUTES

Report to Executive Commission 2019 THE REV DONALD DOWIE Donald Ian Dowie was born on 21 September 1942. His father was the late Rev. Ronald Dowie, a former Moderator of the General Assembly of the PCSA. Don Dowie served in congregations in King William’s Town, Pietermaritzburg, Cape Town, Bloemfontein, and Kimberley. His first charge was as Assistant Minister at St John’s Presbyterian Church in Bloemfontein, where he met his wife, Anne Spencer, the daughter of the Session Clerk. Don was a most humble person who avoided the spotlight as far as possible. He was totally devoted to his Calling and would, for example, spend many hours by the bedside of the sick in prayer. He had a gentle character and was able to interact seamlessly with people from all socio-economic circumstances. As a Minister and as a friend, he was greatly respected and deeply loved. Don will be remembered, especially, for his preaching and teaching. He could recite entire chapters of scripture word by word, entirely from memory. Don had a special gift to provide expositional messages from Scripture, opening up its secrets to people from all walks of life. Therefore, his sermons and teachings were equally valuable to experts and laypersons alike. His management and administration was exemplary. Don’s physical health had been a challenge for many years, which condition he bore bravely and without complaint. Despite weakening in his last years, Don still managed to find the strength to provide support to individuals and families whenever called upon. During his final hospitalisation, he was at perfect peace in the Lord, fully knowing that his time in this world would soon be over. Don Dowie went to be with the Lord on 11 January 2019. He is survived by his wife Anne, two children, and two grandchildren. THE REV HANS MEYER Hans Jacob Meyer, minister of St Pauls Uniting Presbyterian Church, friend and counsellor to many. He claimed not to be a ‘people person’ yet when the chips were down in someone’s life, whatever the cause Hans was there ready and willing to help. He baptised many of the babies born to the member families, married some and conducted many funerals and memorial services. He served this congregation from 2005 until the untimely illness that led to his death. We have heard of his personal life from Mitzi, the ex-Mrs. Meyer and from the Moderator of the Highveld Presbytery Rev. Royden Blackwell of Hans’ service to the church. But who was Hans? He was a very private man, dedicated to serving his God and the church here at St Pauls, He loved every member, he loved us all, and this love was returned by the congregation especially when his retirement loomed over us, we met and unanimously agreed to approach Presbytery to extend his service for another three years. He will be sorely missed by all of us and very much so by the members who served as elders on the session. He was unselfish to the nth degree, even forgoing annual increases to his stipend and some months accepted his pay in instalments due to our financial constraints, he paid the rates and water and lights accounts when we were unable to do so. He made donations to various charities but his love was for this church and its members. Thank you Hans and farewell! Thank you from all of us. THE REVD AZ STUURMAN The late Reverend Agrippa Zolani Stuurman was born on the 17 April 1972 at small Mdeni Village under the Matatiele Magisterial district. He is the eldest son of the late Bangilizwe Count of Zinzita and Nontandabuzo Millicent Stuurman. He is born amongst the following six siblings who each passed on before reaching the age of six years: Nokuzola, Landiwe, Vuyisanani, Siyabonga, Wandile and Makwande (who were twins) and Shiyankosi. He started his Primary Education at Sibongile Primary School between 1978 and 1979 and his Higher Primary

11

Education at Mt Hargreaves Primary School between 1980 and 1984. He proceeded to Lugada Junior Secondary School for his Secondary Education between 1984 and 1986, and his High School Education at Magadla Senior Secondary School from 1987 to 1989. Perhaps, God had already started to whisper something in his ears because in 1990, when he was only 18 years, he decided to tie the knot with Nonceba Vernus Malangazana (uMaTenza). And, they were blessed with 4 handsome boy-Children: Mvikeli, Ongezwa, Siphe and Kuhle. Ongezwa and Siphe passed on before reaching the age of six. It was at this stage in life that he felt God was really talking to him, and he accepted his call to the Ministry but unfortunately, the church turned him down because he was underage. In 1991 to 1992, he worked for Maranatha Security Company in Port Shepstone as a security officer, just to while away time and to make ends meet as he had already started the family. Between 1992 and 1993, he pursued his old ambition of joining the Ministry and started with his Theological Studies at Federal Theological Seminary (FEDSEM) in Pietermaritzburg. He proceeded to the University of Fort Hare where he completed his Diploma in Theology from 1994 to 1995. In 1995, he was licensed as a Minister in the then Reformed Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa, and was ordained as a Minister at Glenbain Congregation in 1996. The church he served until his death. He diligently served the church in the following areas of responsibility: From 1997 to 2017, he served as an Interim Moderator in the following areas:

• Estcourt - 1997 • Pholela – 2000 • Vulindlela – 2010 • St David’s – 2017

Served as the Church Associations Convener: 2008 to 2019. Served as the Moderator of Presbytery of Drakensburg: 2014 to 2018. Served as the Clerk of the Presbytery of Drakensburg: 2018 to 2019

Between 1997 and 1999, he also served as Part Time Educator at Msunduzi Finishing School. He served as Chaplain for Department of Health at Ingwe and Kwa-Sani Municipalities under the then Sisonke District Municipality, between 2004 and 2005. In 2006 to 2007, he was employed by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) as an MEO and later, between 2008 and 2009 as an AAO under Ingwe Local Municipality. He ultimately served the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) as Senior Administration Officer for Umzimkhulu Municipality from 2009 until his untimely death. He has given voluntary community service to the Department of Basic Education in the following spheres:

• SGB Chairperson at the following schools: Glenbain Primary School: 1997 to 2005, Ixopo Village: 1998 to 2010 and Little Flower: 2003 to 2008

• Chairperson of Ixopo District Education Council: 1998 to 2010 • Vice Chairperson of the Regional Council for Pietermaritzburg Region (Department of Education &

Culture): 2000 to 2007.

Reverend Stuurman passed on peacefully on the 19 June 2019. He is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter in-law (Mihle) and two grandchildren, Bhelekazi and Ntando. THE REV WILLIAM IAN TURNBULL William Ian Turnbull was born on 10 March 1928, to Mary and John Turnbull. He was the second son out of four boys. William Ian Turnbull was the grandson of Rev William Turnbull who served the Upper Umgeni Howick community from 1889. He spent most of his childhood living in Witbank and then went to Maritzburg College and was a Boarder at Shepstone House. After high school he started working on the Coal mines, underground initially at Tweefontein and then moved to the Survey office where he obtained his Survey ticket in 1965. He took early retirement from the mines in 1987 and went into the ministry. He accepted a call as minister to the Welkom Presbyterian Church in May 1987. He was ordained as a minister after completing his studies in November 1990. Ian and Freida met each other whilst growing up in Witbank and were friends from a young age. They were married on 27 November 1954 after which came along their five children. Ian loved his family, all sport and fishing. One particular sporting passion was Golf and he played it well into his 80's. While living in

12

Southbroom he played with a group of friends who called themselves the Coffin Dodgers. Ian was determined after Freida had had a stroke that he would take care of her. He was selfless in his commitment to her throughout all their married life but even more so for the last 15 years of her life after her stroke. He bathed her every day, took over the cooking and the running of the house, buying groceries and ensuring that everything ran as smoothly as possible. He did all this while continuing to pastor the Trafalgar Presbyterian Church. Ian was Session Clerk at Witbank Presbyterian Church for over 25 years when he worked on the Mines in the Witbank area. He took early retirement from the mines in 1987 to enter the ministry. He had been studying through TEEC for a while at this stage. Ian and Freida left Witbank to take over the Church in Welkom in May 1987 where he was stated supply until his ordination at the age of 62 in November 1990. He served the Welkom congregation until his official retirement in May 1996. They moved to Hillcrest and he served as an elder at Hillcrest Presbyterian Church from May 1996 to November 1998 after which they moved to Southbroom where he served the Trafalgar Presbyterian Church from November 1998 until November 2011. They moved back to Hillcrest in December 2011 and joined Hillcrest Presbyterian again. Ian William Turnbull passed away on Tuesday 2nd October in Hillcrest. THE REV DIANE ALISON VORSTER Born 10 March 1942 (Durban, KZN) Died 22 May 2019 (Howick, KZN) The Rev Diane B.D. (New College, Edinburgh) M.Th. (UKZN) attended Gordon Road Girls’ School and matriculated from Durban Girls’ High School in 1958. She first trained as a nurse before training for the ministry, doing her General Nursing Training at Addington Hospital, Durban from 1959 to 1963. She did her midwifery training at Greys’ Pietermaritzburg from 1963 to 1964, her Intensive Nursing Care, Casualty, Accident and Renal Care at Johannesburg General Hospital in 1967 and Wentworth, Durban in 1968. She did specialised Intensive Cardio-Thoracic work at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Scotland and Guy’s Hospital, London. She continued with this specialised nursing at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town from 1970 to 1971 as Sister in charge. She completed her diploma to be a nursing tutor at Cape Town University from 1971 to 1972, and was finally the Sister Tutor of Intensive Care from 1973 to 1974. Diane did all of this before she started her training for the ministry in the PCSA. She commenced her training at New College, Edinburgh, one of the world’s great Presbyterian colleges, before returning to South Africa to start her post academic training, and was ordained in St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Benoni, in 1980. In 1982 she was called to Trinity Presbyterian Church, Dundee, where she would spend the next 25 years of her ministry. Diane will go down in history as the first female Assembly Moderator of the UPCSA, and even of its ancestors, the PCSA and RPCSA. As the second Moderator of the UPCSA, hers was a difficult term of office. She led the church during the early stages of the process of the PCSA/RPCSA union when there were still serious tensions in the relations of the committees of the two former denominations. The Presbytery of Amatola that she was assigned to tour was one of the most troubled sections of the UPCSA at the time. During her tour she made a substantial contribution towards the resolution of many problems in that Presbytery. She played very well the role of Pastor/Pastorum in that situation. Diane, of course, was a nurse and then rose quickly to be an expert in the Cardiac Unit at the famous Groote Schuur Hospital. All she learnt and taught in this life of healing and attention to detail became evident in her ministry in her intense prayerfulness and desire to see church and nation healed. That the major part of her ministry was in and around the territory of the Anglo-Boer war is also analogous to her involvement in spiritual warfare in her personal ministry as Parish Minister and at renewal conferences, days of prayer and joint festivals of prayer with fellow colleagues of all churches for the healing of the area in which she lived and worked and the nation as a whole. We were proud to see at the induction of Thabo Mbeki as President she was one of the Ministers asked to pray at the inauguration. As our fledgling church met for its second ever assembly in Gordon’s Bay it was to Di they turned for leadership when uppermost in all our minds was the need for reconciliation generally and the need to find the path to bring our two churches into the “glorious liberty of the children of God”. One other observable characteristic of Diane is that she had a conviction of her views and the boldness to express them. She did not fear to take a stand alone in a debate and express her views forcefully. Diane trained in Scotland and did an Honours BD in Old Testament Language, Literature and Theology and unlike many of us had to qualify after preaching on more than one occasion in an Assessment Exam supervised by

13

two members of the Divinity Faculty of Edinburgh. She certainly learnt well from these divines. Our “Lady Di” was always a person of quality. This was seen yet again in that while in Northern Natal she went on to complete her MTh at University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg. After 25 years Di moved to a completely different ministry at Mount Horeb, Polokwane - multiracial, urban, and busy. She testified that while we live in a very different world to the one into which she was ordained and serve a church that too is quite different from what it once was, it has been “one’s living relationship with the Father, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and the ongoing action of the Holy Spirit in one’s life” that sustained her and for which she gave thanks. Diane carried herself in a dignified manner that befitted a minister. She reflected dignity in the way she dressed, spoke, in her moral behaviour and in the standards of behaviour that she expected of other people. Diane was deeply committed to the UPCSA and its ministry. She was a steadfast and efficient person of great integrity, who had a very strong sense of duty and led by example. She did not break down or compromise when Christian principles were at stake. She was extremely compassionate and fair, a peacemaker, good facilitator and had both great wisdom and a sense of humour. She was a diligent minister, a very good listener and counsellor, as well as an excellent pastor. Diane showed evidence of her leadership abilities by being convener and member of many General Assembly Committees, and contributed a lot to the life and work of our denomination. MS NOMXOLISI GLORIA MZALISI (PAT Student) Ms Nomxolisi Gloria Mzalisi was born on the 8th of April 1967 by the late Nomthandazo Josephinie and Sigonya Mzalisi. She started her primary education at Msento Primary. She then proceeded to Siyabalala Senior Secondary School at Engcobo where she matriculated. After matric she started working at Mdantsane Sun. She got married to Alfred Makhosonke Mavume of KwaMbange at Engqeleni. She was blessed with four children, i.e Mthandeni, Kola, Xolo and Zimvo. She studied and was employed as a Prison Warder. While she was working as a Prison warder, she further studied Theology with the University of South Africa (UNISA). She then pursed her career in the Ministry and was admitted as a PAT Student in the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. She was given the opportunity to serve her probation at Gordon Memorial Congregation within the bounds of Thukela Presbytery in KwaZulu Natal from the 19th of January 2019 to the 25th of May 2019 where she was called to her eternal rest after a short illness. During her probation at Gordon Memorial Congregation, she was very dedicated in her work and loved the Congregation. Her service was within a very short space of time nevertheless she left a mark. She will be dearly missed by her children, her extended family members and the entire community of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.

14

CHANGES IN THE MINISTRY Report to Executive Commission 2019 Amathole a. Dr Ntsikelelo Katiya Congregation, Mdantsane : Rev JM Mpongosh b. Semple Memorial Congregation : Rev MC Magagane c. St Andrew’s Congregation, King Williams Town : Rev SO Loni d. Rev SD Gwala was transferred to Tiyo Soga Memorial in the Transkei Presbytery e. St George’s Congregation, East London : Rev BB Finca Central Cape Congregation J J R Jolobe Memorial Became vacant on 28 February 2019. Knysna Rev T Hawkridge appointed as from 1 October 2018 M E Bashman Memorial Rev A George was called as Minister as from 1 March 2019 Port Alfred Rev C Erasmus was called as Minister as from 1 January 2019 and was

inducted and ordained on 12th January 2019 St Andrews Walmer Rev I Williams was appointed as Stated Supply on 1 January 2019 St Barnabas Became vacant on 1 January 2019 when Rev Z Lalendle Retired. St Francis United Rev C Lotz was appointed from 1 April 2019 St James Rev A Magula was called as Minister from 1 March 2019

Drakensberg East Griqualand eGoli 1. The Rev John Gordon, having been appointed to the Pastoral Charge of Randpark Ridge United Church,

was inducted to this pastoral charge on the 23rd January 2019. 2. The Rev Dr George Marchinkowski having received a call from Somerset West Church was released to

the Presbytery of Western Cape on the 31st January 2019. 3. At a Special Presbytery meeting held at Meadowlands Presbyterian Church on the 20th January 2019,

Ms Matshediso Mosinki was licensed and appointed a Probationer at Meadowlands Presbyterian Church, from 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019.

4. At a Special Presbytery meeting held at St Patrick’s Presbyterian Church, on the 10th February 2019, Mr

Kanyiso Walaza was licensed and appointed a probationer at St Patrick’s Presbyterian Church, Diepkloof from 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2020.

eThekwini 1. The Rev. J Comninos was appointed to the Richards Bay Presbyterian Church for a period of 5 years on

09 June 2018. 2. The Rev. MV Tati was appointed to the Khayelihle Presbyterian Church for a period of 5 years on 11

August 2018. 3. The Rev. G Howse was inducted into the pastoral charge of the Alfred County Presbyterian Church on

26 January 2019. Highveld Lekoa Limpopo M’Chinga Rev Chala Alister Nakwenda Habasila took up the Charge at St Columba’s Presbyterian Church on 30th December 2018. Mthatha 1. The Revd N Nojoko having accepted the appointment from William Gavin Congregation he was Ordain

and appointed to that charge on the 13th January 2019 to the said charge.

15

2. The Revd Y Hlazo having accepted the appointment from V.V Dipa Congregation he was Ordain and appointed to that charge on the 10th February 2019 to the said charge.

3. The Revd L Ruka having accepted the appointment from D.V Skhutshwa Congregation he was Ordain

and appointed to that charge on the 10th February 2019 to the said charge. 4. The Revd T.N Jonga having accepted call papers from Lower Ngqwara Congregation, the council agreed

to release him, was inducted to the said charge on the 05 May 2019. Munali Tiyo Soga 1. Rev. T Ngalwana resigned from the pastoral charge of Ndakana Congregation as from the 30th April

2018 and was released into the care and discipline of the Presbytery of the Free State.

2. On the 20th May 2018, Rev. XA Mluma was introduced at Ndakana Congregation as an interim Moderator.

3. On the 1st September 2018 Rev. L Dick was introduced at Ndabakazi Nuclear Congregation as an interim Moderator.

4. The Induction service of the new Moderator of the Presbytery the Rev. XA Mluma and his executive took place on the 16th September 2018 at K. Manakaza Memorial Congregation.

5. On the 16th December 2018, the Rev. TL Noti was introduced at Duff Congregation as an interim Moderator.

6. Rev. L Madaka resigned from the pastoral charge of Duff Congregation as from the 31st of December 2018.

7. On the 13th January 2019 Rev. L Madaka was appointed and inducted at Gcuwa Congregation for the period of 3 years.

8. The Rev. C Makalima having completed her probation period was ordained and appointed to Mbulu Mission for a period of 3 years on the 03rd February 2019.

Tshwane

1. Rev Craig Morrison (UCC)was called by St Columbus Presbyterian Church at our Presbytery meeting of 17 November 2018 we welcomed his call papers and on 27 January 2019 he was inducted

2. Rev T Mpambani was appointed to Ga Rankuwa Presbyterian Church on a part time appointment and appointed on the 03February 2019

3. Mr Paskawabari was licenced on the March 2019 at St Francis Presbyterian Church

4. We received the following the following resignations to the Ministry of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa:

a. Mrs P Mogale–Aneto on a Special Presbytery held in St Columbus Presbyterian Church on the 04 December 2018. In her motivation for resignation she indicated that she wanted to be in the same spiritual home as her soon-to-be husband. Presbytery noting that there were no factors (e.g. outstanding loans etc) that prevented this received her resignation with sadness.

b. At the Presbytery meeting of 9 February 2019 we received a resignation of a Probationer who was eligible for a call at the very same time Mr J Liwewe resigned from Ministry because he could not find a Congregation and has already been offered a placement by another Church. The Presbytery accepted his resignation and requested the Ministry Committee of General Assembly to handle the arrangements.

Thukela i) During the Ordinary meeting of the Presbytery held on Saturday 3 November 2018 at Trinity

Presbyterian Church, two (2) letters of resignation were received from the Rev TW Sangweni i.e resigning as the Interim Moderator of Gordon Memorial Congregation with immediate effect and also resigning as the Minister in Charge of BW Zulu Congregation with effect from 26 December 2018. The matter was discussed in detail and the Presbytery resolved that Rev FD Mchunu will be the Interim Moderator of both Congregations.

ii) During the Special meeting of the Presbytery held on the 19th January 2019 at Gordon Memorial Congregation, the Presbytery licensed the PAT Student Mr Andile Nyawo and placed him at Endumisweni Congregation for his probation and PAT Student Ms Nomxolisi Gloria Mzalisi and placed

16

her at Gordon Memorial Congregation for her probation. Sadly Ms N. Mzalisi passed away on the 25th May 2019

iii) During the Ordinary meeting of the Presbytery held 2 February 2019 the Presbytery agreed to replace Rev FD Mchunu and appointed Rev DT Ntanda as the Interim Moderator of BW Zulu Congregation.

iv) During the Special meeting of the Presbytery held on the 16th March 2019 the Presbytery ordained and inducted Rev EJ Masikane at Msinga Congregation.

Trans-Xhariep 1. At the meeting of Presbytery held on 10 November 2018, Rev John Gordon was released from St John’s

Beaconsfield to the care and discipline of eGoli Presbytery. 2. At the Presbytery meeting held on the 10th November 2018, the pastoral ties of the Rev Rodger Tem

were severed from St John’s Batho Presbyterian Church in Bloemfontein and his credentials were transferred to Tshwane Presbytery.

3. At the Presbytery meeting held on 10th November 2018, the Rev Goba was appointed the Interim

Moderator of St John’s Batho Presbyterian Church. 4. In 2018, the Rev B Mshumpela resigned as the minister in charge of Ikgakgeng Presbyterian Church

and the Rev T Ngalwane-Nibe was appointed as the interim Moderator. Western Cape i At the meeting of the Presbytery held on 08 May 2018, the Presbytery accepted the resignation of the

Rev Dr Spiwo Xapile from the Pastoral charge of JL Zwane Memorial congregation. As the Rev S Xapile is now a Minister without Charge, the Presbytery granted the Rev Dr S Xapile credentials.

ii At the meeting of the Presbytery held on 12 June 2018, The Presbytery accepted the resignation of the

Rev TL Hawkridge from the pastoral charge of Somerset West United as from 30 September 2018 and severed the pastoral tie on that date. The Presbytery, at the meeting of the 09 October 2018, transferred the Rev TL Hawkridge to the care and discipline of the Presbytery of the Central Cape, as he was appointed Minister of Knysna Presbyterian Church as from 01 October 2018.

iii At the meeting of the Presbytery held on 14 August 2018, the Presbytery transferred the Rev J

Comninos, Minister without charge, to the care and discipline of the Presbytery of Thekwini to be appointed to the Pastoral Charge of Richards Bay Presbyterian Church.

iv At a meeting of the Presbytery held on 04 December 2018, the Presbytery appointed the Rev Daniel

Kitenge, a self-supporting minister, as Stated Supply to Maitland Presbyterian Church for one year, starting on 01 January 2019.

v At a Special Meeting of Presbytery on 03 February 2019, the Rev Dr G Marchinkowski was inducted as

minister of Somerset West United Church and his name was added to the Roll of the Ministers of the Presbytery of the Western Cape and the Peninsula Regional Council.

vi At the Presbytery meeting on 12 February 2019 Presbytery appointed Probationer Mr Andrew Snyders

to St Kiaran’s Presbyterian Church Fish Hoek from 1 January 2019 to 30 June 2019 under the supervision of the Rev MA Muller.

vii At a meeting of the Executive Commission held on 12 March 2019, the Executive Commission accepted

with regret the resignation of the Rev BM Croucher from the Pastoral Charge of Table View United with effect from 30 June 2019. The Presbytery granted Rev BM Croucher credentials as from 30 June 2019.

viii At a meeting of the Executive Commission held on 12 March 2019, the Executive Commission noted

that the Rev PR Chapman having come to the end of his appointment at Gardens Presbyterian Church would be moving to the Presbytery of Trans Xhariep to take up an appointment to St Andrew’s, Beaconsfield, Kimberley. The Executive Commission granted Rev PR Chapman credentials as from 31 March 2019.

ix At a meeting of the Executive Commission held on 12 March 2019, the Executive Commission endorsed

the Rev HL Kohler’s application for early retirement from 31 December 2019 and submitted it to the Trustees of the UPCSA Pension Fund.

x At a Special Meeting of the Presbytery held on 07 April 2019, the Presbytery ordained and appointed

the Rev P Moletsane to AMT Cawa Memorial Congregation in Philippi East up until 31 December 2019.

17

xi At a meeting of the Presbytery held on 09 April 2019, the Presbytery received the resignation of the Rev TN Chikanya from the ministry of the UPCSA and supported the Rev Chikanya’s application to withdraw his long leave fund and pension fund.

xii At a meeting of the Presbytery held on the 11th June 2019 The Clerk tabled applications for retirement

from the Rev Dr AJ Spence and the Rev EJ van Zyl, ministers serving overseas whose credentials had been granted by this Presbytery. It was agreed to accept these applications for retirement and to submit them to the Trustees of the UPCSA Pension Fund.

Zimbabwe

1. On 20 October 2018, the Presbytery of Zimbabwe granted Rev Shingie Masunda study leave or a period of four years with effect from 1 January 2019.

2. On 12 January 2019, Rev Garikai Mufanebadza was appointed to the charge of Mabvuku Presbyterian

Church for a period of five years. 3. On 12 January 2019, Rev Talkmore Chilanga was appointed to the charge of Mbare Presbyterian Church

for a period of five years. 4. On 26 January 2019, Rev Biggie Mususa was appointed on a part time basis to the charge of Warren

Park Presbyterian Church for a period of one year. 5. On 26 January 2019, Rev Garikai Gwangwava was appointed to the charge of Greencroft Presbyterian

Church for a period of five years. 6. On 26 January 2019, Rev Clarence Tungunu was appointed to Lovemore House of Studies as a Church

Development Evangelist for a period of five years. 7. On 9 February 2019, Rev Sam Ruzivo was appointed on a part time basis to the charge of

Sakubva/Dangamvura Presbyterian Church for a period of one year. 8. On 16 February 2019, Rev Tafadzwa Kasere was appointed to the charge of St Peter’s Presbyterian

Church for a period of five years. 9. On 17 February 2019, Rev Willingmore Mhlanga was licenced and appointed as a probationer to the

shared ministry of Khayelitsha Presbyterian Church and Robert Sinyoka Primary School for a period of one year.

10. On 23 February 2019, Rev Cleto Munaro was appointed to the pastoral charge of Sunnyside

Presbyterian Church for a period of five years. 11. On 9 March 2019, Rev George Simbanegavi was appointed as Chaplain to Chitemere High School for a

period of five years. 12. On 16 March 2019, Rev Pascal Sibanda was appointed as Chaplain to David Livingstone Memorial

Primary and Secondary Schools for a period of five years.

18

MINISTER EMERITUS

Report to the Executive Commission 2019

At the meeting of the Presbytery of Tshwane held on 11 May 2019, the following Ministers gave notice of their intension to retire:

1. The Rev Prof. GA Duncan requested to retire on 30th June 2019 as he will be 70 years old. This wasagreed.

2. The Rev A Cameron requested to retire on 31st March 2020 as he will be 65 years old. This wasagreed.

3. The Rev M Mohapi requested to retire on 31st December 2019 due to ill health. This was agreed.

PROPOSALS

1. The Executive Commission grants the Rev. Prof. GA Duncan the status of Minister Emeritus from30th June 2019 and a seat on the Presbytery within whose bounds he may reside.

2. The Executive Commission grants the Rev. A Cameron the status of Minister Emeritus from 31stMarch 2020 and a seat on the Presbytery within whose bounds he may reside.

3. The Executive Commission grants the Rev. M Mohapi the status of Minister Emeritus from 31stDecember 2019 and a seat on the Presbytery within whose bounds he may reside.

19

TRIBUTES TO RETIRING MINISTERS Report to Executive Commission 2019 THE REV ALAN CAMERON Alan Cameron was born on the 3rd of March 1954, the youngest of three boys. His dad was an elder at Mowbray Presby. His mom passed away when he was three years old. His father remarried and he became the middle of seven children in a blended family! Alan attended Rosebank Junior and Westerford High School in Cape Town and participated in the programmes of Youth For Christ, Scripture Union and Netherby Boys’ Fellowship. He was confirmed in Mowbray congregation under the ministry of Doug Crawford and Doug Muller. He matriculated in 1971 did national service and went to Rhodes University as a BA Student where he majored in History and Church History. This was a time of spiritual renewal and people like Pat and Calvin Cook and Dave Onions and SCA on campus played a key role. It was during this time that Rod Botsis and others confirmed a sense of God’s calling on Alan’s life. He interrupted his BD studies, working as a suburban train conductor in Cape Town for nine months to re-pay a student loan, having worked as a stoker in his varsity vacations to finance his studies. He subsequently served as Pastoral Assistant to Fraser Patterson and David van Duyker at St Kiaran’s, Fish Hoek having studied at the Bible Institute of South Africa in Kalk Bay and completed a BTh through UNISA in Practical Theology and Systematics and thereafter a MTh in Pastoral Theology at Stellenbosch. He applied and was accepted as a candidate for the ministry and was sent to do probation in Oranjemund in January 1984 because, as one of the Church Extension Committee members remarked, “they had heard that he liked reading”. The time in Oranjemund, an isolated mining community, was lonely and trying. However the support of his supervisor, Don Dowie in Gardens, Cape Town, carried him through this time. Alan was ordained in Feb 1985 and was subsequently called to St Andrews Witbank/Emalahleni in June1986. Alan served St Andrews with love and dedication but the members were concerned that their bachelor pastor wouldn’t get romantically involved with any eligible ladies in the congregation. Eventually a friend arranged a blind date with Cecile who was a Methodist. They were married on 20 April 1987 by Harry Munnings in Port Shepstone Their marriage has been blessed with three children: Ross, Jess and Caitlin. Alan’s family have been a stalwart support to him throughout his ministry with Cecile serving in youth and children’s ministry and the children in youth and young adult groups and the music team. Alan is particularly grateful that congregations he has served have whole-heartedly embraced his family, allowing them to be uniquely themselves. He’s also grateful that their children have a living faith in spite of (as he puts it) the excesses of their father’s personality. After Ross was born in Witbank, Alan took a call to Belville Presby where they stayed from November 1989 to December 2001. This was a happy time with the birth of Jess and Caitlin and a joyful and enriching colleague ministry with Rod Botsis. During this time Alan served as Clerk and Moderator of Presbytery and convened the Worship Committee of General Assembly. A call came from Trinity, Lynnwood, Pretoria, where Alan has served from January 2002 to the present. Trinity is a joint facility between Anglicans and Presbyterians and Alan has shared ministry with five different Anglican ministers and he feels that their Anglo-Catholic spirituality and ethos have challenged and enriched him. He has served the Presbytery as Moderator and the Denomination as Interim-Convener of the General Assembly Ministry Committee. In this time Alan and Cecile saw their children go through High School, University and the marriages of Jess and Caitlyn, both conducted by Alan, in 2019. He says the minister coped better than the father of the brides! Alan’s strengths in ministry have been in the areas of pastoral care and exegetical preaching. Alan is an avid reader with a remarkable ability to understand and competently explain the theological frameworks that underpin the writings, teachings or sermons of preachers, teachers and movements. This incisive analytical skill is a valuable gift from which many of his colleagues have benefited. Alan’s preaching is faithful to the text and he wrestles with the implications of “what the text is saying” to our lives today. To a great extent he is still that railway stoker – heating up the fire of faith through his diligent labour with the text. He is faithful in pastoral care and many have testified to Alan’s compassion and care particularly in times of loss and brokenness where he does not offer trite answers, but understanding support and deep prayerfulness. A few reflections on Alan from people who have known him: Rod Botsis (Colleague Minister in Belville) said “Alan is one of the best preachers the Denomination has known. He tackles Scripture right on the nose and is moulded by Scripture and conveys it fully. He does not mould scripture, but is moulded by it and conveys it with truth and grace.” Malcolm Brown (Session Clerk Emeritus of Trinity) wrote “Trinity Church members have benefited through Alan’s teaching and preaching the Word of our Lord, his ability to bring the congregation to a closer understanding of the Godhead’s love for us as well as his compassionate pastoring.” Rean Fourie:(former elder at Trinity) “At a critical juncture in my life, Alan introduced me to the Christ-centred reformed theology, which set my life in a radically new direction - resulting, in among other things, my ministry as a CDE in Rustenburg." Andries Combrink (Presbytery Colleague): “Faithfulness is the one word that describes my experience of Alan as fellow-minister: faithful to his Lord, his calling, his church and

20

denomination, his Presbyterian tradition and teaching and to the people entrusted to his care. “ Alan’s favourite passages are from Ps.51:7 “The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, You O Lord will not despise” and the encouragement given to Paul in 2 Cor12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness.” As he has reflected on ministry, his joy has been the journey that he has had with the congregations he has served undergirded by the centrality and sufficiency of Scripture and the witness of the Spirit thereto. He feels that baptisms, marriages and even funerals have been a particular privilege as he has shared in the journey of people’s lives. His other great joy has been the incredible partnership that he and Cecile have enjoyed and that she has been stalwart in her support of Alan, the ministry and especially their children.

We give thanks for Alan’s ministry, for one who has stoked the fires of faith with faithful teaching and diligent and sincere pastoral care. Our prayer is that the church will continue to benefit from his significant Biblical and academic knowledge combined with incisive analytical skills offered with wisdom, humility, compassion and grace.

REV GRAHAM ALEXANDER DUNCAN Graham Alexander Duncan was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1949, where he grew up and was educated. He became a Deacon in 1967 and was ordained to the Eldership in 1971 in his local congregation in Aberdeen: Northfield. Graham served as the congregation’s Presbytery Elder from 1972-1974. He received the degrees of Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Religious Studies (1971) and BD (Hons) Church History/Practical Theology (1977) from the University of Aberdeen. In 1971, he was awarded the Certificate in Primary Education (Merit) and the Higher Diploma in Religious Education (Distinction) by Aberdeen College of Education. He taught in Beechwood School in Aberdeen for the mentally and physically challenged for three years; and married Sandra Todd in 1973. They have three children. He was licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Aberdeen in the Church of Scotland in 1977 and was ordained a minister of the Bantu Presbyterian Church of South Africa (renamed the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa [RPCSA] in 1979) on 12 March 1978 at Burnshill Mission on receiving a call to be Missionary-in-Charge of the historic Lovedale Missionary Institution and minister of the Lovedale Institution and Lovedale District congregations which united in 1979. In 1979, he became Secretary/Treasurer of the Church of Scotland South Africa Joint Council and responsible for the sale and transfer of Church of Scotland properties and assets in South Africa. In 1982, he was appointed to the staff of Albert Luthuli College at the Federal Theological Seminary of Southern Africa (Fedsem) in Pietermaritzburg, where he was the Convener of the Practical Theology Department and Reformed Chaplain. Sandra studied theology at Fedsem and was awarded the Joint Board Diploma in Theology (with distinction) in 1984. Graham was also Moderator of the Presbytery of Natal from 1984 -1987 and served the Pietermaritzburg congregation. He served on many committees and commissions of the General Assembly of the RPCSA. In 1988, the Duncan family returned to Scotland and Graham was called by the Cumbernauld: Old congregation where he served for ten years. During that time he was a member of the Ministry and World Mission Committees (and a number of their sub-committees) of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. After returning to studies in 1995, he was awarded the degree of MTh in Missiology (with distinction) by the University of South Africa in 1997 for a dissertation entitled Scottish Presbyterian Church Polity in South Africa, 1898-1923. The award of a Chancellor’s Scholarship enabled him to study for the Doctor of Theology degree which was awarded by UNISA in 2001 with a thesis entitled Coercive Agency: James Henderson’s Lovedale, 1906-1930. In 1998, the Duncans were recalled by the RPCSA and Graham was appointed to the staff of the Faculty of Theology at the University of Fort Hare. He served congregations of Adelaide Township and Khobonqaba and Moderator of the Presbytery of Amathola. He was a member of the Special Commission on Union which brought the UPCSA into being. Following the union of the RPCSA and PCSA in 1999 to form the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA), Graham was transferred to the University of Pretoria which was designated as the main training centre for ministers of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA). From Senior Lecturer he was promoted to Associate Professor, full Professor and to Head of the Department of Church History and Church Polity in 2008, a position from which he retired in 2014. During that time he was awarded the degree of Philosophiae Doctor in Church History by the University of Pretoria for a thesis entitled Partnership in Mission: A critical-historical evaluation of the relations between ‘older’ and ‘younger’ churches with particular reference to the Church of Scotland. To balance the academic life, he became involved in a project of Pretoria Community Ministries (now Tshwane Leadership Foundation) in a ministry to male prostitutes in the Pretoria CBD. Teaching and Learning is his passion and was Programme Manager in the Faculty of /theology. In 2011 he was awarded the University of Pretoria’s Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education with Distinction, making him unique in being qualified to teach from Standard 1 through to doctoral level. He has successfully supervised 12 Master’s, 18 Doctor’s degrees and has mentored one Vice-Chancellor’s Post-Doctoral Fellow. He was chosen by the students as Lecturer of the Year by Faculty of Theology students and Church History and Church Polity the best department in the Faculty of theology in 2013. He has published three books, a number

21

of book chapters and over seventy articles. At present he is completing a history of the Bantu/Reformed Presbyterian Church and is in the process of working on histories of the Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa and the Uniting Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa In 2013, he was awarded a C rating as an established researcher by the National Research Foundation (NRF). For 18 years he has been an Evaluator and Chair of Evaluation panels for the Council on Higher Education (CHE); he was appointed to the Specialist Panel for Religion and Theology of the NRF in 2015. He is a member of the South African Missiological Society (SAMS) and the Church History Society of Southern Africa (having been its Vice-President, 2009-2012). All of the faculties of theology and departments of religion in South Africa have used him as an external examiner in addition to a number of colleges and seminaries. He was also a member of the South African Council for Theological Education. He was elected Moderator of the General Assembly of the UPCSA for 2004-2005. In all this time he has remained active in congregational work and has served a number of congregations in the Presbytery of Tshwane: Mamelodi East, St Columba’s, St Andrew’s, SAINTS and Highveld. He has served as Moderator of Tshwane Presbytery. His commitment to ecumenism is recognised in his membership of the Church Unity Commission (CUC) and the Theological Commission of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) during the 1980s. Currently he serves on the Senate of the Roman Catholic St Augustine’s College in Johannesburg where he teaches in addition to lecturing at the Baptist Theological College of South Africa, Randburg. He currently serves on the Theological Commission of the Church Unity Commission. During all this time, Sandra has provided strong support, through her work as President of the Women’s Christian Association in congregations where they ministered, and through offering hospitality to the many visitors received in their home. At the University of Fort Hare she was secretary to the Faculty of Theology. At the University of Pretoria she was liaison officer between the UPCSA Ministry Committee and the Faculty of Theology. She was responsible for the raising of the funds which provided for the establishment of the Sedibeng Trust from the estate of the late Isabel Lusk in Scotland who with her husband John had connections with Fedsem. She became the first manager of Sedibeng house from which she retired.

Throughout his vocational life, Graham has been an appointee of the General Assembly. He continues to be active in church, community and university life. REV MANTSI MOHAPI Mantsi John Mohapi was born on 6 April 1957 in the Bultfontein District in the Free State. He was the last-born of four children. His parents were elders and involved in the church and his granny was a devout Christian who had a very positive influence on the family. He went to High School in Witsieshoek Qwa Qwa where he began to feel a call into ministry. He was the leader of the school SCM and was positively influenced by Glen Craig who was the Interim Moderator of the local congregation. He matriculated in 1979 and after working for a year, entered FEDSEM in 1981 where he would study with, amongst others, Hosia Nkoana, Sipho Mtetwa, Tieho Letsheleha, Mamabolo Raphesu and Mafasa Nyama. With his studies completed in 1983, Mantsi married Nokuthula Khumalo and their children, Tshepo, Palesa and Boitumelo were born between 1984 and 1989. He was placed at St Paul’s KwaMashu for probation in 1984. This congregation had dwindled, but by Easter the services were packed. He was ordained in March 1985 and served KwaMashu until 1987. There are still warm relationships between Mantsi and past and present members of St Paul’s who remember him for a vibrant, caring and pastoral ministry. St Andrews Pretoria called Mantsi as a colleague minister to Michael Moore in 1987. This was the first cross-cultural placement in the then PCSA and Mantsi enjoyed a fruitful time of ministry with Michael Moore and Prof Rob Summers, playing a role in their Koinonia outreach and the 5 Loaves Restaurant – a defiantly desegregated restaurant in the heart of the capital. He was also involved in Mamelodi East congregation, the planting of the Mamelodi Gardens congregation and various exchange programmes. In 1990 the Mohapi Family went to the USA on a ten month exchange programme where Mantsi furthered his studies. On their return he continued to serve St Andrews until 1996 when he felt called to a different kind of ministry and entered the SANDF as a chaplain. Mantsi served the Defense Force for 21 years with diligence and enthusiasm. He started as the Senior Chaplain at Waterkloof Air Force Base but, after going through training in Leadership and National Security, he was moved to Air Force HQ where he was placed in charge of all Air Force Chaplains. In 2007 he transferred to the HR division of the SANDF to serve on the Chaplain’s Board where he ministered to the leadership of the Defense Force gave advice and guidance to the decision-makers, provided pastoral care and played a role in the recruitment and training of chaplains. During these 21 years Mantsi continued to be involved in the local presbytery. He has served faithfully in one

22

Presbytery for 30 years! He has been Interim Moderator to Mamelodi Gardens, Mamelodi East, Garankuwa, Mabopane, Hammanskraal, Soshanguve (twice) and Pretoria Central. He served as Presbytery Moderator for two years and served the General Assembly on Christian Aid and Church in Society Committees. Wherever he has served Mantsi is remembered for his enthusiastic preaching, his ability to build bridges and solidify teams, the way he enthused congregations (particularly in the area of stewardship), for the way he nurtured congregants and leaders and the way he has brought people, particularly men, back into the church. In paying tribute to Mantsi, his colleague, Michael Moore said that Mantsi was diligent and loyal and a joy to work with especially during the tough times of the late 1980’s. He also paid tribute to Mantsi for his vibrant family and the support they gave him. Glen Craig remembers Mantsi as a “real and humble Christian leader.” Past Session Clerks, Violet Mashao and Jabu Ngwenya remember him as a faithful and unifying shepherd who cared for the flock without favouritism and brought deep comfort at funerals. Jabu noted that when Mantsi was very ill in 2018, the flock really missed the shepherd. Fellow chaplain and colleague Zolani Makalima commented that Mantsi was known for his example, commitment and his robust preaching. In the Defence Force Mantsi will be remembered for preaching that was relevant and inspirational – his weekly “Chaplain’s Period” was always very popular. He was particularly trusted to handle funerals with compassion and empathy. For Mantsi himself, ministry and chaplaincy have been both a privilege and a joy. His sense of calling stems from the Great Commission to make disciples and his confidence has come from the Lord’s promise “I will surely be with you.” His highlights in ministry have been: His love of the local congregations he has served; the incredible support he has had from his children; the sense of service being a great privilege and the relationships he has enjoyed in the Presbytery. Tshwane Presbytery pays tribute to a minister who has served with distinction. He has played his part in the Presbytery in spite of a demanding load as a chaplain. He has served humbly and with gentleness. The fingerprints he has left in congregations he has cared for have been unity, enthusiasm and growth.

We thank God for the gift Mantsi has been to the Denomination and to Society through the SANDF and wish him well in his retirement.

23

24

Committee Reports

CLERK OF ASSEMBLY Report to the Executive Commission 2019 1. Introduction

This report covers the following points:

� Submission of Documentation for Councils of the Church

� Hosting of General Assembly 2020

� Consultation with Presbytery Clerks

� Guidelines on writing reports and minutes

� Tiyo Soga House

2. Submission of Documentation for Councils of the Church The perennial problem still persists with a number of Committees and Presbyteries still not submitting reports by due date. This obviously complicates matters as it means that it is very difficult to meet the deadlines. It also affects the Local Organising Committee and those involved with logistics as we did not even receive the names of Commissioners until well after the due date. This makes it difficult to plan important matters such

as transport and accommodation. Presbyteries and Committees are urged to consider planning their reports in good time. 3. General Assembly 2010 The Presbytery of Drakensberg has been approached to hold the General Assembly 2020 within the bounds of the Presbytery and they have agreed. At the time of writing this report a visit was planned for the ABC Convener, General Secretary and myself to meet with the Local Organising Committee as well as the viewing of the possible venues to host the General Assembly. 4. Consultation with Presbytery Clerks

At the Consultation of Presbytery Moderators, Clerks and Treasurers held on 3rd to 5th October 2018, the Clerk of Assembly had an opportunity to engage with Clerks of Presbyteries wherein the following were discussed:

How a Clerk and Moderator relate Constant communication – regular meetings. Share vision of the Church. Develop a sense of trust between the two. Present a united front. Moderator in return should consult and can request the meeting.

What is expected from the Clerks Know where we are and where we going to, Know the Manual of Faith and Order Committed to excellence Clerk as a Communicator Acknowledge receipt and communicate even if it is to say that they are dealing with the matter. Notices to be received from the Clerk of Presbytery.

5. Guidelines on writing Reports and Minutes I am very pleased to report that two of our retired Ministers, Douglas Bax and Alastair Rodger, have written, out of their own experiences, a very valuable booklet on writing reports and minutes in the UPCSA. A soft

copy of this was sent to all the Conveners and Presbytery Clerk. Hard copied are available at the Central office. 4. Management of Tiyo Soga House A move from the old offices in Parktown to Kempton Park took place in October 2018. All staff members have now settled well in the new premises which are more conducive. The building is pretty new with less maintenance needed that the old one. The premises are well looked after by a very dedicated general worker. WV MKHUNGO CLERK OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY

25

PROPOSALS 1. The Executive Commission receives the report. 2. The Executive Commission agrees to meet within the bounds of Drakensberg Presbytery. 3. The Executive Commission resolves that the next General Assembly will meet from the 28th June to the 3rd

July 2020. 4. The Executive Commission thanks the Revds. Bax and Rodger for the production of the booklet on the

minutes and reports writing in the UPCSA. 5. The Executive Commission notes that Tiyo Soga House moved to new premises on October 2019.

26

GENERAL SECRETARY Report to the 2019 Executive Commission

Nec tamen consumerbatur INTRODUCTION 1. The UPCSA is in the family of Presbyterian Churches that adopted the symbol of a burning bush and a motto: Nec tamen consumerbatur. The existence of the UPCSA for 20 years is a testimony to this ever vibrant and dynamic motto. The UPCSA has gone through turbulent times. By the grace of God, the denomination still exists. The UPCSA has been very busy, striving towards its ideal “To be a reconciled community of Christians exercising a prophetic witness to Christ”. It can be confirmed that the UPCSA is still alive and it is not consumed. 2. Since the last General Assembly, hands were on the deck, as all endeavoured to implement the resolutions that were taken at the Assembly. The office of the General Secretary has been busy with the coordination of the matters that pertain to the life and work of the UPCSA. Liaison has been done consistently with the Synods, Presbyteries, Congregations, General Assembly Committees and Church Associations, with the ecumenical partners and forums, and with societal structures. 3. This is a due diligence report which concentrates on the tasks that come from the last General Assembly and other meetings. It is structured along the two parts of the vision of the UPCSA. Part one is about being “a reconciled community of Christians”, while part two is about “exercising a prophetic witness to Christ”. The premise of the report is the ever present need for the UPCSA to pursue continuous improvement – kaizen. It will, towards the end, highlight important observations from our perspective and close with a note on legal matters. UPCSA AS AN ORGANISATION 4. At the 2017 Executive Commission, we presented the case of a healthy organisation in relation to the UPCSA. We continue with that pursuit at this Executive Commission with an emphasis on the need for continuous improvement. The Japanese use the word – kaizen, good change – for continuous improvement. A growing and a healthy organisation is continually in search of better ways to do their business/work. That quest is driven by a constructive dissatisfaction with the status quo, no matter how good the firm is perceived to be. The status quo should always be viewed as the mess that we are in and we should seek ways out of that mess. For continuous improvement to bear fruits, all those in the leadership should share a common vision of the organisation, have shared goals and strategic plan, with a shift to long term mind set. There must be a consistency in purpose. Leadership has to walk the talk. The organisation has to focus on “fire prevention” rather than “firefighting”. A RECONCILED COMMUNITY OF CHRISTIANS 5. The UPCSA has positioned itself as a reconciled community of Christians. The whole denomination should strive for this. The Tiyo Soga House staff, thus, coined a focus for 2019 as “building a community” and this was approved at the General Assembly. We are going to continue with this focus in 2020, as it appears that there is so much that still needs to be achieved. We are, here below, going to give the highlights (and even the low lights) over the period under review. We will share some observations later in the report. WORKING WITH THE PRESBYTERIES 6. Close Relations with Presbyteries. The office maintains close contact and good working relations with the Presbyteries. We responded to invitations to be part of the Presbyteries when they conducted important services, including ordination and/or induction of minsters, dedication of buildings, celebrations of the UPCSA 20th anniversary. It is exciting to witness the rich diversity of the UPCSA, as Presbyteries do not do things the same way. In the services, the depth of the spirituality of the denomination is experienced, as demonstrated, inter alia, by the good attendance by many congregations, the high level of preparation, the good quality of sermons, and the enthusiasm shown by the congregations, as they welcome their new ministers. 7. Efforts towards a Reconciled Community. We also participated in efforts to achieve the ideal of a reconciled community of Christians through team building exercises, healing and reconciliation, leadership capacity building, refocusing for effective missional enterprise. We assisted the Priorities and Resources Committee to facilitate the consultation for Moderators, Clerks and Treasurers of all the Presbyteries in October 2018 and towards the successful holding of the Ministers’ Retreat in February 2019. Both the events were held at eMseni Christian Centre. The Priorities and Resources Committee will cover these adequately in their report. 8. Mediation as a Conflict Resolution Mechanism. The call for applying the mediation process has found resonance with a number of Presbyteries. As a result, there has been relative peace and stability in many of the Presbyteries. A number of issues are dealt with before they are escalated to higher levels of the denomination. There are few cases which could not be resolved at Presbytery level and which had to be referred to the AARP. The AARP is handling these and will report accordingly. The point we want to emphasis here is a further appeal to Presbyteries to trust and give the mediation process a chance, towards building a reconciled community. Where the parties in a dispute engage in mediation in good faith, good results have been seen. 9. The Establishment of the Gender Desk and the Youth Desk. A consultation was held to discuss the establishment of the Gender Desk and the Youth Desk. The attendance was good and few Presbyteries were not represented. Some of the participants have already started with the implementation. It is exciting to enquiries from Presbyteries on this matter. The questions that have been asked have helped us to compile and share some guidelines on the workings of the two desks. We are going to follow up with all the Presbyteries to ensure that this part of the Church’s life and work is given attention.

27

10. Consultation on the Logistics and Finances for the UPCSA 20 Celebrations. As one of the attempts to journey together with the Presbyteries, a special consultation was convened with the view to ensure that all are on board. The attendance was good and the outcome was positive. 11. Participation of the Presbyteries in the Writing of the UPCSA 20 Story. As the UPCSA celebrates its 20th anniversary, the Presbyteries are engaged to participate in a project called “Let us tell the story of the UPCSA together”. The deadline for the submission of the inputs was set as the 31st May 2019. By the 12th of July 2019 only 5 presbyteries had submitted the reports. The reports will be collated and the information will be shared with the relevant committees to build action plans to address the areas of concern. 12. The Presbyteries had been advised to participate in the operationalisation of the UPCSA strategic plan by adapting all or some of the aspects of the plan to their individual plans. To date, no Presbytery has given a confirmation that this has been done. In actual fact, no Presbytery has, so far, produced a plan, with or without the inclusion of the elements of the UPCSA strategic plan. Many Presbyteries have not complied with the requirement to submit returns after the February Presbytery meetings. For example, only uThukela Presbytery has submitted the full set of the Appendix D (3), as a proof that the February meeting was devoted to the administration of the life and work of the Presbyteries and the congregations. WORKING WITH THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEES 13. There is good cooperation and collaboration between the Central Office and the Committees of the General Assembly. 13.1 The Office has assisted to facilitate the logistics for all the meetings of the Committees. A consultation of all

the General Assembly Committees was held in October 2018, where the Office supported the Assembly Business Committee and the Priorities and Resources Committee in coordinating the event.

13.2 In collaboration with the Priorities and Resources Committee, a ministers’ retreat was held at eMseni Christian Centre in February 2019 and it was a great success.

13.3 The committees have been invited to participate in the “Let us tell the story of the UPCSA together” project. By the 12th of July, only two Committees had submitted their inputs. It is hoped that by the time of the Executive Commission, all the committees will have submitted.

EXERCISING A PROPHETIC WITNESS TO CHRIST 14. This element of the vision calls the UPCSA into action. The UPCSA has to live up to this high ideal. This has to be a commitment of all in the denomination. From the perspective of the Communications Committee, we are working with the conveners of the Doctrine Committee, Ministry Committee and Mission and Discipleship Committee, with a view to establish what should be considered as the basic tenets of the UPCSA faith, which should be shared by every member of the denomination. It is considered that such basics should be used to prepare people for the membership, so that they are able to articulate their faith in every place and be able to exercise a prophetic witness to Christ. Indeed if the church is to speak truth to power, it is imperative that truth must be spoken to the church, first. 15. The UPCSA, in its Manual of Faith and Order presents certain declarations, statements and vows, which should serve as guidelines to align the members of the denomination with what is supposed to be the core of its spirituality. They are mentioned below, without exposition. 16. The UPCSA adopted the Declaration of faith for the Church is Southern Africa, which is captured here below.

We believe in the one true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe in the Father, who created and rules all the world, who will unite all things in Christ and who wants all his people to live together as brothers and sisters in one family. We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son, who became human and lived and died and rose in triumph to reconcile both the individual and the world to God, to break down every separating barrier of race, culture or class, and to unite all God's people into one body. He is exalted as Lord over all, the only Lord over every area of life. He summons both the individual and society, both the Church and the State, to seek justice and freedom for all and reconciliation and unity between all. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the foretaste of God's coming reign, who gives the Church power to proclaim the good news to all the world, to love and serve all people, to strive for justice and peace, to warn the individual and the nation of God's judgement and to summon them both to repent and trust and obey Jesus Christ as the King who will come in glory.

17. The UPCSA has a set of vows that are made by certain people at certain occasion. Below are extracts from those sets of vows:

Vows declared and signed by a Minister on Ordination Induction or Appointment to a Pastoral Charge With God's help I commit myself to study the Scriptures faithfully, to give myself to daily prayer, to live a holy life, to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, to be diligent in pastoral care, and to respect the confidentiality of all personal confessions and confidences shared with me, so that God may use me to spread the gospel and build up the Body of Christ.

28

Vows declared and signed by an Elder on Ordination and/or Induction With God’s help I undertake to be regular in worship, faithful in the study of Scripture and in prayer, and holy in my own life, so that I set an example to all. I will share with diligence and compassion in the spiritual oversight and discipline that the Session exercises in the congregation and serve the people entrusted to my care faithfully, so that God may use me to build up the Body of Christ. The Faith of the Church. In all things I will seek to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, the good Shepherd who loves and cares for his flock. Vows declared and signed by a Lay Preacher on being set apart With God’s help I undertake to be regular in worship and faithful in the study of Scripture and in prayer, to live a holy life, to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour so that God may use me to spread the Gospel and build up the Body of Christ. To this end, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, I will seek to develop the gifts and skills I need for preaching the gospel.

18. The UPCSA should encourage and enable ministers, elders, lay preachers to have regular sessions where they discuss the meaning and the implications of these vows and how the vows call and propel all of us to exercise a prophetic witness to Christ. Our societies continue to poke our conscience and consciousness as a worshipping community. It is sad that as we look at the societies, we see ourselves – as the church has unfortunately become a microcosm of the society. The vows are adequately worded. We have to put the words into practice. We need to have a full understanding of what it means to “proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour” in an unequal, unjust, corrupt and broken world. We need to understand the gospel message to the nonpersons of our world, the marginalised and effaced people. How does our life become holy when another person is deprived of and denied life? What happened to the liberating power of the gospel? How do we build the body of Christ when we still other some of the supposed-to-be members of the body? MISSIONAL ORIENTED AND HOLISTICALLY DEVELOPED MINISTRY 19. One of the goals in our strategic plan is about the UPCSA having a missional oriented and holistically developed ministry. The Ministry Committee and the Mission and Discipleship Committee had been tasked to work on this area. There is need for such ministry. The availability of ministers would be an important step towards that. It is observed that the UPCSA is currently experiencing a serious shortage of ministers, especially white ministers. This already has adverse effects on the provision of ministry. It is imperative that the UPCSA addresses this matter. In that regard, the Ministry Committee should be urged to do scenario planning on the provision of ministry and utilisation of ministers on a short, medium and long term bases and present at the next General Assembly. As this task is undertaken, there should also be a consideration of the changing dynamics in our congregations, especially the demographic and financial changes. OBSERVATIONS 20. Implementation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting. The UPCSA has built sufficient theoretical framework to execute its work. It is time that we should focus on implementation. The Assembly Business Committee and the Priorities and Resources Committee have been given a task to follow on the implementation of the decisions of the General Assemblies and Executive Commissions through monitoring, evaluation and reporting. The two committees should be encouraged to present a comprehensive report at the next General Assembly on where the UPCSA stands in terms of implementation. 21. Governance, Responsibility and Accountability. The UPCSA has to work hard in the areas of governance, responsibility and accountability. Some of the concerns have been raised above and they include non-availability of plans at the level of Presbytery - let alone congregation, non-implementation of the decisions of the General Assembly, failure to submit the returns, failure to comply with submission dates. The office will be working robustly on these areas after the Executive Commission. 22. It is, however, observed that the UPCSA does not have a strong centre to which the structures should account. Many of our presbyteries are struggling to provide proper governance. Some of the presbyteries do not have executive committees. At the level of the General Assembly, there is not executive structure. This absence of the executive structure also becomes a challenge when there is need for the UPCSA to take urgent decisions, as we relate with other denominations, as we belong to certain ecumenical bodies, and as we are a church in societies. 23. We should avoid the situation that is described by William Butler Yeats in his poem - Second Coming, where he says, “Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, the blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere the ceremony of innocence is drowned;…” The Priorities and Resources Committee should be requested to work on this and present a report at the 2020 General Assembly. That task should include an investigation of how to enhance the capacities of presbyteries and congregations to deal with administration, leadership, management and spiritual issues. 24. The Faith and Spirituality of the UPCSA. It has also mentioned above that we work with different committees of the General Assembly to point at the essential aspects of our faith. The world that we exist in and that we are sent to as the church is dynamic. We therefore need to have a clear understand of the faith and the spirituality of the UPCSA. We are, for example in the 15th year of the Accra Confession, which has helped us to understand the world that we live in much better. Here is an extract from the Confession:

Yet, as we listened to the voices today from our global fellowship, we discovered the mortal danger of repeating the same sin of those whose blindness we decried. For today’s world is divided between those who worship in comfortable contentment and those enslaved by the world’s economic injustice and ecological destruction who still suffer and die. We perceive that the world today lives under the shadow of

29

an oppressive empire. By this we mean the gathered power of pervasive economic and political forces throughout the globe that reinforce the division between the rich and the poor. Millions of those in our congregations live daily in the midst of these realities. The economies of many of our countries are trapped in international debt and imposed financial demands that worsen the lives of the poorest. So many suffer! Each day, 24,000 people die because of hunger and malnutrition, and global trends show that wealth grows for the few while poverty increases for the many. Meanwhile, millions of others in our congregations live lives as inattentive to this suffering as those who worshipped God on the floor above slave dungeons… In today’s world the divisions between the North and the South, the rich and the poor, and the powerful and the powerless, grow sharper and seek to isolate us from one another. That’s why mission requires us as churches to belong more deeply to one another, overcoming those divisions through the work of God’s Spirit as an evidence of the hope that is offered to the world. In our inclusive fellowship here in Accra, we have experienced a taste of this hope and seek to share it with you. (Accra Confession 2004: 2)

25. The UPCSA should continue to encourage its ministers and members to implement the tenets of the Accra Confession and other confessions that assist the church to exercise a prophetic witness to Christ. We have to clearly articulate the stand of the UPCSA in light of this and many other realities that should help us realise and understand our faith and spirituality. Does the UPCSA foster faith and spirituality of enslavement or faith and spirituality of liberation? If we subscribe to that latter, where are the signs, the testimonies? It is imperative that the Priorities and Resources Committee should pursue this in conjunction with the Doctrine Committee and other relevant committees and report at the 2020 General Assembly. 26. The Transnational Church. We have to remind the members of the UPCSA that this denomination operates in three countries, namely Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. As the Lord leads, soon we will in the Democratic republic of Congo. The transnational character of the church should therefore be in the DNA of the UPCSA, not a by-the-way. There must be a demonstration of a reconciled church, not just in theory but in practice. The Priorities and Resources Committee is working on this issue more will come from their report. TIYO SOGA HOUSE 27. The report of the Church office Committee covers the issues pertaining the life and work of the Tiyo Soga House. We are committed to provide effective and efficient service as the Lighthouse of a reconciled community of Christians. LEGAL MATTERS 28. Mpolweni Land Transfer. The matter of transferring the Mpolweni land is underway. It is being handled by the Department of Rural development and Land Reforms, the Mpolweni Community, the Presbytery of Drakensberg (working with the Central Office) and the J Leslie and Smith lawyer. It is hoped that a final report will be presented at the 2020 General Assembly. 29. Property Matters. The matter involving property belonging to Tiyo Soga Memorial Congregation in the Western Cape will be heard by the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein on the 27th August 2019. An update will be given verbally at the Executive Commission. The Rainy Congregation is still pending. We are still waiting for a direction from the lawyers. The Ross Congregation matter was put to rest. CONCLUSION 30. Despite all the challenges, the UPCSA is still alive and active. Nec tamen consumerbatur. The denomination plays a prominent role at the ecumenical space, as it shall be reported during the presentation of the Ecumenical Relationships Committee report. The pursuit for continuous improvement is a mark of a healthy organisation. We should all have the quest for continuous improvement, if the UPCSA is not to be seen as an absent church at a time when the presence of the church is need much in our societies. 31. The General Assembly Committees and the Presbyteries are important structures for the implementation of the decisions of the General Assembly and the Executive Commission. It is therefore important to ensure that the capacities of the Presbyteries are enhanced. It is also important to strengthen the centre, so that it holds, in order to avoid anarchy. The governance and accountability issues are very important, if we are to continue as a credible organisation whose integrity is held high. THE REV LUNGILE MPETSHENI GENERAL SECRETARY PROPOSALS 1. The Executive Commission receives the report. 2. The Executive Commission notes that the Tiyo Soga House will continue with the focus area of “Building a

community” and encourage all the structures of the denomination to support the focus area. 3. The Executive Commission urges the Ministry Committee to

a. study the changing dynamics of the environments in which the congregations and presbyteries operate, especially the demographic and financial changes; and

b. present a report to the 2020 General Assembly on the planning and the provision of ministry and the utilisation of ministers, on short, medium and long term bases.

30

4. The Executive Commission urges the Assembly Business Committee and the Priorities and Resources Committee to present a comprehensive report at the next General Assembly on where the UPCSA stands in terms of the implementation of the decisions of the General Assemblies and Executive Commissions, especially the UPCSA strategic Plan.

5. The Executive Commission requests the Priorities and Resources Committee to

a. explore ways of strengthening governance and accountability at all the levels of the denomination; b. work with the presbyteries to enhance the capacities of presbyteries and congregations to deal with

administration, leadership, management and spiritual issues; and c. report at the 2020 General Assembly. 6. The Executive Commission requests the Priorities and Resources Committee and the Doctrine Committee to

work towards providing a clear understanding and articulation of the faith and spirituality of the UPCSA, taking into consideration the contents of paragraphs 24 and 25 of the report.

7. The Executive Commission notes that the process of transferring the Mpolweni land to the residents is

underway and that a final report will be given at the 2020 General Assembly.

31

GENERAL ASSEMBLY WORKING GROUP ON ASSOCIATIONS Report to Executive Commission 2019

1. In Isaiah 43: 18-19 we read “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a

new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and

streams in the wasteland.” These words express the grace and forgiveness of God towards the people

of Israel who constantly forsook and displeased God with their disobedience and reluctance to follow

His will. God, in these verses, calls them to not fixate on the past but to embrace a new prosperous

and blessed future.

2. The Church Associations conflicts and challenges have been with us in the UPCSA for more than 15

years. It has created a lot of pain, hurts, confusion and divisions virtually at every level of our

denomination: families, Sessions, Congregations, Presbyteries, Synods and General Assembly. It has

taken a huge amount of time, effort and resources to attend to the issues and to broker peace and

unity. And, now, by the grace of God we find ourselves in a rather miraculous and joyful place as we

look forward to the establishment of 4 new Associations with the merging of the 8 that are currently

found in the UPCSA. This, of course, does not include the Association for Church Choirs and

Musicians.

3. In the spirit in which we are found some may not be able to resist the temptation to go back into the

past or even leave the past behind us. Our call is not to forget where we have come from and what

we have been through but there is an even greater calling that the Isaiah text confronts us with; the

ability to exercise grace and forgiveness and to step out in faith with God into a new future filled with

hope, promise and prosperity. This is the future we joyfully anticipate in the continued work, witness

and life in and through the UPCSA. Indeed, God says to us as He did to the people of Israel: “Forget

the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you

not perceive it.”

4. Whilst it is the aim of this report to capture the celebratory nature of the context in which we have

been drawn into, it is also imperative that we outline some of the processes and events that have

directed our journey to this point. Hence, what follows is a brief narrative of the sojourn. However,

the intention is not to provide detailed information since we have done this in our reports to the

General Assembly or Executive Commission since 2014. The idea is to offer a synopsis highlighting

some of the major developments in the journey. For the sake of easy reference, we will repeat some

information from previous reports.

A brief summary of the journey

5. The UPCSA took a very pastoral approach to addressing the issues of conflict among the Church

Associations within the denomination. When we struggled to reach consensus on a way forward, the

General Assembly in 2012 decided to engage the mediation services of two people sent to us at our

request, one from the PC (USA) and the other from the All Africa Consultation of Churches. These two

external mediators were very helpful, although they did not succeed in resolving the conflicts; they

offered a number of suggestions to address the impasse. These suggestions were redrafted, in

consultation with the 8 Associations, and brought to the 2014 General Assembly as

recommendations.

6. The 2014 General Assembly passed the following resolutions with regards to the Church

Associations:

a) agrees that for the sake of the unity of the UPCSA we should not compromise the Basis of the Union at any cost. Going back to adjust the Basis of the Union to the interest of the different groups can be dangerous to the life of the Church and can create larger conflicts in the Church;

b) instructs the Clerk of Assembly to make the Basis of the Union documents available to Presbyteries and Congregations (as an appendix to the Manual of Faith and Order).

c) the Assembly strongly calls all members of the UPCSA, its Associations, ministers and elders to uphold the Basis of the Union as their mutual covenant with one another before God and God’s people, to respect and maintain it without prejudice towards any people, and to adjust any other documents in the Church (UPCSA) to its principles.

7. In addition to the above mentioned decision, The same Assembly appointed the General Assembly Working Group on Associations (GAWGA) with the following clearly set terms of reference:

i) To organize meeting points for (representatives of) the two groups of the Associations to interact

in all possible ways, to help build their relationship towards unity. Such coming together should

32

be at least every six months, or more often as deemed necessary. ii) To look at the role and function of the Church Associations and formulate this into a common

Constitution using the existing constitutions, without being restricted to them, addressing the issue of uniforms, and other such details pertaining to Associations.

iii) To facilitate the interaction of the Associations at Presbytery and congregational levels; iv) The Working Group is to report every year during this time period to the General Assembly or

Executive Commission on the progress being made, and v) In the third year to conduct a final comprehensive review and report to the 2018 General

Assembly.

8. The Assembly appointed the following to serve on the GAWGA: The Revs. Rod Botsis and Jerry Pillay

(as co-conveners), the Moderator of General Assembly , the General Secretary (Rev L. Mpetsheni),

the convener of the Assembly Church Associations Committee (Rev L. Mshumpela), and requested all

8 Associations to appoint a representative to serve on the GAWGA. The following people were

appointed by the respective groups to complete the membership of the Committee: Rev S. Ncapayi

(UPMF), Rev L.P. Obose (MCG), Rev B. Hans (UPWF), Rev A. Nyoni (JBWW), Mrs S. Sontange

(UPWW), Ms S. Ndima (IYZA), Mr V. Letuka (YF), Mr M. Maxamba (YA).

9. There were some changes encountered in the membership of the GAWGA: The late Rev L. Obose was

replaced by the Rev M. Magagane at the nomination of the Men’s Christian Guild (MCG). By virtue of

the change of office, the Rev S. Zungu replaced Rev L. Mshumpela as the new convener of the

Assembly Church Associations Committee. In 2019 Mrs Sontange resigned from the GAWGA and the

UPWW replaced her with Mrs Nozuko Qina. The co-convener, The Rev Rod Botsis, resigned in July

2018 for health reasons. The GAWGA decided that the Rev. Prof. Jerry Pillay would continue as the

only convener. 10. It is clear from the above that the 2014 General Assembly made a very definite decision on the way

forward with the situation we have been facing with regards to Church Associations since 2003. It

decided that all 8 Associations should be brought into 4 organisations with a single organisation for

women, men, youth and young women, respectively. With this objective in mind, the GAWGA (AWG

from hereon) set about its work immediately after the 2014 General Assembly.

11. Our reports to the General Assembly/Executive Commissions since 2014 have provided details about

the meetings, decisions and work of the AWG. It also records our meetings with the Executives and

representatives of the 8 Associations and the outcomes from those meetings and proposals passed at

the denominational level. This report, for the sake of length, would not detail that again but for those

interested it could be easily accessed from the UPCSA website or the Clerk of the General Assembly.

We shall now take a jump to 2018.

2018 General Assembly Decisions

12. The critical moment in the journey of the Associations came in 2018 when the General Assembly

passed the following resolutions:

“2. The General Assembly rules that the associations will meet separately for the last time in 2018 to wind down their business and dissolve in order to establish new associations by September 2019.

3. The GA instructs GAWGA to finalise the draft constitution by Feb 2019 and authorises GAWGA to

use it as the founding document. The draft constitution to be adopted by Executive Sep 2019. 4. The General Assembly authorises the GAWGA to undertake all due processes for dissolving the

associations and establishing the four new associations, taking into consideration all the suggestions and comments reflected below:

SUGGESTIONS AND COMMENTS

A) The Assembly instructs the GAWGA to finalise the constitutions by Feb 2019.

B) The GA instructs the Finance Committee to be the sole custodian of resources (financial) for

all 8 associations until the new organisations are established. C) The Assembly instructs all church associations to:

1) Pass dissolution resolutions on or before 30 June 2019, with the similar associations meeting at the same towns for their dissolution conferences and move to the common

venue at which the Moderator of GA would constitute new associations. 2) GAWGA personnel to constitute similar associations in all Presbyteries by the 31 July

33

2019. GAWGA be empowered to co-opt for these purposes. Congregation branches will be constituted

3) Finalise the constitution by Feb 2019 4) GAWGA report on implementation of these resolutions at the Sep 2019 Ex Comm.

D) The decision be communicated to a joint meeting of the Central Committees / Councils of the Associations by the Moderator and UPCSA Officials.

5. The General Assembly mandates the GAWGA to journey with the newly established

associations, until they are firmly established and report back to the General Assembly 2020.”

13. Immediately after the 2018 General Assembly, the AWG met on 28th July 2018 to chart the way forward in light of the decisions made with regards to the Church Associations. The AWG decided to do the following in order to dissolve the 8 Associations and establish the four (4) new ones:

a. Write a letter to the church and the associations to communicate the decision of the General Assembly.

b. Address the Conferences/Annual General Meetings of the individual associations on the implementation plan. The convener should, as much as possible, arrange to meet with the Executive Committee of each association, before addressing the Conferences/Annual General Meetings.

c. Present a proposal to the Conferences/Annual General Meetings on the dissolution process. d. The existing Task Teams, in the respective groups of men, women, young women and youth

and on different dates, would be invited to a meeting, where the GAWGA representatives should be the Convener, Moderator, General Secretary, the Convener, and the two members of GAWGA that were nominated by each group. The Convener and the General Secretary would determine the dates, which should be after the both conferences of the group have been held (e.g., UPWF/UPWW after the UPWW Conference. The business of Task Team meetings should include the following basic points:

i. The explanation of the decision of the General Assembly. ii. The creation of a road map in line with the September 2019 time frame. iii. Leadership, Constitution, bylaws and finances. (Uniform will be part of bylaws) e. The communiqué that would be sent to the church would impress that the Presbytery

Working Groups would be expected to communicate the decision of the General Assembly in their Presbyteries and Congregations.

14. The AWG meeting on 28th July 2018 also formulated a plan for dissolving and establishing the 4 new

Associations. The plan is as follows: a. On Thursday 26th September 2019, the afternoon after the closure of the Executive

Commission, the eight Associations’ Conferences/AGMs shall convene at the same place and time for only one business, to dissolve.

b. On Friday morning, the 27th September 2019, the four associations will be established at the same place. They will be given time to meet at the respective places to execute specific business, as it shall be determined by the Task Teams.

c. Thereafter, all the associations shall join the UPCSA membership in the UPCSA 20th anniversary celebrations.

15. The July meeting also decided that during the rest of the year the convener of the AWG and General Secretary would attend all the conferences/councils of the Associations to address them on the General Assembly decision and to offer them a dissolution resolution to consider adopting in light of the General Assembly decision. The following is the resolution:

“Noting the General Assembly ruling ‘that the associations will meet separately for the last time in 2018 to wind down their business and dissolve in order to establish new associations by September 2019’ Conference hereby resolves that:

The (name of Association) would formally dissolve at the appropriate time as determined by the General Assembly Working Group on Associations, and participate fully in the constitution of the new Association.”

16. The Convener of the AWG and/or the General Secretary visited all the Conferences of the 8

Associations. The UPWF, UPWW, MCG, UPMF and IYZA adopted the General Assembly decision at their

Conferences/AGMs. The JBWW and YF held their meetings before the General Assembly, but,

subsequently adopted the resolution. The YA could not adopt the resolution at their Conference, but

did so at a later stage. So, all the associations adopted the resolution of the General Assembly. This

was a very transparent, robust and enlightening exercise as we addressed fears, concerns and

questions but there was unanimous support for the 2018 General Assembly decisions. There was a

strong indication that “the Church has spoken and we respect its decision.” This is precisely where we

34

find ourselves now and while there may be some concerned people around which is inevitable, the

vast majority of our members are looking forward to the ‘new thing that God is doing amongst us’ as

we establish the 4 new Associations.

KEY TASKS

17. In undertaking its work of bringing the Associations together, the AWG set out and implemented

some very clear action plans. We would now proceed to outline some of the key tasks undertaken by

the AWG.

GAWGA work in Presbyteries

18. The AWG came to realise quite early in its work that it was impossible to reach the grassroots by

operating merely as a national structure. We wanted to bring on board as many people as possible to

participate in the bringing together of the Associations. We felt that when this process was completed

it would be good for the majority of people to know that they were consulted and shared in the

process, so that it was not some “top-down” approach. This would certainly help in the acceptance

and ownership of the final outcome, as hoped for by the 2014 Assembly. Also, the hurts and wounds

from these conflicts over the many years would require that we address these and not merely sweep

it under the carpet, so to speak. It was thus strongly felt that we should set up a Presbytery Working

Group on Associations (PWGA) in each Presbytery in South Africa. We opted for a different approach

to address the Associations in Zambia and Zimbabwe since their challenges are somewhat different

from the situation in South Africa. The General Secretary and co-conveners were asked to address

the latter.

19. The AWG assigned 2 members from its Group to visit each Presbytery in South Africa to attend to the

following objectives:

a) Share and explain the General Assembly resolution on Associations.

b) Brief them on the appointment of the WG and the work done by the latter so far.

c) Brief them about the workshop of the Executives of the Associations (all the 8 groups) and the

outcomes thereof.

d) Chart the way forward, starting from what we are doing now. This will be achieved through, inter

alia, engagement, dialogue and interaction.

e) Emphasise the need for the presbytery officials and associations to be fully involved in the

process.

f) Oversee the appointment of a Team on the Presbytery level to assist the Assembly WG in its

work at the grassroots.

20. In addition to the above, the AWG established clear guidelines to enable the work of the PWGA,

drawn up in close relation to the work of the AWG. They were to:

a) Facilitate the objectives and work of the AWG on the ground within the bounds of the given

Presbytery.

b) Arrange and organise opportunities for the Associations to interact in all possible ways to build

their relationship towards unity.

c) Facilitate forums to address the hurts, pains and wounds encountered by the conflicts among the

Associations and to help bring about healing and reconciliation.

d) Assist the Presbytery with resolving any disputes related to the Associations within its bounds, if

and when requested.

e) Serve as a communication channel between the AWG, the Presbytery and congregations.

21. We are pleased to report that most, if not all, Presbyteries complied with the request to establish a

PWGA within its bounds. In most, the Office Bearers of the Presbytery have been very involved right

from the beginning. Of course, in some places this did not happen at a level of satisfaction. However,

where it was really necessary PWGA’s were established. Some have functioned well and others not to

the level of expectation. Nevertheless, we are grateful that we have been able to access and work

within Presbyteries. We would like to record our thanks and appreciation for the support and

assistance we received from the Presbyteries.

22. We have previously reported the feedback we got from our visits to the Presbyteries but it is worth

mentioning again. The following points offer a summary:

a. The model used by most of the Visiting Teams was the one used at the meeting of the Executives

of the Associations when they came together in February 2015.

b. In some Presbyteries there were a few logistical challenges but these were overcome quite easily.

There were also some deviations from the process mentioned above in order to accommodate

some of these challenges and the differing context.

c. Few Presbyteries did not follow the request to invite the necessary people to the meeting or only

invited representatives of the Associations and not the whole group which was the request from

the WG in its attempt to work from the grassroots and to get more people involved in the

process. Consequently, whilst the meeting still proceeded it was decided that another meeting

35

should be called to ensure that those people who were not invited, were present. This process

would have been completed before the 2016 General Assembly.

d. Generally the meetings went very well, in some places it was robust and engaging and in one or

two Presbyteries there were attempts of interruptions and disruptions but ultimately the meeting

came to a good end.

e. It seems that some people raised problems that they were encountering within their Presbyteries

but the Visiting Team was skilful to direct the meeting to attend to issues that related to matters

of the Associations only and not the Presbytery in general.

f. Few Presbyteries, at first, were not affected in any major way by the conflicts of Associations, it

seems that people who moved from one Presbytery to reside in another brought these problems

with them and incited further conflict.

g. There were questions of clarity on the role of the Assembly Associations Working Group (AWG),

Presbytery Working Group and the AWG vis-à-vis the General Assembly Church Associations

Committee which was addressed.

h. In some Presbyteries the issues of hurt and pain requires some professional intervention to help

people to come to a place of forgiveness, healing and reconciliation. These are being attended to

by the AWG in conjunction with the respective Presbyteries.

i. In at least one Presbytery there were some tensions between the Presbytery officers and the

members of the AWG which rested on power and authority issues about who should preside over

the meetings. It was eventually cleared that the AWG was responsible to conduct this meeting as

part of its work in fulfilling the General Assembly mandate: “To facilitate the interaction of the

Associations at Presbytery and congregational levels…”

j. On the whole the AWG meetings in Presbyteries went very well.

23. The AWG has completed its visits to Presbyteries, even in some cases a follow up visit and where it

has not done this it is because the Presbytery has not seen the need for further engagement.

24. Throughout the years the co-conveners of the AWG also visited Presbyteries, very often at the

request of Presbyteries, to address conflicts related to the Associations within their bounds. We are

pleased to report that in most of these instances the situations have been resolved.

25. In addressing the confusion about the roles of the General Assembly Church Associations Committee

(CAC) and that of the GAWGA, we sent out a message to all Presbyteries to state quite emphatically

that GAWGA is appointed on an ad hoc basis with the sole mandate to bring about reconciliation and

the uniting of the Church Associations. Whereas the Church Associations Committee (CAC) is

responsible for the co-ordination of the life, work and activities of the Associations continuously, even

after the uniting of the organisations. This is applicable at the Presbytery level as well.

Healing and Reconciliation Services

26. The AWG also drew up a special liturgy for a Service of Healing and Reconciliation within Presbyteries.

The Amathole Presbytery had a very moving service using the liturgy made available. A fairly large

number of Presbyteries held Services of Healing and Reconciliation which they conducted by

themselves. We are pleased and grateful for such initiatives and commend the work undertaken to

bring the Associations together at the Presbytery level. Some Presbyteries have Associations that

have already taken relationships to the next stage and it is fantastic to see how the Associations are

working together on the ground. This certainly helps our Church in its vision for unity, reconciliation

and peace.

Task Teams

27. Right from the beginning of its work, in the very first meeting with the Executives of the 8

Associations, the AWG established 4 Task Teams. These Teams constituted the Executives of the

corresponding Associations. These joint Task Teams initially worked on a Roadmap to bring the

respective groups together. The initial Roadmap was revised later in February 2018 just before the

General Assembly in July. After the decisions of the 2018 General Assembly the Roadmaps were

further revised in line with the new time-frame of bringing the respective Associations together by

September 2019. We are absolutely grateful to the Task Teams for their wonderful cooperation and

support in helping us to enact the decision of the 2018 General Assembly. It is their valuable

contributions and commitment that has enabled us to be where we are now in the journey with the

Associations in the UPCSA.

28. The Task Teams came together on 20th July 2019 to discuss preparations for the event in September

2019 just after the Executive Commission. The Task Teams were requested to address the following

questions:

1. What special activities would you like to see at the dissolution and (re)constitution of Church

Associations in September? How do you envision this process?

1.1. What symbols will be handed over?

36

1.2. What symbols should be given at the establishment of the new Fellowship?

1.3. Where and how do we acquire these?

1.4. What suggestions would you offer to the liturgical elements for the constituting service of the

new Fellowships?

2. What are the necessary steps you would put together in leading the new Fellowship to the first

conference? Attempt to set up a plan with much detail as possible.

3. How would you go about/what processes would you put in place to address the following

matters:

3.1. Drawing up Constitutional by-laws 3.2. Establishing Leadership Structure (meetings, etc.) 3.3. The joining of finances and assets 3.4. Agreeing on new uniforms 3.5. Constituting the Fellowship in Presbyteries 3.6. Communication on behalf of your Fellowship 4. How would you expect the GAWGA to assist you towards and after the first conference? 5. Are there any other thoughts you would like to share that are not covered in the above?

29. It is important to note that the Task Teams would play a very significant role in taking the process

further after the establishment of the 4 new Associations in September. Their responses to the above

questions would provide direction for their future work. The AWG is of the firm opinion that while they

would continue to guide and facilitate the process, the Associations must own the decision-making

processes as they move forward.

30. Primarily for the reason stipulated above, the AWG would be proposing that the Executive Commission

would appoint the Task Teams as the Interim Leadership of the new Associations until their first

conference in 2020, where new leadership will be elected, and that the two Presidents of the

respective Associations would co-lead until the 2020 conferences. There is a sizeable amount of work

that needs to be undertaken in preparation for the first Conference and proper consultations and

processes need to be put in place to ensure collective and acceptable decisions are made. For

example, some of the matters currently worked on and need to be finalised are: constitutional by-

laws, leadership structure, finances and assets, uniforms, constituting of Associations in Presbyteries

and communication. These discussions have already been set in motion and would need to be

completed by the first conference in 2020, if not, no later than 2021.

Constitution

31. One of the terms of reference given to the AWG reads thus: “To look at the role and function of the

Church Associations and formulate this into a common Constitution using the existing constitutions,

without being restricted to them, addressing the issue of uniforms, and other such details pertaining

to Associations. This particular exercise was left in abeyance because it was felt by the majority of

members of the AWG that it was a bit premature to get into this level of discussions without first

dealing with other immediate issues on the ground. However, soon after the Presbytery Visits, we

realised that the time was now right and appropriate to work on a new Constitution for all

Associations within the UPCSA.

32. The AWG appointed a Constitution Task Team consisting of the co-conveners of the GAWGA, the

General Secretary, the convener of the Manual Team under the Faith and Order Committee, Dr Hans

and Mrs Sontange to work on a constitution of the Associations bearing in mind the existing

constitutions, existing challenges and the ministry of women, men and youth in the whole UPCSA.

33. The Constitution Task Team set out and implemented a process to consult with the entire

denomination in drawing up a new constitution for the Associations. We took all the constitutions of

each Association and drafted a new one. This was sent out to every Association, Session and

Presbytery for comments and contributions. We sent out the call for comments on two occasions in

May and November 2018 and during both times we received adequate comments. The Constitution

Task Team then redrafted the constitution taking the comments into careful consideration. This new

draft was taken to the full meeting of the AWG. After further refinement, the final draft was sent to all

the Associations for further comments. We are pleased to report that there is wide acceptance of the

proposed new Constitution. This will be presented to this Executive Commission for approval. We wish

to thank our entire denomination for their participation and contributions to this process. It is

heartening to note that some of our ministers who are not part of the Associations also imparted their

wisdom to this process. This Constitution is generic in nature, applying to all Associations within the

UPCSA, and it would be included in the Manual of Faith and Order.

37

34. Whilst the Constitution is now finalised for approval, it must be pointed out that the Associations

would be responsible, under the guidance of the AWG, to formulate by-laws for the 4 new

Associations. This process is in place and much work is already being done to this effect. This

process, undertaken by the Association Task Teams, would be completed before the first

Conference/AGM of the new Associations.

35. We have only mentioned some key things the AWG has been involved with over the years. This is,

of course, not exhaustive since the work assigned to the AWG is quite enormous and requires much

time and effort.

CONCLUSION

36. We thank Almighty God for the developments on the Association challenges. We also wish to place

on record our sincere thanks and appreciation to all concerned for their positive engagement and

co-operation at all levels of the Church throughout the years. We note with great appreciation the

work of the Task Teams (Executives of the respective Associations), Presbyteries and the PWG’s in

particular. As convener of the GAWGA, I would like to express my grateful recognition of and

appreciation to the members of the AWG for their sacrificial and selfless work, time, wisdom and

contributions offered on the journey thus far. We note with appreciation and thanks the leadership,

wisdom and support in the journey provided by the Rev Rod Botsis, it’s a pity that he had to step

down for health reasons at this very significant and celebratory time in our journey. May God bless

you all for what you have done and will continue to do as we move on.

37. In our report to the 2018 General Assembly we said: “Nelson Mandela in his autobiography Long Walk to Freedom traces the struggle for freedom in South Africa against apartheid. It was a long and protracted struggle but in the end there came a time when apartheid ended, and whilst we still have a lot of work to do to create a SA with justice, equity and reconciliation yet we are a legally ‘apartheid free’ country. We have travelled a long road with the Church Associations, and though the journey is tough we must not give up. We have to believe that God wants us to unite so that we can focus on the real mission of the Church; to proclaim Jesus Christ to the world around us. This evidently is the purpose of the Associations as documented in their current objectives and constitutions. However, it is a tragedy that we are diverted, detoured and dampened by our disunity and personal agendas. It’s time to get back to God’s agenda!

38. Given our new circumstances in the journey with the Church Associations we can confidently say “We are back on God’s agenda”. What a wonderful way to celebrate our 20th Anniversary as the UPCSA.

39. We sincerely give all thanks and praise to God for bringing us into this new place. A new journey

begins of unity and togetherness which would continue to require work, patience, understanding

and effort. When the road gets tough let us be reminded that God is “doing a new thing among us”.

Let us perceive and embrace this with joy and thanksgiving. As we continue to build it would be

good to take heed of the Apostle Paul’s words to the church in Corinth: “But each one should be

careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is

Jesus Christ” (1Cor. 3: 10-11).

40. To God be the Glory! Amen.

JERRY PILLAY (REV. PROF.) CONVENER PROPOSALS 1. The Executive Commission receives the report.

2. The Executive Commission:

2.1 Notes the process and wide consultation undertaken by the General Assembly Working Group

on Associations (GAWGA) to draw up a new constitution for all the Associations within the

UPCSA,

2.2. Approves the draft constitution as the new one for Associations within the denomination, and

2.3. Agrees to include the constitution in the Manual of Faith and Order.

3. The Executive Commission approves and recognises as Fellowships in terms of Chapter X the

five fellowships about to be constituted by union between existing church Associations:

i. The Fellowship of Men

ii. The Fellowship of Women

iii. The Fellowship of Young Women

iv. The Fellowship of Youth

v. The Fellowship of Church Choirs and Musicians.

38

4. The Executive Commission designates the Moderator to preside at each inaugural/uniting general meeting of the four Fellowships referred to above (excluding the Fellowship of Church Choirs and Musicians)

5. The Executive Commission:

5.1 Designates and authorises the respective Task Teams established by GAWGA to be the interim denominational executive bodies of each of the four Fellowships referred to above, respectively, until their first conference in 2020, where new leadership will be elected.

5.2 Appoints the two Presidents of the Associations in the respective Task Teams to serve as co-leaders of the new Fellowship until the 2020 Conference.

5.3 Mandates the respective Task Teams, in consultation with GAWGA, to attend to all matters leading to the first conferences of the Fellowships in 2020, at each level of jurisdiction, denominational, presbyterial and congregational.

6. The Executive Commission urges Presbyteries, through its PWGA where applicable, to assist the Task

Teams of the respective Fellowships to constitute the new Fellowships within their bounds before the end of November 2019.

7. The Executive Commission instructs the GAWGA to continue to oversee the processes of leading the

respective Fellowships to their first Conferences in 2020, and to present a final report to the 2021 Executive Commission.

39

CONSTITUTION OF THE FELLOWSHIPS OF

THE UNITING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

1. Preamble

The Church has been called into being by the will of God, who gathers all people into fellowship in Christ,

which is created and sustained by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Church is one, because it worships only one God, serves one Lord and is united by one Spirit in one faith, one hope and one baptism, to be one People, one Family, one Body, one Temple (Eph. 4:1-6). Therefore, the Lord of the Church calls it to manifest its unity, not just spiritually, but visibly before the world. Recognizing the varied needs and spiritual gifts within the body (1Cor. 12), the Church allows for certain groups to exist with the purpose and function to bear witness to the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ to all who do not yet believe in him, to build up in faith, hope and love those who already believe, and to proclaim his sovereignty over the world. The Church Fellowships, within the UPCSA, aim to fulfil this purpose as they cater for the needs of, and ministry to, men, women, young women, youth and choirs. They do so bearing in mind the oneness and unity of the body of Christ. 2. Names

The Fellowships (Hereafter referred to as “the Fellowships”) shall be referred to as follows: 2.1 Fellowship of Men. 2.2 Fellowship of Women. 2.3 Fellowship of Young Women. 2.4 Fellowship of Youth. 2.5 Fellowship of Church Choirs and Musicians.

3. Aims and Objectives

3.1 To promote evangelism, mission and discipleship in and outside the UPCSA. 3.2 To bring together members of the UPCSA in the respective groupings for worship, study, fellowship, mutual support, care and service. 3.3 To promote the vision, mission, and unity of UPCSA. 4. Legal Constitution

4.1 Each Fellowship is constituted as a voluntary association having perpetual succession apart from its members with full capacity in law to acquire, hold, deal with, hypothecate or dispose of property, movable, immovable and incorporeal, to open and operate accounts with any bank or financial institution and to sue and be sued in its own name. 4.2 The principal object of each Fellowship in the context of its temporal affairs is to carry on the public benefit activity of the promotion and practice of the Christian faith which encompasses acts of worship, witness, teaching and community service founded on the Fellowship’s belief in the one, triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and to that end the provisions of Annexure A hereto, with such amendments as may hereafter be approved by the General Assembly from time to time, are incorporated into and form an integral component of this Constitution.

5. Membership

Membership of the Fellowships shall be open to all members of the UPCSA. 6. Governance and By-Laws

6.1 The Fellowships shall be structured at Congregational level, at Presbyterial level, Synodical and at Denominational level. 6.2 The Fellowships are under the authority of and are accountable to the corresponding Councils of the UPCSA at each level of jurisdiction.

6.3 The Fellowships, by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting in denominational general

40

meetings of members, shall make and may amend By-Laws to regulate the life and work of the Fellowship at all the levels in the following respects: 6.3.1 Admission to membership. 6.3.2 A uniform that may be worn by its members. 6.3.3 At each level, the composition of leadership structures, the designated office bearers, responsibilities and duties of office bearers, and the appointment of delegates to the meetings of the higher structures. 6.3.4 The holding of general meetings at each level. 6.3.5 Financial management according to generally accepted accounting principles and audit of annual financial statements.

6.3.6 Reporting to the corresponding Councils of the UPCSA. 6.4 The Fellowships, by simple majority, may similarly make and amend By-Laws in regard to other matters. 6.5 The notice convening a general meeting at which it is proposed to make or amend By-Laws under clause 6.3 or 6.4 shall expressly set out the proposed By-Laws or amendments. 6.6 By-Laws or amendments shall not take effect unless and until they are ratified by the General Assembly of the UPCSA 7. Financial Matters

7.1 Each Fellowship, at its annual general meeting, has the right to set affiliation fees for its members at each level. 7.2 At each level, Fellowships shall report to the corresponding Councils of the UPCSA on raising and disbursement of funds. 7.3 At each level, Fellowships shall present annually audited financial statements to the corresponding Councils of the UPCSA. 8. Discipline

Discipline shall be exercised by the Councils of the UPCSA at each level. 9. Amendments

This Constitution can be amended, after consultation with the Fellowships, by a decision of the General Assembly. 10. Dissolution

10.1 Each Fellowship can be dissolved by a majority vote at a denominational general meeting of that Fellowship and subject to the ratification by General Assembly.

10.2 The notice convening the general meeting must expressly set out that a motion for dissolution is to be proposed and that representatives of the General Assembly are entitled to attend and speak, but not vote, at such general meeting. 10.3 Each Fellowship can be dissolved by a decision of the General Assembly, subject to the provisions of clause 9 which shall apply with the necessary changes. 10.4 The remaining assets of the Fellowship, after the discharge of all its liabilities and obligations shall be dealt with in terms of clause 5 of Annexure A1 referred to in clause 4.2.

11. Indemnity

11.1 Subject to the provisions of any relevant statute, members of the Fellowships and other office-bearers shall be indemnified by the relevant Fellowship for all acts done by them in good faith on its behalf. 11.2 It shall be the duty of the Fellowship to pay all costs and expenses which any such person incurs or becomes liable for because of any contract entered, or act done by him or her, in his or her said capacity, in the discharge, in good faith, of his or her duties on behalf of the Fellowship. 11.3 Subject to the provisions of any relevant statute, no member of the Fellowship and or other office

41

bearer of the Fellowship shall be liable for the acts, receipts, neglects or defaults of any other member or office bearer, or for any loss, damage or expense suffered by the Fellowship, which occurs in the execution of the duties of his or her office, unless it arises as a result of his or her dishonesty, or failure to exercise the degree of care, diligence and skill required by law.

42

ANNEXURE A1

STANDARD CLAUSES INCORPORATED INTO THE MODEL CONSTITUTION OF A LOCAL

CONGREGATION AS A PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION

1. LEGAL STATUS

1.1 The principal object of the Congregation in the context of its temporal affairs is to carry on the

public benefit activity of the promotion and practice of the Christian faith which encompasses acts of worship, witness, teaching and community service founded on the Congregation’s belief in the one, triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and to that end the Congregation shall

1.1.1 carry on such activity in a non-profit manner and with altruistic or philanthropic intent,

1.1.2 ensure that such activity is not intended or calculated directly or indirectly to promote the economic self-interest of any office bearer, member, employee or other person, and,

1.1.3 undertake such activity in a manner calculated to be widely accessible to and to be for the benefit of the general public at large including those who have no connection with any Christian church

and the unsaved.

1.2 The Congregation shall

1.2.1 submit a copy of its Constitution to the Commissioner and do all things necessary to apply for and obtain approval as a public benefit organisation, and,

1.2.2 comply with conditions and reporting requirements determined by the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service on approval as a public benefit organisation being granted and with directions given by the Commissioner in the event of such approval of the Congregation being withdrawn.

2. MINISTRY

2.1 Subject to the provisions of paragraph 4.1 below the remuneration, allowances and terms and conditions of appointment of the Minister shall be as determined by the Denomination, which the Congregation may amend to the advantage of the Minister with the approval of the Denomination.

3. CHURCH COUNCIL

The church council shall determine the number of its members from time to time which shall not be less than four (including the Minister) and at least three of which members shall each one not be the spouse of, or a relative within the third degree of consanguinity of, or the spouse of such relative of, any other member of the Council. 4. FINANCE, REMUNERATION and USE OF FUNDS 4.1 The Congregation shall not pay any remuneration to the Minister, any office bearer, employee or other person which is excessive, having regard to what is generally considered reasonable in similar local churches

and in relation to the service rendered. 4.2 The Congregation shall

(i) not directly or indirectly distribute any of its funds to any person, otherwise than in the course of undertaking its public benefit activity,

(ii) utilise its funds solely in the promotion of its principal object, and, not economically benefit any person in a manner which is not consistent with its principal object.

4.3 The Congregation is prohibited from accepting any donation which is revocable at the instance of the donor for reasons other than a material failure to conform to the designated purposes and conditions of such donation, or which is subject to conditions which would enable the donor or any person as defined in paragraph 3 above in relation to the donor to derive some direct or indirect benefit from the application of

such donation. 4.4 The Congregation shall not knowingly be a party to, or knowingly permit itself to be used as part of, any transaction, operation or scheme of which the sole or main purpose is or was the reduction, postponement or avoidance of liability for any tax, duty or levy on the part of any person. 4.5 The Congregation shall not use its resources directly or indirectly to support, advance or oppose any political party. 4.6 The books of account, financial and other records or other documents relating to the Congregation shall be retained and carefully preserved by the Church Council for a period of four years after the last entry in any

books of account or after the completion of the transactions or operations to which such records and documents relate.

43

4.7 The Minister, members of the Church Council and members of the Congregation shall comply with any written notice issued by the Commissioner requiring any of them 4.7.1 to answer any questions relating to the Congregation, 4.7.2 to make available for inspection any books of account, records or other documents

relating to the Congregation, and, 4.7.3 to attend at the time and place appointed by the Commissioner for the purposes of

producing for examination any of the material referred to in sub-clause 4.7.2.

5. DISSOLUTION

On dissolution the Congregation shall transfer its remaining assets, after the discharge of its lawful liabilities and obligations, to the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa carrying on the public benefit activity defined in paragraph 1.1 above and which has been duly approved by the Commissioner as a public benefit organisation which Church is required to use those assets solely for the purposes of carrying on its public benefit activities.

6. AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION A copy of any amendment to this constitution shall forthwith be submitted to the Commissioner.

44

CHURCH ASSOCIATIONS

Report to the 2019 Executive Commission 1. INTRODUCTION The Church Associations Committee comprises of the following members: Rev Sibusiso Zungu (Convener), Rev Thabani Masikane, Mr. Vuyani Maguga, Mr. Thabo Masete (UPMF), Ms Olga Nthite (ACCM), Mrs Pretty Ndyebi (UPWW), Mr. Benny Boshielo (MCG), Ms Sithembile Pitoyi (UPWF), Ms Nomawethu Makapela (JBWW), Ms Sibongile Ndima (IYZA), Ms Pertunia Ncube (UPCSAYA), Ms Naume Somo (UPCSAYF), Rev Anna Banda (Zimbabwe) and Rev Patricia Phiri (Synod of Zambia). 2. TERMS OF REFERENCE

2.1 The Church Association Committee is tasked. This report aims at reporting on the following terms of reference:

• To help constituted Associations to understand and fulfil their roles in the UPCSA; • To ensure that Associations report annually to the General Assembly or Executive Commission ; and • To deal with any conflicts, divisions or other difficulties within these Associations and any similar

organisations that may be formed in the UPCSA and with difficulties in relationships between the constituted Associations and other organisations or groups between them and General Assembly.

3. DECISIONS AFFECTING COMMITTEE CONVENERS 2018 Ser/no Decision Action Taken 1 General Assembly agrees to invite Presbytery Conveners of

Church Associations Committees to GAWGA as corresponding members.

This was agreed upon.

2 General Assembly receives the reports of Associations attached and instructs the Committee to follow up on the reports not received (namely JBWW &YF) not later than 31 August 2018.

The said reports were received.

3 The General Assembly encourages the UPCSA Associations to work together and participate in the ecumenical space.

See paragraph 5.

4 The General Assembly instructs all Associations Treasurers and Presidents to meet with the General Treasurer at a joint meeting to sort out the Association’s non-compliance in submitting their annual audited reports no later than 30th September 2018.

This is pending, however we are in talks with the General Treasurer.

5 The General Assembly instructs the Finance Committee to be the sole custodian of resources (financial) for all 8 Associations until the new organisations are established.

See paragraph 6.

4. LIFE, WORK AND WITNESS OF ASSOCIATIONS 4.1 Membership. It must be noted that the total excludes Zambia and Zimbabwe. ACCM MCG UPMF UPWW UPWF UPCSAYA UPCSAYF JBWW IYZA 150 3 370 1 202 3 885 18 461 383 2 588 371 1 563

TOTAL: 31 973 4.2 Highlights. The work done by the Associations in Presbyteries, Congregations and surrounding communities is prodigious and remarkable in many ways. 4.2.1 It is with excitement and thanksgiving to present the remarkable efforts of the Associations in fulfilling their role in the UPCSA:

a. Sustain the spiritual growth of individual members of the Associations and bringing more members to Christ through the implementation of the objectives set out in their respective Associations. This has been achieved by conducting retreats, bible studies, prayer meetings (Izinkonzo zomanyano), and Imvuselelo (Revival).

b. Associations continue to be caring and supportive. This is highly appreciated when the spirit of generosity display by:

i. Building a house for a family whose house collapsed due to heavy rains;

ii. Donating a wheel chair; iii. Supporting child headed families;

45

iv. Supporting Rehabilitation Centre’s, orphanage, schools and elderly homes; and

v. Donating groceries, blankets, sanitary towels, clothes, uniform etc.

c. Ensure that the Associations are a financial viable, they have initiated projects such as poultry,

mushrooms, vegetable gardens, sewing, diaries and newsletters. d. Associations are seen to be making a mark by these contributions:

i. Contribution of R18 000 towards the Maintenance of Ministry.

ii. R 66 000 towards the Presbyterian Education Fund.

iii. Associations also, have a fund for the Retired Ministers and Spouses, they are given tokens for Christmas through their Presbyteries. To this effect, Associations have received warm letters of appreciation from some of the Retired Ministers, as an indication that our contribution however little is noted and appreciated.

iv. Associations subsidise education for 7 students who are studying towards Medicine,

Masters in Nursing, Theology, Pharmacy Support, Post Graduate Certificate in Education, and B.Sc. (Forensic Science).

UPCSA

UCCSA

CHURCH ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE MISSION COUNCIL WOMEN UPWW and UPWF

WOMEN Isililo Manyano Bomme (BLACK) WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP ( COLOURED + BOTSWANA) Botswana withdrew from IMB and join the Coloured Women Fellowship

GIRLS IYZA and JBWW (no age restriction)

GIRLS Iziphika - YOUNG WOMEN FELLOWSHIP (There is age restriction )

MEN MCG and UPMF

MEN MEN’S FELLOWSHIP (BLK & COLOURED, FELLOWSHIP & MAINTANANCE OF BUILDINGS)

YOUTH YOUTH ASSOCIATION YOUTH FELLOWSHIP (16-40 = Office)

YOUTH (Strictly35 yrs &younger) - YOUNG ADULTS (Married and above 35yrs) - UCCSAYA (an existing org. but not recognised by the G.A.)

CHOIRS ASSOC. MIN. OF MUSIC DEVELOPMENT CHILDREN CHILDREN’S MINISTRY (SUNDAY SCHOOL)

CHILDREN CHILDREN’S MINISTRY ( SUNDAY SCHOOL) MIN. TO THE ELDERLY & RETIRED MIN. TO PERSON’S LIVING WITH DISABILITY (LED BY EXPERTS) ACTIVIST (DIVORCED/WIDOWS MEN & WOMEN ONLY IN MOZ.)

MIXED NONE

MIXED SOLDIERS OF CHRIST BAND (COLOURED) membership is open to male and female, young and Old. This is an Evangelism wing

OTHER NONE

OTHER 1. MINISTRY TO THE ELDERLY & RETIRED 2. MIN. TO PERSONS LIVING WITH

DISABILITY 3. MIN TO THE DIVORCED & WIDOWS (only

in Mozambique) ALL ARE UNIFORMED ASSOCIATION NOT ALL ARE UNIFORMED MINISTRIES SOME

HAVE REGIONAL UNIFORMS ALL STRUCTURED FROM LOCAL CHURCH TO ASSSEMBLY LEVEL

46

e. Health & Wellness Programme: great impact has been noted through conducting health screening

days, team building activities, aerobics, awareness and information sharing sessions such as T.B, Human rights, Stress, Depression, Cancer, Family relationships, mentoring, 16 days of activism against the abuse of women and children.

f. ACCM is registered as a PBO with SARS.

4.3 Challenges The following Challenges are common to all Associations: Decrease in membership; financial constraints that result in not honouring financial commitments; lack of commitment and increase in unemployment rate. 5. PARTICIPATION IN THE ECUMENICAL SPACE 5.1 The Associations have participated in the following ecumenical space to mention the few:

a. Organized and hosted 12 countries in a PAPMF Conference, which is a continental body of Presbyterian men.

b. Attended the EPCSA Men’s Conference in Matola, Mozambique. c. In some of the areas our Associations engage in common programs.

5.2 In light of the envisaged Union with the UCCSA, the Rev Thabani Masikane is representing UPCSA on Associations matters. The table below shows the comparison of Associations and Ministries between the UPCSA and the UCCSA. 6. LIST OF ASSETS AND HOW THEY WILL BE DISTRIBUTED 6.1 In light of the decision of the 2018 General Assembly, following are the assets of the Associations:

6.2 Regarding finances it was agreed that an audit will be confirmed and once the merger is done, the bank accounts will be handed over to the Finance Committee of the General Assembly, to allow for the opening of a new account for the new Associations.

STRUCTURAL TERMINOLOGY

UPCSA UCCSA Congregation Local Church Presbytery Region Council SYNOD ( 2 or more PRESBYTERIES) SYNOD (COUNTRIES) South Africa, Botswana,

Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. EXECUTIVE COMMISSION Executive Committee General Assembly General Assembly

Ser/No Item UPWF UPWW MCG UPMF JBWW IYZA YA YF 1. Office Bearers

Badges 7 7 7 5

2. 3G Card 1 1 3. 3G Card 2 1 4. Banners 2 # to be

specified 24 (banners; pull up banners; 1 wall banner)

1

5. Table Badges 16 6. Dictaphone 1 7. Laptop Acer

Cloudbook 1

8. Printer HP Deskjet Ink Advantage

1

9. Cell phone Huawei: 10. Candles # to be

specified

11. Minute Books 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

47

7. CAC PRESBYTERIAL CONVENERS AND ASSOCIATIONS REPRESENTATIVES CONSULTATION The CAC Presbyterial Conveners and Associations Representatives Consultation was held on the 23rd – 25th of January 2019 at LUMKO RETREAT CENTRE. 7.1 Following are the topics which were discussed at the Consultation:

• Environmental Analysis of Association presented by the Rev A. Sontange; • Associations: Why do we exist? presented by the Rev S.D. Gwala; and • Iimanyano marks in current time, future and the UPCSA interstice presented by the Rev Prof V.S.

Vellem. 7.2 The Consultation also look critically on the role of the Associations and the terms of reference of Church Associations Committee, and concluded on the following: 7.2.1 Role of the Associations:

• Supporting the ministry and mission of the local congregation; • Expression of a Black African Christian Spirituality; • Formation of Lay Leadership towards transformative leadership; and • Expression of the Missional intent of the UPCSA.

7.2.2 Role of the Church Associations Committee:

• Provide guidance to Associations to fulfil the Vision and Mission of the UPCSA; • Facilitate the Capacity Building of Associations Leadership; • Create conducive environment for the operations of Associations; and • Provide a theological rational for the continual existence of Associations.

7.3 A correspondence was received by the CAC Convener, sent by the Women in Ministry within the UPCSA.

• The purpose of this letter was to address patriarchy within the UPCSA through Associations. The letter challenges the manner in which Associations participate in the perpetuation of violence and hate against black woman and women in ministry.

• After much deliberation on the letter it became evident that more conversations are needed to discuss patriarchy in the UPCSA and within Associations.

7.4 It also came vividly that Associations need a paradigm shift in its operations. More work and activities should be done in Congregational level. The role and function of the Associations is to support the ministry and the mission of the local congregation.

Furthermore, I was agreed that NO Association will be permitted to affiliate to the upper level, if the congregation is not paying Assessment. 8. LOOKING AHEAD In light of the formation of the new Associations in September, the following diagram proposes the steps to be followed to ensure a firm foundation of the life, work and witness of the Associations:

48

9. CONCLUSION The transition from one Convener to the other was handled smoothly. The members of the Committee indeed supported and were diligent and dedicated to the work of the Committee. A special thanks once again to the Rev Prof V.S. Vellem, Rev S.D. Gwala, Rev A. Sontange, Presbyterial CAC Conveners, Leadership and entire membership of all Associations. The Associations are alive and will continue to exist as a movement and expression of black African spirituality. Associations are tired of standing at the touchlines to witness a game that they should be playing. They want to do things for themselves and all by themselves. THE REV SIBUSISO ZUNGU CONVENER PROPOSALS 1. The Executive Commission receives the report. 2. The Executive Commission noting the membership of Associations, agrees and legislates that Presidents and

Secretaries have a seat in the General Assembly, and Presbytery. 3. The Executive Commission encourages Associations to:

a. Invite or visit UCCSA Associations at all levels for the purposes of fellowship and getting to know each other better.

b. Share this information (para 5.2) to all members at all levels.

4. The Executive Commission agrees and legislates the role of Association and role of Church Associations Committee

set out in paragraph 7.2.1 and 7.2.2 5. The Executive Commission notes the presentation made during the Consultation pertaining patriarchy in the

UPCSA and within Associations (para 7.3) and instructs its Councils and Committees to engage further and act on it.

6. The Executive Commission agrees and implements the proposed plan in paragraph 8.

49

FINANCE Report to the 2019 Executive Commission

1. MEMBERS OF COMMITTEE

1.1 CURRENT MEMBERS

The Right Rev (Dr P Langerman), The General Treasurer (Mr RD Johnson), the Chief Financial Officer (Rev M Jita), the General Secretary (Rev L Mpetsheni), Ms V Baloyi, Rev Dr P Baxter (by association), Ms Phumla Vazi, Mr K Gondwe, Mr CW Gauld, Rev C Judelsohn, Ms G Spelman, and Mr J Mkorongo.

2. EXECUTIVE COMMISSION DECISIONS TAKEN AT EMSENI, BENONI (2018) APPLICABLE TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

2.1 Mpolweni land sale

2018 General Assembly: “The General Assembly notes that the Finance Committee is in the process of handing over the land over to the residents of Mpolweni.” The matter of transferring the Mpolweni land is underway. It is being handled by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reforms, the Mpolweni Community, the Presbytery of Drakensberg (working with the Central Office) and the attorney (J Leslie and Smith). It is hoped that a final report will be presented in time for the 2020 General Assembly. Proposal 3: The General Assembly notes that the Finance Committee is still in the process of handing over the land over to the residents of Mpolweni. (T)

2.2 Submission of Associations financial reports

2018 General Assembly: “The General Assembly instructs all Association Treasurers and Presidents to meet with the General Treasurer at a joint meeting to sort out the Association’s non-compliance in submitting their annual audited reports no later than 30th September 2018.” To date, the following has been received by the various associations:

• UPWF

We still have not received financial reports from the following associations:

• UPMF • UPWW • JBWW • UPYA • UPYF • IYZA • MCG • ACCM

These associations should submit their financial statements as soon as possible to comply with the above General Assembly decision from last year. The General Treasurer has also agreed to meet the Associations at the September 2019 Executive Commission, in order to avoid travelling costs. A lot of work has been done in the Associations this past year, and September would be the ideal time, when the leadership from the Associations is all present. Feedback from this meeting will be provided in next year’s General Assembly. report Proposal 4: The Executive Commission again instructs all associations to submit their final annual audited reports, as at December 2018, by no later than 30th December 2019. (M)

2.3 Report on non-contributory congregations 2018 General Assembly: “The General Assembly instructs Presbyteries to submit reports on non-contributory congregations with reasons for non-compliance, by 30th September 2018 at the latest.”

50

At the time of writing this report, we have only received reports from six Presbyteries (last year, 3 Presbyteries responded):

• Highveld; • Central Cape; • Ethekwini; • Egoli; • Western Cape; • Tshwane

No response whatsoever was received from the following Presbyteries, even after numerous requests:

• Zimbabwe • Zambia • Tiyo Soga • Mthatha • East Griqualand • Thukela • Limpopo • Lekoa • Trans Xhariep

This is not only disappointing, but also extremely concerning as all Presbyteries agreed to this at the 2018 General Assembly to have this instruction executed and completed within the said deadline. This is now the 3rd time the deadlines have been ignored and missed. We cannot become efficient and effective when deadlines are continually being missed. Presbyteries need to be held accountable in the General Assembly for continually missing deadlines. Treasurers and clerks who hold office and continue to ignore such General Assembly / Executive must be held to task and be accountable for their actions on the floor of the Presbytery and Assembly going forward.

Refer to Annexures 9b for a detailed list of these congregations.

Proposal 5: The Executive Commission again instructs Presbyteries to submit reports on non-contributory congregations with reasons for non-compliance, by 31st December 2019 at the latest. Proposal 6: The Executive Commission endorses that clerks are Treasurers must be held accountable in both Presbyteries and at General Assembly and that the appropriate remedial action is taken where necessary. (M) Proposal 7: Presbyteries who fail to comply with general Assembly compliance related decisions such as these, shall lose 50% of their representation at future General Assemblies / Executive Commission’s until such time they comply and become compliant. (M)

2.4 Properties and Title Deeds

2018 General Assembly: “The General Assembly instructs all Presbyteries to assist congregations in transferring the property and obtaining title deeds from their local municipal offices for properties still in the local municipality’s name”. “The General Assembly instructs all Presbyteries/Synods to collect the certified copies of Title Deeds and/or Permissions to Occupy of properties it owns and properties of Congregations and forward them to the Central Office by latest 31 January 2019, if not done so already. Central Office to assist congregations with processes to acquire title deeds from the relevant institutions where they are struggling” We have reported on this in the past and whilst some work is being done by some Presbyteries, the response in general continues to be poor. A few years ago, the General Assembly at Polokwane instructed that title deeds must be remitted to Central Office by November 2014. This is nearly 5 years ago and has still not be completed. We are placing ourselves at risk when this is not actioned satisfactory. We understand that there is a cost involved in transferring the ownership of a property from a congregation into the General Assembly, when we are one and the same body, and hence it

51

would be careless on our part to incur such costs. We are happy that the central office (General Assembly) received CERTIFIED COPIES of the original title deeds, together with a letter from the Minister and Session Clerk stating that they will not sell their property unless permission is sought and granted by both the Presbytery and General Assembly Finance Committees. The Finance committee wishes to stress again (as a form of policing and monitoring the title deeds) that 7.2 of the Manual of Faith and Order states: “All applications for assessment relief must be accompanied by: c) Copies of deeds of UPCSA owned land and buildings or proof from the institution which holds the deed where relevant.” The finance committee is very strict in this regard, and NO application for assessment relief will be granted, unless accompanied by a copy of the title deeds (if one is not on file at the Central Office. Proposal 8: The Executive Commission again instructs all Presbyteries again to assist congregations in transferring the property and obtaining title deeds from their local municipal offices for properties still in the local municipality’s name. (M) Proposal 9: The Executive Commission again instructs all Presbyteries and Churches to submit certified copies of their title deeds to the Central Office by latest 31 January 2019, together with a letter stating they will not sell their property without the consent of both the Presbytery and General Assembly Finance Committee, if not done so already. (M)

2.5 Proposed Business Wing

The Moderator presented a report previously regarding a trip to Kenya where he looked at their business model which spoke about acquiring property and then letting it out to generate an income. This was then run by a separate “business division” within the church. The Moderator asked the Finance Committee if it would be worth investigating such, to help us fund our daily operational expenses. There is obviously is a lot of risk involved, if not done properly, and hence the Finance Committee would like the General Assembly to appoint a team to look into the feasibility of this and to come back to the Finance Committee and General Assembly with a recommendation in this regard.

The General Assembly / Executive Commission to date has not appointed anyone to this committee and should do so, in order for work to start. Proposal 10: The Executive Commission through its various committees appoints members to this committee by latest 31 December 2019, and to report back at next year’s General Assembly on work done in this regard. (M)

3. OTHER MATTERS 3.1 Assessments

Assessments continue to make up nearly all of the UPCSA’s income. We are thankful to all our Presbyteries, Synods and Congregations for the work they have done this past year regarding the payment of assessments to the General Assembly. Our assessment income decreased from R 12.771 million in 2017 to R 12.671 million in 2018, a -0.78% decrease which is disappointing good. As in the past three years, various schedules pertaining to assessments (refer Annexures 6, 7 and 8), detailing assessments, per congregation, per Presbytery, have been included. Graphs and statistical analysis also accompany this report. All Presbyteries, congregations, and commissioners to the General Assembly, are encouraged to read these graphs in detail to get an understanding of the financial affairs prior to attending the General Assembly.

The 2% rebate that was introduced in 2012, and extended in 2013, to those congregations meeting their assessment commitments in full, still remains in place, and congregations are urged to ensure their assessments are up to date, to take advantage of this. To clarify once again: The 2% rebate, is 2% of the “actual payment” made, and is not 2% off the original 18%. After the Executive commission in Zimbabwe we were tasked to investigate a reduction in the rate of assessment currently still 18% on amounts over R 100,000. We also looked at possible other forms of funding all of the committee work. A reduction of 1% would have reduced income by about R 750,000. Obviously, this would have impacted the committee work of GA tremendously. Because Presbyteries have given us very little feedback on non-contributing congregations, we unfortunately left the rate of assessment unchanged. The investigation into write off of all arrears up to 2015 revealed that it was extremely unfair on congregations that had just brought their assessments up to date and refunds would affect the budget for the current

52

year. Rules for assessment remain unchanged. If all congregations were both spiritual and good stewards, we would definitely be able to reduce the burden on those who are diligent. We need to continue questioning our congregations’ attitude towards paying assessments. This includes the attitude of firstly the Minister and his / her session, and secondly the congregation as a whole. Some congregations in our denomination take this charge very seriously, and conscientiously pay over their assessments in full each month. We thank these congregations for doing this so diligently. Other congregations, despite battling in these trying times, make every effort to pay at least the minimum, or whatever they can afford. Others simply don’t pay because they cannot afford to, or simply do not pay, i.e. withhold their assessments for reasons known only to them. If we at least had feedback via assessment returns and Annual Financial Statements, we would be far more equipped to make more informed decisions. Non-adherence to these basic annual returns is very concerning and disappointing considering that we are in God's service and should do everything to the best of our ability. Annexures 6, 7, 8 and 9 reflects both congregations that have not paid assessments, but also those who have now come in line, and started contributing. Proposal 11: The General Assembly reminds all congregations of their obligation to pay assessments. (T) Proposal 12: The General Assembly again reminds all Zimbabwean congregations of their obligation to pay assessments into the Zimbabwe Bank Account. (T) Proposal 13: The General Assembly again reminds all Zambian congregations of their obligation to pay assessments into the Bank Account. (T) Proposal 14: The General Assembly (a) again extends the current procedure to write off all outstanding assessment arrears for those congregations, supported by their Presbytery, who can bring 2014 to current up to date and to show ability to meet future assessments in full; and (b) extends 2% rebate until next General Assembly. (M)

3.2 Arrear Pension Fund payments The finance team at the central office having been working tirelessly with the Pension Fund in resolving all arrear pension fund payments to ensure both fund and employer, know what the liabilities and status quo of both parties are. This exercise will be completed at the end of July 2019. More information on this can be found under the Pension Fund Report. To date we have had no reports from Zimbabwe and Zambia after numerous requests.

3.3 Finance Workshops

The General Treasurer has been going around various Presbyteries doing presentations on tax and compliance related matters, and also assisting congregations in registering for PBO status, etc. The CFO and other finance committee members will also embark on road shows going forward to help educate and encourage Presbyteries and congregations to do the right things.

3.4 Tax and Compliance Education

The General Treasurer has been sending out emails during the course of this past year, as and when SARS and other statutory deadlines arise, reminding Presbyteries and congregations of their need to comply and submit. Presbyteries and congregations should embrace such communication and see them as a mechanism to help them, as opposed to “policing” them.

3.5 Audited Financial Statements

The audited financial statements for 2017 / 2018 have been included with this report. The UPCSA had a good year, with a small surplus being shown, compared to the previous year. Highlights from the past year include:

• Revenue decreased from R 12.993 million in 2017 to R 12.987 million in 2018.

• Expenses decreased from R 13.447 million in 2017 to R 12.823 million in 2018.

• We ended the 2018 financial year on a surplus of R 155,822 (2017: a surplus of R 475,245). The surplus of R 155,822 for the current period was after paying finance costs of R 127,524 which pertains to the Long Leave Fund.

53

The current financial year (June 2019) is being audited as this report is being written, and due to a dismal receipt of income, it is envisaged a deficit of approximately R 1.5 million. This will be the first time in 3 years, that we will be showing a deficit, and the first time in a very long time, such a large deficit.

• Investments increased from R 33.397 million in 2017 to R 34.680 million in 2018.

• Cash and cash equivalents decreased from R 7.6 million in 2017 to R 6.1 million in 2018.

• Ring-fenced restricted funds increased from R 23.103 million in 2017 to R 23.857 million

in 2018.

• Reserves and Retained Income increased from R 15.566 million in 2017 to R 15.722 million in 2018.

• Total assets increased from R 45.511 million in 2017 to R 47.631 million in 2018.

Refer Annexure 1 for the audited financial statements of the UPCSA. Proposal 15: The General Assembly accepts the Audited Financial Statements for 12 months to 30 June 2018. (T)

3.6 The Sedibeng Trust

The Sedibeng Trust continues to provide accommodation for students of the Ministry in Pretoria, Stellenbosch and Harare (through Lovemore House). The Sedibeng House of studies accommodates students both from the UPCSA and the EPCSA, plus the odd private student. A selection process for accommodation is in place for outside students, overseen by the Ministry Committee. Contracts are completed by all students staying in the Sedibeng House of Studies. The Sedibeng Trust, had a reasonable year, ending up on a surplus of R 68,920 (2017: R 341,848 deficit). Total Income for the year was R 895,749 (2017: R 683,635) Total Expenses for the year was R 826,829 (2017: 1,025,483) Mrs Jabu Kesa continues to be the house manageress and is doing an excellent job. Please refer to the Ministry Committee report or the Ministry Secretary for the day to day student affairs pertaining to the Sedibeng House of Studies. The current Trustees of the Sedibeng Trust as at 31 December 2018 (year-end) are:

KV Baloyi EA Germiquet RD Johnson N Kgwale LM Mosotho ME Ramulondi

EG Stopforth Refer Annexure 5 for the audited / reviewed financial statements of the Sedibeng Trust as at 31 December 2018. Proposal 16: The General Assembly approves the Sedibeng Trust audited accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018. (T)

3.7 UPCSA Risk Matrix

Ensuring that risk is managed is the responsibility of the General Secretary and the Chief Financial Officer. Each Committee is ultimately responsible for managing its own risk. The Audit Committee performs an over-sight function to ensure each Committee is adequately addressing its risks. Gloria Spelman from the Finance Committee has done a sterling job managing the risk matrix and associated processes on behalf of this committee.

Refer Annexure 4 for the detailed risk matrix. Proposal 17: The General Assembly accepts the Risk analysis and corresponding risk matrix. (T)

3.8 UPCSA Budget 2020

54

The budget has been included as Annexure 2. With the way the markets have performed these past 12 months and continue to perform at the moment (hap-hazard), we continue to take a prudent approach as our interest income has declined and has been projected to remain lower than in previous years. The budget meeting took place recently with the majority of convenors present, and a good discussion was held amongst all convenors. The budget for 2019/2020 is as follows: Total income is projected at R 13.4 million. Total expenditure is projected at R 13.436 million. Projected deficit for July 2019 to June 2020 is (R 36,535). This is the second year since 2012 that budgets of the various committees have not been majorly reduced to meet income. There are some additional costs such as UCCSA negotiations budgeted for plus a small amount towards the celebrations in September. Proposal 18: The General Assembly approves the budget for 2018/19 endorsing the need for more stringent financial controls at all levels. (T)

3.9 Statutory Returns

Churches continue to face more and more audit related investigations by both SARS (South African Revenue Services) and the Department of Labour (DOL) into the non-submission or failure to remit returns and pay over the necessary taxes. We have numerous examples throughout the denomination where churches have fallen foul of the law. Government is making a concerted effort to declare institutions that do not comply with the law, as in a state of disarray and unfit to operate going forward. This can come with additional, fines and penalties, and depending on the circumstances and extent of the non-compliance, could face closure. As a denomination we need to protect ourselves at ALL costs. We cannot afford to close congregations down due to our own negligence. We all need to make a concerted effort to become compliant and stay on the right side of the law.

3.10 Internal Audit function As we are a Public Benefit organisation working with other’s people money, the need for strong financial controls is of utmost importance. Each year, we engage with our audit firm where recommendations are made on how to improve financial controls. Both the finance committees and audit committees have identified an opportunity, where between the two committees an informal internal sub-committee will be performed. This internal audit function will audit the central office administration on a quarterly basis and report back to both the audit and finance committees on their findings. As this function becomes more mature, it may be rolled out to audit Presbyteries in the future. Proposal 19: The Executive Commission notes the formation of an internal audit sub-committee formed from the finance and audit committees, to perform quarterly internal audits on the central office administration, and to report back to both committees accordingly. (M)

3.11 General A lot of work is done each year, by both the Finance Committee, the Chief Financial Officer and all administrative staff at the Central Office to ensure the smooth-running of the denomination in terms of finance and administration. The denomination continues to run each year on a very tight budget, and each year it becomes more and more difficult. Inflation continues to rise steadily in the markets, and other essential services, such as water and electricity continue to increase at double digit figures. Food prices are increasing beyond current inflation, and salary increases are not what they used to be. Our investment markets continue to be very volatile with returns fluctuating from month to month. Our members are continually being affected by all the market conditions and changes in the market, which in turn affects their giving to the Church. We need to become wiser, smarter and more efficient and effective, when our income is not increasing at the rate it used to. We envisage a deficit of approximately R 1.4 million for the June 2019 financial year-end, and these

55

figures would only be presented at next year’s General Assembly. As we can’t wait a year to react, we need to put mechanisms in place now. The Finance Committee still continues to work with presbyteries and congregations on issues such as SARS PAYE and PBO registrations. These are non-negotiables and all congregations have to be registered with SARS for both of these. Once again, if anyone needs assistance with this, they are welcome to contact the Chief Financial Officer or the General Treasurer in this regard. We continue to rely on donor money from overseas, and whilst this is always appreciated, it “hides” the true problem, i.e. not raising sufficient income amongst ourselves. These donations are not guaranteed, and should the donor money suddenly cease, we would be faced with a major financial problem. We need to increase our income to become sustainable / self-sustainable without having to rely on donations and donors. As a denomination we need to start building our reserves so that the denomination can embark on strategic projects and other missional work.

4. OTHER MATTERS FOR NOTING

(a) RB Hagart Trust

This fund is still available to assist retired ministers, where possible, with unusual medical expenses. Proposal 20: The General Assembly notes the source of support for retired ministers through the RB Hagart Trust. (T)

(b) Investment Committee A joint committee between the Pension Fund and the General Assembly Finance Committee exists looking after the interests of both the UPCSA and the Pension Funds. Appreciation of thanks are expressed to all members who serve on the Investment committee. The markets continue to be erratic this past year, and the committee have done great work in managing our investments. Members of this sub-committee are:

General Treasurer (Mr RD Johnson) Chief Financial Officer (Rev M Jita) Chairman of the Pension Fund (Mr A Wentzel) Investment Sub-Committee member (Mr P Davis) Seshego Benefit Consulting (Mr P Theron) Pension Fund Actuary (Ms. Ria V D Merwe) Investment Sub-Committee Member (Mr F Marivate) Principal Officer - Pension Fund (Mr M Olivier) Trustee (Rev Christopher Judelsohn)

Proposal 21: The Executive Commission endorses thanks to the Investment Committee members, the CFO and all admin and finance staff. (T)

(c) Guild Cottage

The General Assembly finance and investment committee should play a role with regards to the governance and oversight pertaining to the investment of funds for the Guild Cottage. Apart from obtaining financial statements from Guild Cottage, there is no other involvement from this committee. A current list of trustees is provided in the Annexure 10.

(d) Gratitude

Thanks, are expressed to the Chief Financial Officer and all administrative staff at the central office involved with finance and administration of our denomination. Our administration has grown from strength to strength over the past few years and is becoming better and more efficient. I would also like to thank Mr Philip Gohl (Accountant) at the Central Office for his time with the UPCSA, as his contract comes to an end. Thank are expressed to all Presbytery treasurers and those assisting with finances and administration in the various Presbyteries and Synod’s.

56

Thanks to the Principal Officer, and all administrators, and other personnel involved with the administration of our Pension Funds and Investments. Thanks to the General Assembly finance team, and to Mr Philip Gohl for his tenure as the Accountant. Proposal 21: The Executive Commission endorses thanks to the Investment Committee members, the CFO and all admin and finance staff. (T)

I continue hard at work with my finance committee, to see at the July 2020 General Assembly, if we could pass an assessment rate reduction. We need to encourage congregations who do not pay assessments, to pay their assessments, which will make passing on a rate reduction so much easier, and something we should strive for in the very near future. This is going to be a lot of hard work by all but is indeed possible. It has been a pleasure to serve the UPCSA in the capacity of General Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. I have a wonderful committee of dedicated individuals all willing to use their gifts to serve God, and to make the UPCSA financially sustainable, effective and efficient. I thank each member for the robust discussions we have, and for all the hard work and dedication each of them puts into the work and life of the Church. Many of the committee members hold fulltime positions in big corporates and other companies. Giving of their time is much and truly appreciated. RYAN JOHNSON CONVENER PROPOSALS 1. The Executive Commission receives the report. 2. The Executive Commission notes the various financial schedules and reports. 3. The Executive Commission notes that the Finance Committee is still in the process of handing over the

land over to the residents of Mpolweni. 4. The Executive Commission again instructs all associations to submit their final annual audited reports,

as at December 2018, by no later than 30th December 2019. 5. The Executive Commission again instructs Presbyteries to submit reports on non-contributory

congregations with reasons for non-compliance, by 31st December 2019 at the latest. 6. The Executive Commission endorses that clerks are Treasurers must be held accountable in both

Presbyteries and at General Assembly and that the appropriate remedial action is taken where necessary.

7. Presbyteries who fail to comply with general Assembly compliance related decisions such as these, shall

lose 50% of their representation at future General Assemblies / Executive Commission’s until such time they comply and become compliant.

8. The Executive Commission again instructs all Presbyteries again to assist congregations in transferring

the property and obtaining title deeds from their local municipal offices for properties still in the local municipality’s name.

9. The Executive Commission again instructs all Presbyteries and Churches to submit certified copies of

their title deeds to the Central Office by latest 31 January 2019, together with a letter stating they will not sell their property without the consent of both the Presbytery and General Assembly Finance Committee, if not done so already.

10. The Executive Commission through its various committees appoints members to this committee by

latest 31 December 2019, and to report back at next year’s General Assembly on work done in this regard.

11. The Executive Commission reminds all congregations of their obligation to pay assessments. 12. The Executive Commission again reminds all Zimbabwean congregations of their obligation to pay

assessments into the Zimbabwe Bank Account. 13. The Executive Commission again reminds all Zambian congregations of their obligation to pay

assessments into the Bank Account. 14. The Executive Commission (a) again extends the current procedure to write off all outstanding

57

assessment arrears for those congregations, supported by their Presbytery, who can bring 2014 to current up to date and to show ability to meet future assessments in full; and (b) extends 2% rebate until next General Assembly.

15. The Executive Commission accepts the Audited Financial Statements for 12 months to 30 June 2018. 16. The Executive Commission approves the Sedibeng Trust audited accounts for the year ended 31

December 2018. 17. The Executive Commission accepts the Risk analysis and corresponding risk matrix.

18. The Executive Commission approves the budget for 2019/20 endorsing the need for more stringent

financial controls at all levels. 19. The Executive Commission notes the formation of an internal audit sub-committee formed from the

finance and audit committees, to perform quarterly internal audits on the central office administration, and to report back to both committees accordingly.

20. The Executive Commission notes the source of support for retired ministers through the RB Hagart

Trust. 21. The Executive Commission endorses thanks to the Investment Committee members, the CFO and all

admin and finance staff.

LIST OF ANNEXURES

1 Annual Financial Statements as at 30 June 2018

2 Budget for July 2019 – June 2020

3 Sedibeng Annual Financial Statement as at 31 December 2018

4 Presbytery Assessment Analysis for 10 years

5 Congregation Assessment Analysis for 10 years

6 Assessment Ranking

7 Non-contributing Congregations

58

Financial Performance since June 2011 to June 2018

8,682,378

9,047,01310,111,480

10,575,26611,699,364

12,771,068

12,671,047

0

2,000,000

4,000,000

6,000,000

8,000,000

10,000,000

12,000,000

14,000,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Assessment Income

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 8,682,378 9,047,013 10,111,480 10,575,266 11,699,364 12,771,068 12,671,047

% change 4.20% 11.77% 4.59% 10.63% 9.16% -0.78%Assessment Income

621,903

877,129939,227

938,368

783,048

875,245

753,801

0

200,000

400,000

600,000

800,000

1,000,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Investment Income - Distributed to Restricted Funds

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 621,903 877,129 939,227 938,368 783,048 875,245 753,801

% change 41.04% 7.08% -0.09% -16.55% 11.77% -13.88%

Investment Income - Restricted Funds

59

217,350

144,635

536 2,100 0 0 00

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Donations Received

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 217,350 144,635 536 2,100 0 0 0

% change -33.46%Donations Received

395,899

228,797

134,726

223,863

347,652 340,209316,185

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

350,000

400,000

450,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Other Income (sale of resources)

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 395,899 228,797 134,726 223,863 347,652 340,209 316,185

% change -42.21% -41.12% 66.16% 55.30% -2.14% -7.06%Sale of Resources

60

9,295,6279,420,445 10,246,742

10,801,22912,047,016

13,922,46312,987,232

0

2,000,000

4,000,000

6,000,000

8,000,000

10,000,000

12,000,000

14,000,000

16,000,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Total Income

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 9,295,627 9,420,445 10,246,742 10,801,229 12,047,016 13,922,463 12,987,232

% change 1.34% 8.77% 5.41% 11.53% 15.57% -6.72%Total Income

300,451

1,673,865

302,113

969,260

392,452

1,676,143

610,731

0

200,000

400,000

600,000

800,000

1,000,000

1,200,000

1,400,000

1,600,000

1,800,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

General Assembly / Ex Com costs

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 300,451 1,673,865 302,113 969,260 392,452 1,676,143 610,731

% change 457.12% -81.95% 220.83% -59.51% 327.10% -63.56%General Assembly Costs

61

1,259,556

1,556,591

1,278,012

1,059,211

1,371,212 1,324,0071,410,779

0

200,000

400,000

600,000

800,000

1,000,000

1,200,000

1,400,000

1,600,000

1,800,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Bursaries

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 1,259,556 1,556,591 1,278,012 1,059,211 1,371,212 1,324,007 1,410,779

% change 23.58% -17.90% -17.12% 29.46% -3.44% 6.55%Bursaries

1,413,084 1,404,668

1,160,930

1,656,0901,486,543

942,802

1,367,803

0

200,000

400,000

600,000

800,000

1,000,000

1,200,000

1,400,000

1,600,000

1,800,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Grants

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 1,413,084 1,404,668 1,160,930 1,656,090 1,486,543 942,802 1,367,803

% change -0.60% -17.35% 42.65% -10.24% -36.58% 45.08%Grants

62

2,672,6402,961,259

2,438,942

2,715,301 2,857,755

2,266,809

2,778,582

0

500,000

1,000,000

1,500,000

2,000,000

2,500,000

3,000,000

3,500,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Total Bursaries and Grants

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 2,672,640 2,961,259 2,438,942 2,715,301 2,857,755 2,266,809 2,778,582

% change 10.80% -17.64% 11.33% 5.25% -20.68% 22.58%Total Busaries and Grants

2,754,5282,523,218

2,302,103

2,764,574 2,648,592 2,741,9983,038,239

0

500,000

1,000,000

1,500,000

2,000,000

2,500,000

3,000,000

3,500,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Employee Costs - Central Office

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 2,754,528 2,523,218 2,302,103 2,764,574 2,648,592 2,741,998 3,038,239

% change -8.40% -8.76% 20.09% -4.20% 3.53% 10.80%

Employee Costs (Central Office)

63

909,829 833,663

1,432,653

1,133,6351,332,960

1,486,435

1,306,355

0

200,000

400,000

600,000

800,000

1,000,000

1,200,000

1,400,000

1,600,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Employee Costs - other UPCSA

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 909,829 833,663 1,432,653 1,133,635 1,332,960 1,486,435 1,306,355

% change -8.37% 71.85% -20.87% 17.58% 11.51% -12.11%

Employee Costs (UPCSA Other)

3,664,357

3,356,881

3,734,7563,898,209 3,981,552

4,228,433 4,344,594

2,000,000

3,000,000

4,000,000

5,000,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Total Employee Costs

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 3,664,357 3,356,881 3,734,756 3,898,209 3,981,552 4,228,433 4,344,594

% change -8.39% 11.26% 4.38% 2.14% 6.20% 2.75%Total Employee Costs

64

253,046

233,945

306,385

179,903

308,326

160,657

209,976

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

350,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Moderator and Moderator Designate Costs

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 253,046 233,945 306,385 179,903 308,326 160,657 209,976

% change -7.55% 30.96% -41.28% 71.38% -47.89% 30.70%

Moderator & Moderator Designate

276,702

195,320

356,802

257,278

170,221

196,642

112,303

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

350,000

400,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Repairs and Maintenance

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 276,702 195,320 356,802 257,278 170,221 196,642 112,303

% change -29.41% 82.68% -27.89% -33.84% 15.52% -42.89%Repairs and Maintenance

65

250,795268,063

155,473150,128

137,129144,401 143,439

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Telephone and fax

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 250,795 268,063 155,473 150,128 137,129 144,401 143,439

% change 6.89% -42.00% -3.44% -8.66% 5.30% -0.67%Telephone and Fax

386,163 409,687

585,453520,824

567,171

802,508842,610

0

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

500,000

600,000

700,000

800,000

900,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Sundry Expenses - ministry and committees

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 386,163 409,687 585,453 520,824 567,171 802,508 842,610

% change 6.09% 42.90% -11.04% 8.90% 41.49% 5.00%

Sundry Expenses - Ministry and Committees

66

685,467

552,724

780,709

583,522

1,059,876

1,403,101

1,447,979

0

200,000

400,000

600,000

800,000

1,000,000

1,200,000

1,400,000

1,600,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Committee Expenses

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 685,467 552,724 780,709 583,522 1,059,876 1,403,101 1,447,979

% change -19.37% 41.25% -25.26% 81.63% 32.38% 3.20%Committee Expenses

3,030,336

2,389,471

1,653,7691,824,330

2,740,7002,568,524

2,333,049

0

500,000

1,000,000

1,500,000

2,000,000

2,500,000

3,000,000

3,500,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Other expenses

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 3,030,336 2,389,471 1,653,769 1,824,330 2,740,700 2,568,524 2,333,049

% change -21.15% -30.79% 10.31% 50.23% -6.28% -9.17%Other Expenses

67

11,519,956 12,041,216

10,314,402 11,098,755

12,215,18213,447,218

12,823,263

0

2,000,000

4,000,000

6,000,000

8,000,000

10,000,000

12,000,000

14,000,000

16,000,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Total Expenses

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 11,519,956 12,041,216 10,314,402 11,098,755 12,215,182 13,447,218 12,823,263

% change 4.52% -14.34% 7.60% 10.06% 10.09% -4.64%Total Expenses

9,295,627 9,420,445 10,246,74210,801,229 12,047,016

13,922,463

12,987,23211,519,956

12,041,21610,314,402 11,098,755

12,215,18213,447,218

12,823,263

0

2,000,000

4,000,000

6,000,000

8,000,000

10,000,000

12,000,000

14,000,000

16,000,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Total Income vs. Total Expenses

TOTAL INCOME R TOTAL EXPENSES

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Total Income R 9,295,627 9,420,445 10,246,742 10,801,229 12,047,016 13,922,463 12,987,232Total Expenses R 11,519,956 12,041,216 10,314,402 11,098,755 12,215,182 13,447,218 12,823,263

Surplus / (Deficit) R -2,224,330 -2,620,771 -67,660 -297,526 -168,166 475,245 163,969

68

-2,224,330

-2,620,771

-67,660-297,526 -168,166

475,245163,969

-3,000,000

-2,500,000

-2,000,000

-1,500,000

-1,000,000

-500,000

0

500,000

1,000,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Surplus / Deficit

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R -2,224,330 -2,620,771 -67,660 -297,526 -168,166 475,245 163,969Surplus / (Deficit)

-5,763

-6,790

-175-740 -383

1,116385

-8,000

-7,000

-6,000

-5,000

-4,000

-3,000

-2,000

-1,000

0

1,000

2,000

Average Surplus / Deficit per congregation

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R -5,763 -6,790 -175 -740 -383 1,116 385

Average Surplus / (Deficit) per congregation

69

24,082 24,40526,546 26,869

27,442

32,68230,486

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Average Income per congregation

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 24,082 24,405 26,546 26,869 27,442 32,682 30,486

1.34% 8.77% 1.22% 2.13% 19.09% -6.72%

Average income per congregation

204 194 199221

237 224244

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Total number of congregations that paid assessments

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018204 194 199 221 237 224 244

-4.90% 2.58% 11.06% 7.24% -5.49% 8.93%

Total number of congregations who paid

assessments

70

42,56146,634 50,811 47,852 49,364

57,014

51,931

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Average assessment income per paying congregation

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 42,561 46,634 50,811 47,852 49,364 57,014 51,931

9.57% 8.96% -5.82% 3.16% 15.50% -8.92%

Average assessment income per paying

congregation

1,619,054

1,846,679

521,217

851,764946,800

626,582

922,248

0

200,000

400,000

600,000

800,000

1,000,000

1,200,000

1,400,000

1,600,000

1,800,000

2,000,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Trade and other receivables

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017Trade and Other Receivables R 1,619,054 1,846,679 521,217 851,764 946,800 626,582

% incr 14.06% -71.78% 63.42% 11.16% -33.82%

71

6,287,172

2,871,241

5,197,619

2,814,178

6,902,3967,670,869

6,127,437

0

1,000,000

2,000,000

3,000,000

4,000,000

5,000,000

6,000,000

7,000,000

8,000,000

9,000,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Cash and cash equivalents

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 6,287,172 2,871,241 5,197,619 2,814,178 6,902,396 7,670,869 6,127,437

-54.33% 81.02% -45.86% 145.27% 11.13% -20.12%Cash and cash equivalents

25,908,00329,063,176

32,096,983 33,583,013 32,974,656 33,397,151 34,680,359

0

5,000,000

10,000,000

15,000,000

20,000,000

25,000,000

30,000,000

35,000,000

40,000,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Investments

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 25,908,003 29,063,176 32,096,983 33,583,013 32,974,656 33,397,151 34,680,359

12.18% 10.44% 4.63% -1.81% 1.28% 3.84%Investments

72

22,059,096 21,995,877

23,727,528

22,937,648

23,447,784

23,103,355

23,857,156

21,000,000

21,500,000

22,000,000

22,500,000

23,000,000

23,500,000

24,000,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Restricted purpose funds balances

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 22,059,096 21,995,877 23,727,528 22,937,648 23,447,784 23,103,355 23,857,156

-0.29% 7.87% -3.33% 2.22% -1.47% 3.26%

Restricted purpose fund balances

3,725,2334,215,338 4,048,705 4,111,799

5,466,8116,051,027 5,883,532

0

1,000,000

2,000,000

3,000,000

4,000,000

5,000,000

6,000,000

7,000,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Trade and other payables

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 3,725,233 4,215,338 4,048,705 4,111,799 5,466,811 6,051,027 5,883,532

13.16% -3.95% 1.56% 32.95% 10.69% -2.77%Trade and other payables

73

10,053,464

12,728,789

15,138,006 15,796,625

1,243,385 790,6542,040,863

0

2,000,000

4,000,000

6,000,000

8,000,000

10,000,000

12,000,000

14,000,000

16,000,000

18,000,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Available for sale reserves

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 10,053,464 12,728,789 15,138,006 15,796,625 1,243,385 790,654 2,040,863

26.61% 18.93% 4.35% -92.13% -36.41% 158.12%Available for sale reserves

3,308,175

2,838,101

1,257,814

-502,393

1,112,245

569,873

-171,260-1,000,000

-500,000

0

500,000

1,000,000

1,500,000

2,000,000

2,500,000

3,000,000

3,500,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Cash generated from (used in) operations

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 3,308,175 2,838,101 1,257,814 -502,393 1,112,245 569,873 -171,260

-14.21% -55.68% -139.94% -321.39% -48.76% -130.05%

Cash generated from (used in) operations

74

300,232

616,050

360,001

169,267

543,095

227,838 235,633

0

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

500,000

600,000

700,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Auditor's remuneration

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 300,232 616,050 360,001 169,267 543,095 227,838 235,633

105.19% -41.56% -52.98% 220.85% -58.05% 3.42%Auditor's Remuneration

2,384,394 2,310,420 2,302,763 2,238,595 2,218,551

2,542,833

2,842,197

0

500,000

1,000,000

1,500,000

2,000,000

2,500,000

3,000,000

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018

Long Leave fund balance

June 2012 June 2013 June 2014 June 2015 June 2016 June 2017 June 2018R 2,384,394 2,310,420 2,302,763 2,238,595 2,218,551 2,542,833 2,842,197

-3.10% -0.33% -2.79% -0.90% 14.62% 11.77%Long Leave Fund Balance

75

76

THE UNITING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

(REGISTRATION NUMBER 18/11/13/1612)

ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018

77

INDEX

The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (Registration number: 18/11/13/1612)

Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018

The reports and statements set out below comprise the annual financial statements presented to the General Assembly:

Financial Commitee's Responsibilities and Approval

Independent Auditors' Report

Statement of Financial Position

Statement of Surplus or Deficit and Other Comprehensive Income

Statement of Changes in Equity

Statement of Cash Flows

Accounting Policies

Notes to the Financial Statements

Page

2

3-5

6

7

8

9

10- 13

14-20

The following supplementary information does not form part of the financial statements and is unaudited:

Detailed Statement of Surplus or Deficit

Pre parer

RSM South Africa Inc. Registered Auditors Louis Quintal CA (SA) RA Director

21

Page 1

78

The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (Registration number: 18/11/13/1612)

Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018

FINANCIAL COMMITEE'S RESPONSIBILITIES AND APPROVAL

The finance committee is required to maintain adequate accounting records and is responsible for the content and integrity of the financial statements and related financial information included in this report. It is their responsibility to ensure that the financial statements fairly present the state of affairs of the church as at the end of the financial year and the results of its operations and cash flows for the period then ended, in conformity with the International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and Medium-sized Entities. The external auditors are engaged to express an independent opinion on the financial statements.

The financial statements are prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and Medium-sized Entities and are based upon appropriate accounting policies consistently applied and supported by reasonable and prudent judgements and estimates.

The finance committee acknowledges that it is ultimately responsible for the system of internal financial control established by the church and place considerable importance on maintaining a strong control environment To enable the finance committee to meet these responsibilities, the finance committee sets standards for internal control aimed at reducing the risk of error or loss in a cost effective manner. The standards include the proper delegation of responsibilities within a clearly defined framework, effective accounting procedures and adequate segregation of duties to ensure an acceptable level of risk. These controls are monitored throughout the church and all employees are required to maintain the highest ethical standards in ensuring the church's business is conducted in a manner that in all reasonable circumstances is above reproach. The focus of risk management in the church is on identifying, assessing, managing and monitoring all known forms of risk across the church. While operating risk cannot be fully eliminated, the church endeavours to minimise it by ensuring that appropriate infrastructure, controls, systems and ethical behaviour are applied and managed within predetermined procedures and constraints.

The finance committee is of the opinion, based on the information and explanations given by management, that the system of internal control provides reasonable assurance that the financial records may be relied on for the preparation of the financial statements. However, any system of internal financial control can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss.

The finance committee has reviewed the church's cash flow forecast for the year to 30 June 2019 and, in the light of this review and the current financial position, they are satisfied that the church has or had access to adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

The external auditors are responsible for independently auditing and reporting on the church's financial statements. The financial statements have been examined by the church's external auditors and their report is presented on pages 3 to 5.

The financial statements set out on pages 6 to 20, which have been prepared on the going concern basis, were approved by the Finance Committee and were signed on its behalf by:

Page2

~ Gener~

Date

79

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

RSM South Africa Inc. 2016/324649/21

Executive City Cross Street & Cllarmaine Ave

President Ridge, Randburg 2194 PO Box 1734, Randburg 2125

Docex 51, Randbur·g T +2711329 6000 F +2711329 6100 www.rsmza.co.za

To the General Assembly of The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa

Qualified opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa set out on pages 6 to 20, which comprise the Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2018, and the Statement of Surplus or deficit and other comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies.

In our opinion, except for the possible effect of the matters described in the basis for qualified opinion section of our report, the Financial Statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa as at 30 June 2018, and its financial performance and cash fiows for the year then ended in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and Medium-sized Entities and the requirements of the Companies Act of South Africa.

Basis for qualified opinion

Assessment receipts and bequests

The accounting policy of the organisation is to recognise all assessment receipts and bequests in the statement of comprehensive income when received. However, the International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and Medium-sized Entities requires such income to be recognised when, amongst others, the amount of revenue can be measured reliably and it is probable that economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity. Transactions that do comply with these conditions should therefore have been recognised when they accrued to the organisation, and not only when received.

Receipts from donation income

In common with similar organisations, it is also not feasible for the organisation to institute accounting controls over cash receipts from donation income prior to the initial entry of the receipts in the accounting records. We performed procedures over those donations that were actually recorded but, due to the inherent limitations, it was impractical for us to extend the examinations beyond receipts actually recorded. We are therefore unable to conclude as to whether or not all the donations that were received were actually recorded accurately and completely in the correct period.

THE POWER OF BEING UNDERSTOOD AUDIT I TAX I CONSULTING

Directors E Bergh, 8 Com (Hons), CA(SA), CD Betty, 8 Ace, CA(SA), A Blignaut-de Waal, B Com, 8 Compt (Hons), M Com (FORP), CA(SA), M G Q de Faria, B Bus Sc, CA(SA), B J Eaton, B Ace. H Dip Tax Law, CA(SA), A C Galloway, B Sc Mech Eng, CA(SA), H Heymans, 8 Compt (Hons), M Com, FCCA, CA(SA), N C Hughes, 8 Compt (Hons), PG Cert Adv Tax, CA(SA), J Jones, B Com, 8 Ace, H Dip Tax Law, H Dip lnl Tax Law, CA{SA), J Kitching, B Compt (Hans), CA{SA), B Kool, B Compt (Hans), M Com (GFA), CA(SA), L Mac Donald, B Compt {Hans), CA(SA), L Quintal, B Com (Hans), CA{SA), R Rawoot, B Compt (1-luns), CA(SA), p 0 Scl1ulze, B Ace Sc {Hans), PG Dip Tax Law, CA(SA), M Steenkamp, B Compt (Hans), CA(SA), L M van der Merwe, B Com (Hans}, CA(SA), AD Young, B Compt (Hans), CA(SA)

RSM South Africa Inc. Registration No. 2016/324649/21, Practice No. 9004351s a member of the RSM network and trades as RSM. RSM Is the trading name used by the members of the RSM network E<Kh member of the RSM network Is an Independent accounting and consulting firm which practices in its own right. The RSM network Is not Itself a separate legal entity In any jurlscllctlon.

80

l_l_ -1

RS~J1 Property, plant and equipment

Deed searches noted properties in the name of the church which are not recorded in the financial statements and the values are unknown. Consequently, we were unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to satisfy ourselves as to the completeness, valuation and classification of the property disclosed in the financial statements.

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' Responsibilities for the Audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the church in accordance with the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors Code of Professional Conduct for Registered Auditors (IRBA Code) and other independence requirements applicable to performing audits of financial statements in South Africa. We have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the IRBA Code and in accordance with other ethical requirements applicable to performing audits in South Africa. The IRBA Code is consistent with the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (Parts A and B). We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our qualified opinion.

Responsibilities of the finance committee for the financial statements

The finance committee is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and Medium-sized Entities and the requirements of the Companies Act of South Africa, and for such internal control as the finance committee determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the finance committee is responsible for assessing the church's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the finance committee either intend to liquidate the church or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors' report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing will always dete<;t a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

As part of an audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing, we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:

• Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

• Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the church's internal control.

• Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the finance commitee.

81

RS~A • Conclude on the appropriateness of the finance committee's use of the going concern basis of accounting and

based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the church's ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditors' report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, t9 modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditors' report. However, future events or conditions may cause the church to cease to continue as a going concern.

• Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

We communicate with the finance committee regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

RSM South Africa Inc.

Eckard Bergh Chartered Accountant (SA) Registered Auditor Director

82

The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (Registration number: 18/11/13/1612)

Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2018

Figures in Rand Note 2018 2017

ASSETS

Non-Current Assets Property, plant and equipment 2 5 175 874 3 201 723 Loans receivable 3 121 537 201 508 Investments 4 34 680 359 33397151

39 977 770 36 800 382

Current Assets Inventories 5 249 693 381 948 Loans receivable 3 354 571 166 524 Trade and other receivables 6 922 248 492 135 Cash and cash equivalents 7 6 127 437 7 670 869

7 653 949 8 711 476

Total Assets 47 631 719 45 511 858

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

EQUITY Reserves 10 2 040 863 790 654 Retained income 15850168 15 566 822

17 891 031 16 357 476

LIABILITIES

Non-Current Liabilities Restricted purpose funds 8 23 857 156 23 103 355

Current Liabilities Trade and other payables 9 5 883 532 6 051 027

Total Liabilities 29 740 688 29 154 382

Total Equity and Liabilities 47 631 719 45511858

Page 6

83

The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (Registration number: 18/11/13/1612)

Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018

STATEMENT OF SURPLUS OR DEFICIT AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Figures in Rand

Revenue Other income Operating expenses

Operating surplus

Investment revenue

Surplus for the year

Other comprehensive income: Available-for-sale financial assets adjustments

Total comprehensive surplus for the year

Page 7

Note

11

12 13

17

2018

12 987 232

(12 823 263)

163 969

119 377

283 346

1 250 209

1 533 555

2017

12 993 405 811 186

(13 447 218)

357 373

117 872

475 245

(452 731)

22 514

84

The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (Registration number: 18/11/13/1612)

Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Available for Revaluation Total Retained Total equity sale reserve reserve on reserves income

on land and Figures in Rand investments buildings

Balance at 01 July 2016 1 243 385 471158 1 714 543 14 620 419 16 334 962

Surplus for the year 475 245 475 245 Other comprehensive deficit (452 731) (452 731) (452731)

Total comprehensive (452 731) (452 731) 475 245 22 514 deficit for the year

Transfer between reserves (471 158) (471158) 471 158

Total changes (471158) (471158) 471158

Balance at 01 July 2017 790 654 790 654 15 566 822 16 357 476

Surplus for the year 283 346 283 346 Other comprehensive surplus 1 250 209 1 250 209 1 250 209

Total comprehensive deficit 1 250 209 1 250 209 283 346 1 533 555 for the year

Balance at 30 June 2018 2 040 863 2 040 863 15 850 168 17 891 031

Page 8

85

The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (Registration number: 18/11/13/1612)

Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Figures in Rand Note 2018 2017

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Cash (used in) generated from operations 14 (171 260) 704 320 Interest income 119 377 117 872

Net cash from operating activities (51 883) 822 192

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Purchase of property, plant and equipment 2 (2104274) (25 696) Sale of property, plant and equipment 1 450 000 Net movement in investments (33 000) (875 226)

Net cash from investing activities (2 137 274) 549 078

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Movement in restricted purpose funds 753 801 (344 429) Movements in loans receivable (108076) (258 368)

Net cash from financing activities 645 725 (602 797)

Total cash movement for the year (1 543 432) 768 473 Cash at the beginning of the year 7 670 869 6 902 396

Total cash at end of the year 7 6 127 437 7 670 869

Page 9

86

The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (Registration number: 18/11/13/1612)

Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1. BASIS OF PREPARATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and Medium-sized Entities, and the Companies Act of South Africa. The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except where otherwise stated, and incorporate the principal accounting policies as set out below. They are presented in South African Rand.

These accounting policies are consistent with those of the previous period.

1.1 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

The cost of an item of property and equipment is recognised as an asset when: • It is probable that the future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the church; and • the cost of the item can be measured reliably.

Property, plant and equipment are initially measured at cost.

Cost includes costs incurred initially to acquire or construct an item of property, plant and equipment and costs incurred subsequently to add to, replace part of, or service it. If a replacement cost is recognised in the carrying amount of an item of property, plant and equipment, the carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognised.

Property, plant and equipment are subsequently stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses, except for land which is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.

Depreciation of an asset commences when the asset is available for use as intended by management. Depreciation is charged to write off the asset's carrying amount over its estimated useful life to its estimated residual value, using a method that best reflects the pattern in which the asset's economic benefits are consumed by the company.

The useful lives of items of property, plant and equipment have been assessed as follows:

Item

Buildings Furniture and fixtures Motor vehicles IT equipment

Average useful life

50 years 6 years 5 years 3 years

When indicators are present that the useful lives and residual values of items of property, plant and equipment have changed since the most recent annual reporting date, they are reassessed. Any changes are accounted for prospectively as a change in accounting estimate.

Impairment tests are performed on property, plant and equipment when there is an indicator that they may be impaired. When the carrying amount of an item of property, plant and equipment is assessed to be higher than the estimated recoverable amount, an impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss to bring the carrying amount in line with the recoverable amount.

An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected from its continued use or disposal. Any gain or loss arising from the derecognition of an item of property, plant and equipment, determined as the difference between the net disposal proceeds, if any, and the carrying amount of the item, is included in profit or loss when the item is derecognised.

Page 10

87

The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (Registration number: 18/11/13/1612)

Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1.2 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Initial measurement

Financial instruments are initially measured at the transaction price (including transaction costs except in the initial measurement of financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value through profit or loss) unless the arrangement constitutes, in effect, a financing transaction in which case it is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.

Financial instruments at amortised cost

These include loans, trade receivables and trade payables. Those debt instruments which meet the criteria in section 11.8(b) of the standard, are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Debt instruments which are classified as current assets or current liabilities are measured at the undiscounted amount of the cash expected to be received or paid, unless the arrangement effectively constitutes a financing transaction.

At each reporting date, the carrying amounts of assets held in this category are reviewed to determine whether there is any objective evidence of impairment. If there is objective evidence, the recoverable amount is estimated and compared with the carrying amount. If the estimated recoverable amount is lower, the carrying amount is reduced to its estimated recoverable amount, and an impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

1.3 TAXATION

Current tax assets and liabilities

The organisation has tax exemption as a public benefit organisation under section 30 of the Income Tax Act.

1.4 INVENTORIES

Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell, on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis.

1.5 IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS

The church assesses at each reporting date whether there is any indication that an asset may be impaired.

If there is any indication that an asset is impaired, the recoverable amount is estimated for the individual asset. If it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of the individual asset, the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit to which the asset belongs is determined.

If the recoverable amount of an asset is less than the carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount. That reduction is an impairment loss.

An impairment loss of assets carried at cost less any accumulated depreciation or amortisation is recognised immediately in surplus or deficit. Any impairment loss of a revalued asset is treated as a revaluation decrease.

If an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or group of related assets) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but not in excess of the amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or group of assets) in prior years. A reversal of impairment is recognised immediately in surplus or deficit.

Page 11

88

The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (Registration number: 18/11/13/1612)

Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1.6 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Short-term employee benefits

The cost of short-term employee benefits, (those payable within 12 months after the service is rendered, such as leave pay and sick leave, bonuses, and non-monetary benefits such as medical care), are recognised in the period in which the service is rendered and are not discounted.

The expected cost of compensated absences is recognised as an expense as the employees render services that increase their entitlement or, in the case of non-accumulated absences, when the absence occurs.

Defined contribution plans

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit plans are charged as an expense as they fall due.

1.7 PROVISIONS AND CONTINGENCIES

Provisions are recognised when:

• the church has a present obligation as a result of a past event;

• it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation; and

• a reliable estimate can be made of the obligation.

The amount of a provision is the present value of the expenditure expected to be required to settle the obligation.

Where some or all of the expenditure required to settle a provision is expected to be settled by another party, the reimbursement shall be recognised when, and only when, it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received if the entity settles the obligation. The reimbursement shall be treated as a separate asset. The amount recognised for the reimbursement shall not exceed the amount of the provision.

Provisions are not recognised for future operating losses.

If the church has a contract that is onerous, the present obligation under the contract shall be recognised and measured as a provision.

Contingent assets and contingent liabilities are not recognised.

1.8 REVENUE

Revenue comprises of the following: donation income, assessment fees, sale of resources, interest and dividends. Only assessments on income of congregations for the current period which are received before year end are accounted for.

Interest is recognised, in profit or deficit, using the effective interest rate method.

1.9 BORROWING COSTS

Borrowing costs are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred.

1.10 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

The statement of financial position does not reflect the assets and liabilities of congregations, presbyteries, schools and missions, even where assets and liabilities of those entities may be registered in the name of The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.

Page 12

89

The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (Registration number: 18/11/13/1612)

Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1.11 RESTRICTED PURPOSE GRANTS AND DONATIONS

Donations and grants received to be utilised for specific purposes are recognised as non-current liabilities on the date of receipt.

Any interest income earned on the unspent fund is credited to the restricted purpose fund balance and is not recognised as finance income in the organisation's income statement.

An expense incurred on the specific project is deducted from the restricted purpose fund and is not reflected as expenditure on the income statement.

Page 13

90

The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (Registration number: 18/11/13/1612)

Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Figures in Rand

2. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

2018

Cost Accumulated Carrying depreciation value

Land and buildings 5 267 240 (460 728) 4 806 512 Furniture and fixtures 70 015 (70 015) Motor vehicles 135 630 (56 513) 79 117 IT equipment 240 824 (218 542) 22 282 Capital work in progress 267 963 267 963

Total 5 981 672 (805 798) 5 175 874

Reconciliation of property, plant and equipment- 2018

Land and buildings Motor vehicles IT equipment Capital work in progress

Details of properties

PARKTOWN PROPERTY Parktown Erf 257, Parktown - Purchase price: 2009 -Additions since purchase or valuation

KLIPSPRUIT PROPERTY Klipsruit Manse, Erf 1401, Pimville Zone 1 - Purchase price -Disposal

GATEWAY PROPERTY Glen Marais, Erf 461, Kempton Park - Purchase price:

Opening Additions balance 3 063 639 1 826 215

106 243 31 841 10 096

267 963

3 201 723 2 104 274

Page 14

Cost

3 452 570 70 015

135 630 230 728

3 888 943

Disposals

(11 545)

(11 545)

2018

2017

Accumulated depreciation

(388 931) (70 015) (29 387)

(198 887)

(687 220)

Depreciation

(71 797) (27 126) (19 655)

(118578)

3 104 880 336 145

3 441 025

11 545 (11 545)

1826215

2017

Carrying value

3 063 639

106 243 31 841

3 201 723

Closing balance 4 806 512

79 117 22 282

267 963

5 175 874

3 104 880 336 145

3 441 025

11 545

11 545

91

The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (Registration number: 18/11/13/1612)

Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Figures in Rand

3. LOANS RECEIVABLE

LOAN RECEIVABLE BALANCE CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING

Church Extention and Aid Loans Loans are unsecured and interest free, with no fixed terms of repayment. In the absence of contractually agreed repayment terms, the fair value of these loans are deemed to be equal to the carrying value. Long outstanding loans where repayments are not deemed likely are identified at each balance sheet date and assessed for impairment.

Guild Cottage Loan Loan is unsecured, interest free, and has no fixed terms of repayment.

Minister's Loan Loan is unsecured, interest free, and is repayable in equal instalments of R3 000 per month.

Impairment of loans

Non-current assets Current assets

4. INVESTMENTS

AVAILABLE FOR SALE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AT FAIR VALUE Unit trusts- Oikocredit Unit trusts- Foard Balanced Fund

2018

177 825

318571

108 330

604 726 (128 618)

476 108

121 537 354 571

476 108

461 028 34219331

34 680 359

Fair values are determined annually at balance sheet date based on open market value.

5. INVENTORIES

Church resources 272 785

272 785 Inventories (write-downs) (23 092)

249 693

6. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Prepayments 779 696 Deposits 6 298 Other receivables 136 254

922 248

Page 15

2017

388 723

140 407

134 447

663 577 (295 545)

368 032

201 508 166 524

368 032

451 527 32 945 624

33 397 151

403 415

403 415 (21 467)

381 948

271 830 6 298

214 007

492 135

92

The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (Registration number: 18/11/13/1612)

Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Figures in Rand

7. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents consist of:

Cash on hand Bank balances

2018

13 433 6114004

6 127 437

2017

17 369 7 653 500

7 670 869

The Uniting Presbyterian in Southern Africa has a facility of R255 000 from Standard Bank which is reviewable annually in April of every year.

8. RESTRICTED PURPOSE FUNDS

Restricted purpose funds comprise donations and bequests which are to be used for specific purposes only. Donations and bequests received for restricted purposes are not recognised as income but are recognised as a liability. Similarly, disbursements made from these funds are not recognised as expenditure in the income statement but are offset against the liability.

Reserve exchange Justice and Social Development Funds Church Growth Funds CWM Mission Program Support Fund * EE Coutts Funds Presbyterian education/bursary funds Century Thanks Giving Fund Robert Niven Trust Alexander and Mary Robertson Kerr Memorial Fund External Mission Fund Fedsem Educational Fund J A Swan Will Trust Mission Priorities R B Haggart Medical Help Fund Minister car loans Guild Cottage Trust Fund Sunday Schools Trust Fund Ministry Funds K M C Duncan Legacy Will Trust Merge of old Funds HHK Currie Fund Andrew Smith Bursary Trust Motsepe Foundation Children's Ministry Zambian Conference Grant for Girls Sanitary Wear

*Below details a reconciliation of the CWM Mission Program Support Fund:

Reconciliation: Opening balance Income received Interest Expenditure

Page 16

43 338 825 885 346 404

1 228 857 5 850 659 2 099 988

518 880 19 998

1 867 656 63 681

456 274 981781

2 267 685 387 738

2 059 034 589 049

15 102 762 592

1 552 720 889 510 223 191 525 298 131 886

91 326 (13 206) 65 830

23 857 156

288 421 1 334 558

18 399 (412 521)

1 228 857

42 314 837 698 338 210 288 421

6021183 1 905 609

541 931 26 208

1 745 782 66 619

445 482 964 417

2 267 587 103 389

2010332 432 179

8478 1 003 591 1515993

880 591 217 912 512 873 837 391 89165

23 103 355

713 375

12 622 (437 576)

288 421

93

The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (Registration number: 18/11/13/1612)

Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Figures in Rand

9. TRADE AND OTHER PAY ABLES

Non trade payables and accrued expenses Pension fund - loss of returns Long leave fund Other payables Accrued leave pay Unallocated deposits

2018

462 616

2 842 197 682 405 256 254

1 640 060

5 883 532

2017

651 234 372 193

2 542 833 552 672 280 853

1 651 242

6 051 027

Unallocated deposits relate to amounts received by the church in respect of the assessment income and Pension Fund Contributions for the UPCSA Pension Fund for which not sufficient information is available to apply such amounts.

10.

11.

12.

AVAILABLE FOR SALE RESERVE

Balance at beginning of the year Other comprehensive income

REVENUE

Assessment fees Resources Rental income

OPERATING SURPLUS

Operating surplus for the year is stated after accounting for the following:

(Deficit)/Surplus on sale of property Pension fund -loss of returns Depreciation on property, plant and equipment Employee costs -Central Office own expense Employee costs -Other UPCSA expense

13. INVESTMENT REVENUE

Interest revenue Bank

Page 17

790 654 1 250 209

2 040 863

12 671 047 312 585

3 600

12 987 232

(19 344)

118 578 3 038 239 1 306 355

119 377

1 243 385 (452 731)

790 654

12 771 068 204 337

18 000

12 993 405

811186 372 193 125 882

2741998 1 486 435

117 872

94

The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (Registration number: 18/11/13/1612)

Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Figures in Rand 2018 2017

14. CASH (USED IN) GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS

Surplus before taxation Adjustments for: Depreciation DeficiV(Surplus) on sale of assets Interest received Changes in working capital: Inventories Trade and other receivables Trade and other payables

283 346 475 245

118 578 125 972 19 344 (811186)

(119377) (117 872)

132 255 (6 721) (430113) 454 665 (175 293) 584 217

(171 260) 704 320

15. CONTINGENCIES

16.

17.

A third party is currently in the process of suing The Uniting Presbyterian Church together with another person for R 1 000 000 for defamation of character. Management and their advisors cannot determine if the law suit will be successful, and are unable to reliably determine the amount of penalties and damages that may be payable.

Further to above, there is currently an appeal in progress against the writ of eviction that was received from the High Court of South Africa which stated that the Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa was evicting the incorrect third party from Rainy Mission. Management is uncertain of the outcome of the appeal.

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Components of other comprehensive income - 2018

Gross Tax Net

Mark-to-Market movement on investment Investment held 1 250 209 1 250 209

Components of other comprehensive income- 2017

Gross Tax Net

Mark-to-Market movement on investment Investment held (452 731) (452731)

GRANTS

Grants include specific allocations made by the Ministry for training, accommodation, subsistence, university fees, student allowances against specific fund accounts shown as liabilities in the balance sheet, and allocations made from the centenary and thanks giving funds for various denomination projects, and supplementary pension and medical aid subsidies (i.e EE Coutts, various bursary allocations to be drawn on as when required, ministerial training, ministerial formation, centenary and thanks giving funds).

Page 18

95

The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (Registration number: 18/11/13/1612)

Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Figures in Rand

18. RELATED PARTIES

Relationships Members of key management

Related party balances and transactions.

Related party balances

Loans owing by related parties Church extention and aid loans Minister's loan Guild Cottage loan

Amounts receivable from Ministers Medical Aid contributions

Assessment income received from various Presbyterian Ministries Assessment income

19. COMPARATIVE FIGURES

2018 2017

The church collects subscriptions for Medical Aid and contributions for Pension Funds on behalf of its Ministers.

177 825 108 330 318 571

19 843

12 671 047

388 723 134447 140 407

6 592

12 771 068

Sundry loans have been reclassified in the current year to loan receivables in order to accurately disclose the current and non current recovery of the loan.

The effects of the reclassification are as follows:

Statement of Financial Position Loans receivable - Non-current assets Loans receivable - Current assets Trade and other receivables

Page 19

108 330 26 117

(134 447)

96

The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (Registration number: 18/11/13/1612)

Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

20. ASSOCIATION INFORMATION

Domicile:

South Africa

Legal form of entity:

Association

Country of incorporation:

South Africa

Business address:

28 Rhodes Avenue

Parktown

JOHANNESBURG

2193

Nature of business:

Public benefit organization.

Page 20

97

The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (Registration number: 18/11/13/1612)

Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 DETAILED STATEMENT OF SURPLUS OR DEFICIT

Figures in Rand

Revenue Assessment fees Resources Rental income

Other income Gains on disposal of assets Interest received

Operating expenses Administration and management fees Auditors' remuneration Bank charges Bursaries Committee expenses - including travel Computer expenses Conference costs Consultative Committee Depreciation, amortisation and impairments Employee costs - Central office own expense Employee costs- Other UPCSA expense Grants IT expenses Insurance Legal expenses Ministry retreat Moderator costs Motor vehicle expenses Pension fund - loss of returns Printing and stationery Repairs and maintenance Reserve exchange Resource purchases Subscriptions Sundry expenses -Ministry and committees Surplus and deficit on exchange differences Deficit on sale of assets and liabilities Telephone and fax Training Transport and freight

Surplus for the year

Note 2018

12 671 047 312 585

3 600

11 12 987 232

13 119 377

119 377

(126701) (235 633) (123 809)

(1 410 779) (2 290 589)

(7 062) (720)

(3 119) (118 578)

(3 038 239) (1 306 355) (1 367 803)

(133058) (64 990)

(432410) (182 467) (209 976)

(87 192)

(253 893) (112 303) (83 067)

(364 046) (82 1 07)

(507 364)

(19 344) (143 439) (16 169)

(102 051)

(12 823 263)

283 346

2017

12 771 068 204 337

18 000

12 993 405

811186 117 872

929 058

(256 085) (227 838) (102983)

(1 324 007) (3 079 245)

(949) (50 753) (24 819)

(125 882) (2 741 998) (1 486 435)

(942 802) (167 282) (52 407)

(367 946) (12 000)

(160 657) (74 004)

(372 193) (297 746) (196642) (112 692) (224 987)

(80 997) (652 205)

(48 099)

(144401) (792)

(118372)

(13 447 218)

475 245

The supplementary information presented does not form part of the annual financial statements and is unaudited.

Page 21

CC Committee & Commissions Ref Nr.

Convenor / Responsible Person

2019 Approved Budget

2019 / 2020 Requested

Budget

Restricted fund

allocation (Reduction)

Further Reductions

2019 / 2020 Allocation Real Spend Increase

2011 Moderator P Langerman 280 000 290 000 290 000 290 000 4%2013 Moderator Designate S Mtetwa 60 000 62 500 62 500 62 500 4%2006 Assembly Business C Mkandawire 148 175 157 322 157 322 157 322 6%

Central Office L Mpetsheni/ M Jita 4 641 541 4 805 355 4 805 355 4 805 355 4%Audit committee C Gauld 181 125 210 000 210 000 210 000 16%

2041Executive Commission 2019

celebrations P Langerman/ R Johnson 788 820 850 000 850 000 850 000 8%2027 Legal costs R Johnson 250 000 300 000 300 000 300 000 20%2041 Pastoral - association work group J Pillay/ R Botsis 175 000 60 000 60 000 60 000 -66%2041 Court of Assembly O Banda 200 000 155 000 155 000 155 000 -23%

STANDING COMMITTEES2036 Education and Training A Sontange 237 783 440 000 -142 012 -50 000 247 988 390 000 4%2014 Church Associations S Zungu 110 937 199 850 -80 000 119 850 119 850 8%2019 Church Office Committee Z Makalima 50 000 60 000 60 000 60 000 20%2010 Communications Committee G Kelly 59 900 63 096 63 096 63 096 5%2040 Ecumenical Relationships L Mpetsheni 320 000 320 000 320 000 320 000 0%

UCCSA negotiations L Mpetsheni 80 000 80 000 80 000 80 000 0%2026 Finance and sub-committees R Johnson 51 500 52 500 52 500 52 500 2%2020 Finance - Pension Admininstration R Johnson 210 945 262 348 262 348 262 348 24%2020 Pension Fund - Audit Fees R Johnson 187 425 220 000 220 000 220 000 17%

CC Committee & Commissions Ref Nr.

Convenor / Responsible Person

2019 Approved Budget

2019 / 2020 Requested

Budget

Restricted fund

allocation (Reduction)

Further Reductions

2019 / 2020 Allocation Real Spend Increase

NEW Finance - Funeral Cover R Johnson - 240 000 240 000 240 000 2032 Church in Society R Daka 348 446 624 000 -239 730 -220 000 164 270 404 000 -53%2035 Ministry Ncapai / P Baxter 2 735 412 4 371 845 -1 158 933 -120 000 3 092 912 4 251 845 13%2034 Mission and Discipleship Theo Groeneveld 1 279 057 1 460 000 -185 000 1 275 000 1 460 000 0%2038 Stewardship A Thema 77 000 267 775 -150 000 -170 000 -52 225 97 775 -168%2012 Nominations Z Mkentane 15 000 15 000 15 000 15 000 0%2039 Priorities & Resources P Neshangwe - 176 150 -176 150 176 150 2027 Contingencies M Jita 100 000 100 000 100 000 100 000 0%2041 Minister and Spouses Conference P Baxter/M Jita 217 960 218 000 218 000 218 000 0%2039 Worship K Brown 15 000 15 000 15 000 15 000 0%2033 Manual D Mc Donald 15 000 15 000 15 000 15 000 0%2030 Ethics and Discipline D Mhlambeni 85 400 15 000 15 000 15 000 -82%2022 Doctrine V Vellem 15 000 15 000 15 000 15 000 0%2055 Health and Wellness N Pona 153 431 250 000 -192 381 -50 000 7 619 200 000 -95%

Total 13 089 857 16 370 741 -2 244 206 -690 000 13 436 535 15 680 741 3%Projected Income -13 100 000 -13 100 000 -13 400 000(Surplus) / Deficit -10 143 3 270 741 36 535

JULY 2019 TO JUNE 2020 BUDGET FOR THE UPCSA

98

99

SEDIBENG

DEC 2018

FINANCIAL

REVIEW

100

THE SEDIBENG TRUST

ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Trustees

KV Baloyr EA Germrquet RD Johnson N Kgwale LM Mosotho ME Ramulondi EG Stopforth

Registered office 21 -9th Street West Menlo Park Pretona

Place of business Pretoria

Nature of business Church Trust

Bankers

31 December 2018

Standard Bank of South Afnca

Accounting officer J Bhika

101

THE SEDIBENG TRUST ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 31 December 2018

CONTENTS

General mformation Approval of annual financ1al statements Report of the accountmg officer Annual financial statements Statement of F1nanc1al Position Statement of Comprehensive income Statement of Changes m Net Investment Cash flow statement Notes

APPROVAL OF ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Trustees of the Trust are responsible for the preparation of the annual financtal statements of The Sedibeng Trust and to ensure that appropriate accountmg pohcres have been applied 1n the preparation thereof. The trustees of the trust confirm that as at 31 December 2018 the assets of the corporation exceeds 1ts hab1ht1es

The annual financial statements have been approved by all trustees or by trustees hold1ng at least 51% Interest and are signed on their behalf by two of the following trustees-

KV Baloy1 EA Germiquet RD Johnson N Kgwale LM Mosotho ME Ramulondl EG Stopforth

Date 20/03/2019

cl~~- ~ :;~/~

~-c:-==-5

Page

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8

102

REPORT OF THE ACCOUNTING OFFICER

I have performed the duties of Accounting Officer to The Sed1beng Trust, m accordance wtth South Afncan Statements of Generally Accepted Accountmg Pollees for small to med1um size Ent1t1es No audit was conducted Accordmgly I do not imply or express an op1nron or any other form of assurance on the annual financ1al statements

Compilation engagement

In add1t1on to my duties as accountmg officer and on the basis of information provided by the members, I have compiled, in accordance with the International Standards on Related Services (ISRS4410) applicable to compilation engagements, the financial statements set out on pages 1 to 7 for the year ended 31 December 2017 These financial statements compnse the statement of financ1al position as at 31 December 2017, and the statement of comprehensiVe 1ncome, statement of changes 1n funds and cash flow statement for the year then ended, and a summary of s1gnrficant accountmg pohctes and other explanatory notes. The trustees are responsible for these financial statements

Duties of accounting officer

I have determmed that the annual financial statements are 1n agreement wtth the accountmg records, summansed tn the manner reqwred by the Act, and have done so by adoptmg such procedures. and conducting such enquiries in relation to the accounting records. as I constdered necessary m the Circumstances I have also rev1ewed the accounting policies that the Trustees requested to be applied 1n the preparatton of the annual finanCial statements, and I consider that they are appropriate to the bus1ness.

Date 2019/03 XX

103

THE SEDIBENG TRUST STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION- 31 December 2018

Notes 2018 2017

ASSETS

Non-current assets Property plant and equ1pment 2 1 422 656 1 475 522

Investments 3 5 834 709 6 449 860

Total non-current assets R 7 257 366 R 7 925 381

Current assets Trade and other receivables 4 602 687 507 056

Cash and cash equivalents 5 524,776 397 375

Total current assets R 1,127,463 R 904 432

Total assets R 8,384,828 R 8 829 813

FUNDS AND LIABILITIES

Capital and reserves Trust Cap1tal 6 6.946.705 6966 705

~eserves 7 2,430.826 3 045 977

Accumulated Defic1t {1 142 772~ {1 211 692)

Total capital and reserves R 8.234 759 R 8 800,989

Current liabilities Trade and other Payables 8 150 070 28824

Total current liabilities R 150 070 R 28824

Total liabilities R 150 070 R 28824

Total members' funds and liabilities R 8 384 828 R 8 829 813

104

THE SEDIBENG TRUST STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME- for the year ended 31 December 2018

Notes 2018 2017

Revenue 895 749 683 635

Accommodation tncome 213 182 80 875 Food income 228 000 183 328 Investment income 257 787 245 217 Insurance Clatm Received 6 794 Reversal of use of asset 20 000 20 000 Recovenes UPCSA 147 760 131 680 Other income 29020 15 742

Selling, administrative and general expenses 826 829 1 025 483 Accounting (book-keeping) fees 21250 18 000 Auditors remuneration 9250 8 000 Bad debts and proviston for bad debts 6229 285 Bank charges 2 841 2,171 Depreciation 56 065 54 998 Donations* 279 682 Food costs 179 898 152 300 Insurance 10 827 15 674 Legal Fees 2 690 Muntctpal charges 111 618 54 385 Refeshments and cleaning 2 804 7 714 Repairs and maintenance 19 927 34 987 Salanes and wages 387 629 377 981 Security expenses 6076 5 315 Travel and conference costs 4284 2 226 Telephone, internet, computer and postage 8 131 9 077

Surplus I (Deficit) for the year R 68 920 R ( 341 848}

105

THE SEDIBENG TRUST STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN FUNDS- for the year ended 31 December 2018

Trust Retained Reserves Total Capital income

Balance at 31.12.2016 R 6 986 705 R ( 869 845) R 2 478 685 R 8 595 545

Changes in equity for 2015 Deficit I Surplus for the year ( 341 848) (341848) Fair Value Adjustments 567 292 567 292 Stellenbosch project ( 20 000) ( 20 000)

Balance at 31 .12.2017 R 6,966,705 R -1,211,692 R 3,045,977 R 8 800 989

Changes in equity for 2016 Deficit I Surplus for the year 68 920 68 920 Fair Value Adjustments- unit trusts ( 615 151) ( 615 151)

Stellenbosch project ( 20 000) { 20 000} Balance at 31.12.2018 R 6 946 705 R {1142 772} R 2 430 826 R 8 234 759

106

THE SEDIBENG TRUST CASH FLOW STATEMENT- for the year ended 31 December 2018

Cash generated from operating activities Cash receipts from tenants Cash paid to suppliers and employees

Cash flows from Investing activities Acquisition of property, plant and equipment Investment income Fair Value Adjustment

Cash flows from investing activities Donation of UPCSA Federal Seminary Funds

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year R

2018 2017

-130,149 -637,988 617,962 366 130

-748,111 -1,004,118

257 787 254 640

G 1 254 6·~1 -I -I

127 638 ( 383 348)

397,138 780,486

524,776 R 397,138

107

THE SEDIBENG TRUST NOTES - 31 December 2018

1. Slgnifl~nt accounting policies

1 1 Bas1s of preparatiOn

The f1nancaat statements have been prepared on the h1stoncal cost bas1s except for the revaluatJon of certa1n non-current assets and financtal 1nstruments. The pnnc•pal accounting pollctes are set out below.

1.2 Property, plant and eqwpmenl

Land and buildtngs held for use tn the production or supply of goods or serv1ces, or for admm•strallve purposes are stated 1n the statement of financial pos1t1on at their original cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

Propert•es m the course of construction for production, renta l or admtnlslrattve purposes or for purposes not yet determined are earned at cost, less any recogntsed tmpatrment loss Cost Includes profesSIOnal fees and, for qualifying assets, borrowmg costs capttahsed In accordance wtth the company's accounbng policy. Deprectatlon of these assets, on the same basts as other property assets commences when the assets are ready for their mtended use

Freehold land tS not deprecaated

Deprecaahon IS charged so as to wrne oft the cost or vatuahon of assets, other than freehold land and propert1es under consU"Ucnon. over theJr esumated useful •ves us~ng the straJQht-hne bas•s The est1mated useful lrves. residual values and deprecaahon methods are rev~ at each year end, w1th the effect of any changes m eshmate accounted for on a prospectrve basis

Deprecaatlon IS provided on all property plant and eQUipment other than freehold land to wnte down the cost. less residual value by equal mstalments over the~r useful lrves as follows

Item

Bu1ld1ngs

Plant and equipment Office equipment

Assets held under finance leases are depreciated over their expected useful lives on the same bas1s as owned assets or where shoner the term of the relevant lease

The gam or loss ansmg on the dtsposal or retirement of an item of property, plant and equ1pment tS determmed as the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrymg amount of the asset 1nd IS recogn1sed 1n profit or loss

1 3 Investment property

Investment propeny, Willet! Is propeny held to earn rentals and/or roc cap•tal apprecaauon IS

measured 1nrt1aUy at .ts cost, 1nclud'"9 ltansacnon costs. Subsequent to 1mUal recogmt1on mvestment propeny 1s measured at fa1r value Gems and losses ans1ng from changes 1n the fa1r value of Investment property are •ncluded m profit or loss tn the period 1n wh1ch they anse.

1 4 Fmanctal assets Investments are recognised and derecogmsed on trade date where the purchase or sale of an mvestmentis under a contrad whose terms require delrvery of the Investment w1thm the t1me frame established by the marl<et concerned and are 1ntt1ally measured at fatr value plus transactton costs. except for those financial assets classified as at fatr value through profit or loss which are 1ntt1allv measured at fair value.

Useful life

50 years 5 years 5 years

108

F1nanc1al assets are classified Into lhe followmg specified categones fmancral assets at fa1r value through profrt or loss' (FVTPL), held to matunty' mvestments, ava1lable for sale (AFS) finane~al assets and loans and receiVables' The classrfica!lon depends on the nature and purpose of the financ1al assets and IS determ1ned at the time of tn1!1al recogmtlon

Effechve mterest method

The effecttve Interest method IS a method of calculating the amort1sed cost of a financ1al asset and of allocat1ng mterest revenue over the relevant penod The effectl\le Interest rate Is the rate !hat exactly d1scounts esltmated future cash recerpts Ctnclud1ng aU fees on points paid or recerved that form an Integral part of the effectrve 1nterest rate, transaction costs and other prem1ums or diScounts) through the expected !Jfe of the financ1al asset. or where appropnate. a shorter penod

Revenue 1S recognised on an effective 1nterest basis for debt instruments other than those financ1al assets des1gnated as at FVTPL.

1 4 1 Fmanc18f assets at FVTPL

Fmanc1al assets are class1f1ed as at FVTPL where the finane~al asset IS e1ther held for tradrng or rt IS des1gnated as at FVTPL

A fananc1al asset IS classified as held for tradmg If:

• 11 has been acquired pnnc1pally for the purpose of selrtng in the near future, or

• It IS a part or an 1denllfted portfolio of finane~al Instruments that the entity manages together and has a recent actual pauem or short-term profrt-tak1ng: or

• It IS a denvattve that is not desgnated and effective as a hedgmg Instrument.

A f1nan~:~al asset other than a f1nanctal asset held for trad1ng may be desgnated as at FVTPL upon 1n11Jal recogn1tJ0n If

• such desgnatron ehminates or stgmficantly reduces a measuremenl or recognrt1on 1ncons1stency that would olherwtse anse or

• the f1nanctal assets forms part of a group of financial assets or financtal hab1httes or bolh, wh1ch IS managed and tiS performance IS evaluated on a fair value basis 1n accordance with the entity's documented risk management or investment strategy, and mformahon about the groupmg 1s provided Internally on that basis, or

• 11 forms part of a contract conta1nmg one or more embedded dertvat1ves and lAS 39 Fmsnctaltnstruments Recogmtton and Measurement permits the enure comb1ned contract (asset or habllrty) to be destgnated as at FVTPL

F1nane~al assets at FVTPL are stated at fa•r value wrth any resuhant garn or loss recogn1sed 1n profit or loss. The net garn or loss recogmsed tn profit or loss Incorporates any diVIdend or Interest earned on lhe fmanaal assel Falf value IS determmed 1n the manner descnbed .

1 5 Loans snd recetvables

Trade rece1vables, loans and other recervables !hat have fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted Ill an act1ve market are classified as loans and rece1vables Loans and recetvables are measured at amort1sed cost using the effective 1nterest method, less any Impartment Interest revenue IS recognrsed by applymg the effect1ve 1nterest rate except for short-term recervables when the recogn1bon of tnterest would be 1mmatenal.

16 TaxatiOn There IS no provts1on for taxation as the trust 1s a regtstered Publtc Benef1t Organisatton and enjoys tax exempt status 1n terms of Section 10(1) of the Income Tax Act

1 7 Provisions

109

Prov1s1ons are recognrsed when the entity has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event. rt 1s probable that the entrty Will be reqUired to set11e the obhgabon. and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obhgatton.

The amount recogmsed as a provision IS the best estimate of the consideration requ1red to settle the present obl1gat1on at the reportmg date, taking mto account the nsks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where a provision IS measured usmg the cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its canymg amount IS the present value of those cash flows.

When some or all of the economic benefits requ1red to settle a provrs1on are expected to be recovered from a third party, the receivable is recognised as an asset 1f rt IS v1rtually certarn that reimbursement wriJ be received and the amount of the receivable can be measured reliably.

1 8 Revenue recognition

Revenue rs measured at the farr value of the consideration received or receivable. Revenue IS reduced for value added tax, estimated customer returns, rebates and other simrlar allowances.

1 8. 1 Rendering of services

Revenue from a contract to prov1de serv1ces IS recognised by reference to the stage of completion of the contract The stage of completion of the contract rs determmed as follows

• Serv1cmg fees 1ncluded '" the pnce of products sold are recogmsed by reference to the proportion of the total serv1ce cost of providing the servictng for the product sold, tak1ng mto account htstoncal trends 1n the number of servtces actually provided on past goods sold and

1 8 2 DNJdend and mterest revenue

Dtv1dend revenue from Investments is recognised when the shareholder's nght to receive payment has been established.

Interest revenue ts accrued on a lime bas1s, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effectrve Interest rate applicable, which IS the rate that exactly dtscounts estimated future cash recetpts through the expected life of the financial asset to that asset's net carrying amount.

110

THE SEDIBENG TRUST NOTES- as at the 31ST OF December 2017

2. Property, plant and equipment

£Q1! 2017 Cost/ Accumulated Car!:lllng Cost/ Accumulated Car!:lling

valuation deQreclation amount valuation deQreciation value

Land 200 000 200 000 200 000 200 000 Garden Wall 16 990 ( 16 989) 1 16 990 ( 16 707) 283 Stellenbosch (use of asset) 200 000 (125000) 75 000 200 000 ( 105 000) 95 000 Buildings 1 580 548 ( 439 206) 1 141 342 1 580 548 ( 407 606) 1 172 942 Computers and office

55 202 (51 023) 4179

55 202 ( 47 907)

7 295 equipment Fumiture,fittings and

324 940 ( 322 807) 2 133 321 741 ( 321 740) equipment Security equpiment 14 130 ( 14 129) 14 130 ( 14 129)

Zimbabwe Investment

R2391810 R (969154} R 1 422 656 R 2 388 611 R ( 913 089} R 1 475 522

Reconciliation of property, plant and equipment • 2017

O!!enlng Additions/ Closing balance diSQOSals Revaluations DeRreclation Balance

Land 200 000 200 000 Garden Wall 16 990 ( 13 309) 3 681 Stellenbosch (use of asset) 200000 ( 85 000) 115 000 Buildings 1 580 548 ( 376 006) 1 204 542 Computers and office

47 908 ( 47 907) equipment Furniture, fittings and

321 741 ( 321 740) equipment Security equpiment 14 130 ( 14 129) 1 Zimbabwe Investment 279 682 279 682

R 2 660 999 R - R - R -858,092 R 1 802 907

Reconciliation of property, plant and equipment · 2016

012enlng Additions/ Closing

balance disposals Revaluations Dellreciation Balance

Land 200 000 200 000 Garden Wall 16 990 ( 9 911) 7 079 Stellenbosch (use of asset) 200 000 ( 65 000) 135 000 Buildings 1 580 548 ( 344 406) 1 236 142 Computers and office 47 908 ( 47 907) equipment Fumiture,filtlngs and 321 741 ( 321 740} equipment Security equpiment 14 130 ( 14 129}

279 682 279 682 R 2 660 999 R - R - R j 803 094} R 1 857 905

Land and buildings comprise of ERF 334 Menlo Park ,Reg Div JR, Gauteng with Improvements consisting of a residential unit situated at 21 9th street, Menlo Park, Pretoria. Acquired in 2004. Unencumbered, measured according to the cost model. Depreciated over a period of 50 years on the straignt line method.

The Sediben9 Trust acquired the use of part of e property in Stellenboseh to help accommodate atudents. An amount of two hundred

thousand Rand was paid to use the properly for a period of ten years.

The Sedibeng Trust made a contribution towards a property in Harare. Zimbabwe. to accommodate Ministry students studying in Zimbabwe.

111

THE SEDIBENG TRUST NOTES- as at the 31ST OF December 2017

3. Investments

Available for sale Instrument Coronation Equity Fund Money Market Account

4. Trade and Other receivables

Debtors

Provision for Doubtful Debts

Deposits Sundry Receivables

5. Cash and Cash Equivalents

Standard Bank Cheque Account Market Link Account Cash on hand

6. Trust Capital

Trust Capital arises from the following donations:

6.1 Estate of the late I M Lusi and the trustees of the Isabel Lusk Charitable Trust 6.2 The General Assembly of the UPCSA of the Federal Seminary Funds. 6.3 Other Accomodation Projects (funds)

7. Reserves

R

R

3,609,709 2,225,000 5,834,709

555 127

{ 8 000) 547 127

5 650 49 909

602 687

40897 483 693

186 524 776

5 876 713

594 992

475 000 6 946 705

2,430,826

R

R

Fair Value Adjustments arising from revaluation of available for sale instruments. Recognised directly into equity.

4,224,860 2,225,000 6,449,860

502 406

~ 2 000} 500 406

5 650 1 000

507 056

14 136 383 239

397 375

5 876 713

594 992

495 000 6 966 705

2,478,685

112

8. Trade and other payables

Depos1ts held Accruals Prov1s1ons Other payables UPCSA

9. Taxation

4 500 4.500 26,050 15.674

8,650 119,520 150,070 28,824

There 1s no prov1s1on for taxabon as the trust 1s a registered Public Benef1t Orgamsat1on and enjoys tax exempt status m terms of Section 1 0( 1) of the I nco me Tax Act

ANNEXURE 4

PRESBYTRY 2008 2009 2010 2011 Jan 2012 to July 2013 to July 2014 to July 2015 to July 2016 to July 2017 toto Jun 2013 June 2014 Jun 2015 Jun 2016 Jun 2017 Jun 2018

Amatola 642 519 715 102 615 476 397 011 602 784 647 367 781 887 592 925 552 744 362 851Central Cape 627 146 404 722 305 858 380 380 508 356 453 657 387 208 403 087 731 871 542 351Drakensberg 265 647 185 199 185 199 204 210 524 685 434 023 369 018 387 287 584 873 471 713East Griqualand 36 072 40 311 72 636 1 200 69 120 110 268 83 591 90 322 26 900 164 059eGoli 1 742 690 2 169 897 1 793 351 2 585 737 4 110 940 3 046 553 2 418 432 2 664 353 2 587 295 3 003 188eThekwini 468 010 590 590 837 172 541 554 1 142 966 1 136 484 1 743 926 1 427 817 1 510 719 2 035 183Highveld 706 041 690 782 910 255 670 290 1 144 508 775 211 777 990 845 969 1 405 959 1 283 141Lekoa 89 974 128 007 118 607 112 199 430 060 136 421 98 188 203 220 243 578 270 255Limpopo 124 790 127 619 179 581 179 418 207 189 149 199 205 145 185 186 169 708 519 908Mthatha 11 900 16 400 20 671 7 200 28 100 26 900 21 500 23 798 92 000 32 500Tiyo Soga 2 400 11 176 5 600 1 200 6 700 1 550 13 200 21 900 21 600 19 500Trans Xhariep 158 553 163 794 130 308 169 263 75 851 35 361 48 573 55 789 64 137 77 070Tshwane 872 862 856 314 882 405 917 571 1 602 150 965 413 1 510 958 2 257 544 1 695 237 1 334 461Unallocated 122 212uThukela 86 598 153 433 132 226 159 734 175 725 186 239 186 896 192 340 183 636 267 755Western Cape 1 559 498 1 729 415 1 845 443 1 861 760 2 941 383 2 006 835 1 788 227 2 347 828 2 895 809 2 279 911Zambia 6 300TOTAL 7 394 700 7 982 761 8 034 788 8 188 727 13 570 519 10 111 480 10 556 951 11 699 365 12 766 066 12 670 146

PRESBYTERY ASSESSMENTS ANALYSIS FOR 10 YEARS

113

ANNEXURE 5.1

CONGREGATION ASSESSMENT ANALYSIS : AMATHOLE

CONGREGATION 2008 2009 2010 2011 Jan 2012 Jul 2013 Jul 2014 Jul 2015 Jul 2016 Jul 2017to Jun 2013 to Jun 2014 to Jun 2015 to Jun 2016 to Jun 2017 to Jun 2018

ADELAIDE 3 051 14 911 7 163 14 962 17 423 5 000 23 521 -6 800.00 111 500ADELAIDE TOWNSHIPALICE 1 500 500AULD MEMORIAL 20 714 20 000 20 000 30 000 55 625 54 087 90 000 150 000 90 000 85 000BURNSHILL 13 988 14 401 4 000CAMBRIDGE 73 000 38 000 36 000 25 800 CKOTI-DIMDAZADAVIDSON MEMORIAL 3 000DORRINGTON 25 086 35 251 2 141 720 13 000 23 000 6 000Dr NTSIKELELO KATIYA 20 000 3 868DUNCAN VILLAGE 300 300 600 300 300 300 300 2 400 2 400 2 400EMGWALIGONUBIE 37 000 127 000 20 000 83 206 247 168 158 897 67 457 162 922 5 000JOHN KNOX BOKWE 28 120 10 464 10 720 12 468 6 752 7 800 8 636 1 500JT AROSIJZS NCEVU/QUEENSTOWN 8 064 3 919 4 608 8 064 52 267 7 345 60 330 12 384 4 000KHOBONQABA 9 669 3 522 5 000LOVEDALE 9 600MACFARLAN 42 603MDANTSANE 31 102 3 154 1 200PARKSIDE 2 400 1 200 10 219 33 269PIRIE 5 645 10 000SEMPLE MEMORIAL 23 200 23 000 55 919 21 144 43 913ST ANDREW'S - KWT 32 357 31 267 26 300 13 797 7 291 1 500 5 200ST ANDREW'S - WEST BANK 1 200 1 200 1 200 1 200 4 547 1 200 2 400 12 981ST COLUMBAS - QUEENSTOWN 19 501 44 087 69 149 97 138 59 663 89 165 69 543 51 780 62 615 83 558ST GEORGE'S - EAST LONDON 46 129 62 826 51 000 62 500 72 000 61 000 36 000 21 000 119 000 3 500ST JOHN'S - FORT BEAUFORT 15 281 ST JOHN'S - KWT 2 400 1 500ST LUKE'S - DIMBAZAST NICHOLAS - BEACON BAY 64 172 32 243 27 996 25 584 31 795 27 667 26 597 26 610 21 007 28 512ST PAUL'S - EAST LONDON 15 825 17 856 16 147 22 950 29 420 24 241 27 522 65 112 632ST PHILLIP'S - ZWELITSHA 26 787 27 140 34 376 32 391 35 876 37 954 36 647 500STIRLING 243 986 250 600 139 340 291 579STUART MEMORIAL 1 000STUTTERHEIM 12 000 13 000 11 000 12 000 18 000 12 000 12 000 10 000 12 000 12 000TARKASTAD/WHEATLANDS 27 500 34 023 30 000 5 100WINTERBERG 1 200

642 519 715 102 615 476 397 011 602 784 642 190 782 187 592 925 552 744 362 852

114

ANNEXURE 5.2

CONGREGATION ASSESSMENT ANALYSIS : CENTRAL CAPE

CONGREGATION 2008 2009 2010 2011 Jan 2012 Jul 2013 Jul 2014 Jul 2015 Jul 2016 Jul 2017to Jun 2013 to Jun 2014 to Jun 2015 to Jun 2016 to Jun 2017 to Jun 2018

ALL SAINTS UNITED 8 914 900ARCADIA 1 200 300 1 200 600BEDFORD 8 071 6 285 7 868 14 048 31 759D. M SOGA MEMORIAL GARDEN ROUTEGEORGE 72 472 70 277 112 157 106 800 141 764 102 178 104 112 104 928 110 400 123 902GLEN AVON 900 4 705 2 400GRAAFF-REINET 1 800GT MCOTELI 5 833 6 000 4 200 1 000 2 000 2 400 2 400 2 400JEFFREY'S BAY 2 000 2 400 4 596 15 166 300JJR JOLOBE MEMORIAL 2 400 2 400 5 350 5 100 9 880 18 000 6 000JY HLISO MEMORIAL 2 400 8 400 7 597 2 400 4 800 11 640 39 188 31 608 31 981KNYSNA 32 354 26 106 40 032 37 662 35 424 20 803 22 013 22 013 21 793 75 982KWAZAKHELE 2 400 3 150 2 400LINGELIHLE 300 300 300 300 600 300 300 300 300 300M MAKWETU MEMORIAL 2 400 3 764 2 400 1 500MAKANA'S KOP 1 800 300ME BASHMAN 9 167 10 500 11 200 18 148 29 654 17 435 19 179 23 797 22 422 22 489NONZWAKAZI 1 000 1 000 4 200 500 300 8 000 1 200OUDTSHOORN 77 396 50 590 51 914 24 006 24 000 24 000 24 000PLETTENBERG BAYPORT ALFRED 42 324 77 968 17 000 31 000 54 628 55 000 50 721 71 849SOMERSET EAST 0 300 -42 419 900 900 900ST ANDREW'S - SOMERSET EAST 900 900 1 000 4 540ST ANDREW'S - WALMER 50 217 19 561 39 840 42 166 55 975 49 022 22 084 25 310 26 395 10 000ST BARNABAS - SIDWELL 2 400 10 000 1 800 9 450 17 000 12 000 12 937 9 080 16 306 5 000GREEN ACRES 160 437 45 804 16 000 18 000 36 000 24 000 29 542 10 000 16 000 12 000ST FRANCIS UNITED - SEDGEFIELD 22 165ST JAMES' - PORT ELIZABETH 300 7 940 300 17 200 4 200 7 516 3 928 2 400ST MARTIN'S - KABEGA PARK 351 4 800 300 300ST MATTHEW'S - MOTHERWELL 2 400 2 400 1 200 24 939 2 000 2 600 4 000SUMMERSTRAND UNITED 14 741 16 167 19 189 21 112 29 468 18 934 21 576 24 441 25 551 27 085TANTYI 600 300 850 550 2 400 2 400 2 000THE HILL 147 379 18 099 3 000 4 200 900 2 400 2 400 2 500THEMBALETHU 3 600TRINITY - GRAHAMSTOWN 77 271 73 136 75 192 34 949 25 530 76 132 34 438 16 185 333 800 87 864UITENHAGEZWIDE 300 300

627 146 404 722 305 858 380 380 508 356 453 707 387 208 403 087 731 873 542 351

115

ANNEXURE 5.3

CONGREGATION 2008 2009 2010 2011 Jan 2012 Jul 2013 Jul 2014 Jul 2015 Jul 2016 Jul 2017to Jun 2013 to Jun 2014 to Jun 2015 to Jun 2016 to Jun 2017 to Jun 2018

ABRAHAM MARAMANI 3 600 2 500 1 700 3 500ALL SAINTS UNITED 35 220 54 156 57 804 35 472 46 969 21 180 14 724 9 900 12 792 12 380EDENDALE 10 883 4 597 8 000 13 792 26 600 7 000 13 000 13 000 13 000 3 000ENTAMBENI 900ESTCOURT 7 500 1 400 13 878ESTON MID ILLOVE UNITEDGLENBAIN 6 000IMPENDLE 1 500MIDLANDS 3 124 3 124 1 200MPOLWENI 2 200 2 600 22 680 5 040 19 661 36 851 28 400 14 013NEW EDENDALE 2 800 4 800NORTHDALE 2 000 1 000 -4 000PHOLELA 1 200 400 300 2 700 2 400 1 000 1 200PIETERMARITZBURG 1 500RICHMONDSCOTTSVILLE 2 000 830 50 000 25 000 2 400ST DAVID'S - PMB 600 2 700 2 100 599ST JOHN'S GOWRIE 80 218 56 479 82 942 24 079 87 913 139 081 123 870 125 405 121 128 54 394ST JOHN'S UNITED - PMB 49 824 29 119 39 766 33 250 34 689 3 334 15 637 14 864ST MICHAEL'S UNITED - BOSTON 320 320 700 700 700 700 110 000 69 281TRINITY - ESTCOURTUPPER UMGENI 84 982 87 895 129 670 226 477 256 653 196 087 180 624 218 949 304 516 274 804VULINDELA 900 1 200

265 647 185 199 185 199 204 210 524 685 434 023 369 018 387 287 584 873 471 713

CONGREGATION ASSESSMENTANALYSIS : DRAKENSBERG

116

ANNEXURE 5.4

CONGREGATION ASSESSMENT ANALYSIS : EAST GRIQUALAND

CONGREGATION 2008 2009 2010 2011 Jan 2012 Jul 2013 Jul 2014 Jul 2015 Jul 2016 Jul 2017 to Jun 2013 to Jun 2014 to Jun 2015 to Jun 2016 to Jun 2017 to Jun 2018

BALASI 900BHONGWENIBUCHANAN 300GILLESPIE 1 200 11 400 5 000 10 000 10 000 3 000 5 400 6 600MAFUBE 1 200MBONDA 500MPHARANE 1 500 1 200PABALLONG 1 200 1 200 2 400 2 400RIETVLEI 900SPRINGSIDEST COLUMBA'S - KOKSTAD 34 572 40 311 57 036 60 520 92 968 73 091 79 522 157 459STIRLING MEMORIAL 300 20 000TSEKONG 600 300TT DEKEDAUPPER MKEMANE 300XABA MEMORIALYEKELO-MBALI MEMORIAL 300 300 2 500 500 6 100 1 500

36 072 40 311 72 636 1 200 69 120 110 268 83 591 90 322 26 900 164 059

117

ANNEXURE 5.5

CONGREGATION ASSESSMENT ANALYSIS : eGOLI

CONGREGATION 2008 2009 2010 2011 Jan 2012 Jul 2013 Jul 2014 Jul 2015 Jul 2016 Jul 2017 to Jun 2013 to Jun 2014 to Jun 2015 to Jun 2016 to Jun 2017 to Jun 2018

ALEXANDRA 1 500 600 600 1 200 1 800 900 1 200 24 000 171 000BARAGWANETH 600 300 350 350BE NGUBANE 1 600 2 450CENTRAL BARAGWANETHCENTRAL JOHANNESBURG 1 500 10 117 5 000 9 053DIEPKLOOF 300 350 3 850FOUR WAYS UNITED 21 002 38 200 63 392 59 860 45 766 174 375 109 532 183 670 162 737 142 331HAMILTON MEMORIAL 300JOHANNESBURG 24 400 4 000 13 690 7 200 7 200KAGISO 300 16 700 600 1 000 600 1 200 1 200KENSINGTON UNITED 29 982 5 984 2 400 300 8 890 10 000LINDEN 180 754 151 809 161 476 198 711 321 093 207 081 199 179 291 187 225 934 235 582MAYFAIR 1 000 MEADOWLANDS 300 900 300MIDRAND 289 516 368 283 398 793 501 295 738 048 597 623 464 879 391 048 669 092 550 824MOLETSANE 300 300 1 659 5 353 3 688 4 000 2 000 2 000 2 000MOUNT FAITH 81 175 21 618 24 480 179 758 97 883 61 994 69 533 54 290 58 067 55 748ORLANDO 5 500 11 369 6 435 22 368 34 090 91 860PARKMORE TRANSITIONAL 1 300 RANDBURGRANDPARKRIDGE UNITED 4 400 15 082 19 517 17 352 17 056 18 735 15 925 15 931ST BARNABAS - FLORIDA 32 350 43 173 25 299 38 268 66 386 52 829 72 745 64 731 35 918 74 321ST COLUMBAS - PARKVIEW 387 000 628 436 346 308 758 052 1 240 332 635 471 357 284 838 607 540 585 616 417ST GILES - NORWOOD 62 052 7 426 50 538 33 000 33 000 156 000 88 000 72 000ST JAMES' - BEDFORDVIEW 260 807 271 727 315 362 329 431 269 737 449 368ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST 5 000 6 000 7 500ST JOHN'S - TURFFONTEIN 17 500 15 750 19 000 7 097 14 100 7 800 8 100 10 200 13 500 20 400ST MAGNUS' - RANDFONTEIN 12 839 18 369 18 171 13 667 20 783 16 264 20 328 18 679 20 550 31 301ST MARK'S - YEOVILLE 42 445 97 547 46 091 25 000 67 525 63 960 27 000 15 887 1 851ST MUNGO'S - BRYANSTON 290 404 305 734 328 684 373 757 450 299 294 159 189 932ST NINIAN'S - PARKTOWN NORTH 44 395 24 000 28 800 28 800 88 400 46 000 46 000 45 000 88 859 72 440ST PATRICK'S - DIEPKLOOF 350ST PAUL'S UNITED - MULBURTON 31 742 64 631 38 780 48 405 130 099 96 708 113 002 86 410 126 498 83 119ST STEPHEN'S - TURFFONTEIN 30 880 18 000 48 181 57 703 12 858STRUBENS VALLEY UNITED 17 193 21 403 26 441 27 429 32 013 7 035 8 578 11 580 32 150TRINITY - EDENVALE 189 144 294 667 225 717 229 991 417 838 350 293 237 000 158 300 325 225 261 346

1 742 690 2 169 897 1 793 351 2 585 737 4 110 940 3 056 553 2 418 432 2 664 353 2 587 295 3 003 188

118

ANNEXURE 5.6

CONGREGATION ASSESSMENT ANALYSIS : eTHEKWINI

CONGREGATION 2008 2009 2010 2011 Jan 2012 Jul 2013 Jul 2014 Jul 2015 Jul 2016 Jul 2017To Jun 2013 to Jun 2014 to Jun 2015 to Jun 2016 to Jun 2017 to Jun 2018

ALFRED COUNTY 300 74 981 38 271 35 951 69 262 83 584 106 633 103 449AMANZIMTOTI 15 000 22 052 13 100 3 300 5 700 9 000 20 865 24 700 27 000 43 960BEACH MISSIONCHRIST THE REDEEMERCLERMONT 3 600DURBANERNEST REIM MEMORIAL 5 700 2 400 4 800ESHOWE 5 000 44 147 57 829 61 509 67 683 63 796 59 210 135 734 68 515ESIKHAWENI 900 GLENWOOD 61 978 150 000 70 000 4 000 800 000 334 857 315 000 294 146GREYVILLE 16 500 18 000 18 000 18 000 27 000 18 000 21 500 18 000 18 000 24 191HAMMARSDALE 1 200 4 800HIGHLAND HILLS UNITED 600 1 200 1 200 2 583 5 780 6 899 6 625 10 243 16 290HILLCREST 171 960 57 553 372 385 100 318 255 375 388 856 150 000 289 018 334 877 933 566KHAYELIHLE 1 837 9 750 10 304 7 783 6 600 6 600 7 800 8 200 10 200MARGATE 250 8 624 1 200 12 489 15 067 56 173 48 175 57 247MEREBANK 3 200 17 600 24 000 32 000 2 000 176 000 1 200 1 200NORTH DURBAN 68 425 188 402 110 578 108 300 189 400 130 000 197 000 98 531 192 000 191 310PINETOWN 73 283 75 610 91 077 105 376 299 337 174 154 173 908 65 000 87 021 183 406RICHARDS BAY 26 000 29 953 4 750 90 500 55 000 40 000 10 000SHALOMST ANDREW'S - SCOTTBURGH 1 200 2 400 2 400 2 400 2 400 2 400 2 461ST GEORGE'S - BLUFF 3 942ST JOHN'S - GROUTVILLE 421ST MARGARET'S - BLUFF 600 900 900 900 10 000 136 040 1 667 2 000ST PAUL'S - KWAMASHU 1 600 2 400 2 880 4 320 3 420 2 880 42 153TEMBALIHLE 90TRAFALGAR 4 400 3 016 1 200 1 200 1 200 4 699 10 093 40 435 32 007WESTVILLE 22 577 64 738 207 958 155 140 88 382 149 606 146 202 57 215

468 010 580 160 832 372 537 854 1 142 966 1 146 484 1 743 926 1 427 817 1 510 719 2 035 183

119

ANNEXURE 5.7

CONGREGATION ASSESSMENT ANALYSIS : HIGHVELD

CONGREGATION 2008 2009 2010 2011 Jan 2012 Jul 2013 Jul 2014 Jul 2015 Jul 2016 Jul 2017o Jun 2013 to Jun 2014 to Jun 2015 to Jun 2016 to Jun 2017 to Jun 2018

ACTSALL SAINTS UNITED 1 200ALFRED K MAJA MEMORIAL 900 1 000 1 000BD YANTA 600 1 000 27 262 2 368DALPARKDT PLAATJIE 1 500 600 1 200 900 1 500 2 400EAST RAND 300 1 200 1 200 1 200 2 400 1 200 1 200 1 200 3 600 2 400EBENEZER 18 565 3 500 5 160 14 384 11 493 1 200EMBALENHLE 3 182GATEWAY 138 044 240 832 282 624 181 062 421 169 203 900 175 000 18 492 300 000 285 000HEIDELBERG 14 100 27 474 48 881 50 875 40 300 20 125 11 000 170 000 57 089 33 040RAPODILE 1 000 300 1 200ST ANDREW'S - BENONI 320 188 238 042 388 734 264 388 291 200 280 000 264 429 399 500 705 000ST ANDREW'S - BRAKPAN 2 400 2 400 500 69 222ST ANDREW'S - GERMISTON 84 500 72 000 78 000 65 000 157 044 94 900 94 600 109 500 99 000 90 184ST DAVID'S - NIGEL 2 617 7 498 51 738 30 247 13 448 20 729 4 460 21 033ST JOHN'S - BOKSBURG 42 000 90 934 60 000 84 000 126 000 60 000 60 000 72 000 366 000 48 000ST LUKE'S - RATANDA 5 432 2 400 4 000ST MARK'S - DAVEYTON 2 400 500 18 100 40 740 30 000 72 564 102 000ST MICHAEL'S - SPRINGS 80 000 73 781 375 702ST PAUL'S - ALBERTON 20 392 16 500 1 500 2 400 2 880ST PETER'S DUDUZA 400 ST PETER'S TEMBISA 7 978 12 000ST PETER'S UNITED - SECUNDA 21 618 9 000 10 000 3 380TRINITY - KATLEHONG 2 400 6 395 4 800 18 472 71 035 14 800TSAKANE WATTVILLE 1 200 600 300 300 1 200 50 300 -49 700 300

706 041 690 482 909 955 670 290 1 143 087 775 211 777 990 845 969 1 405 959 1 283 141

120

ANNEXURE 5.8

CONGREGATION ASSESSMENT ANALYSIS : LEKOA

CONGREGATION 2008 2009 2010 2011 Jan 2012 Jul 2013 Jul 2014 Jul 2015 Jul 2016 Jul 2017to Jun 2013 to Jun 2014 to Jun 2015 to Jun 2016 to Jun 2017 to Jun 2018

ALL SAINTS 1 500 300 300 300 465BM MOLABA MEMORIAL 750 600 300 300 300 700 400BOPHELONG 108SOLOMON RATHEBE MEM 400 200 600 900 1 200ST ANDREW'S - HENLEY-ON-KLIP 1 952 28 451 58 079 196 941 86 947 89 104 114 458 104 299 107 697ST ANDREW'S - KURUMANST ANDREW'S - WESTONARIA 1 200 ST ANTHONY'S - SEBOKENG 1 000 2 400 3 400 3 000ST DAVID'S - KURUMANST LUKE'S - VEREENIGING 40 834 56 155 40 000 123 603 14 525 64 932 127 065 154 562ST MARK'S - SEBOKENG 900 6 300 4 200 600ST MATTEW'S - CARLETONVILLE 15 864 1 133 17 850 25 730 18 130 800 200 200ST MICHAEL'S 320 320 700 700 700 700 1 000ST PAUL'S - SHARPEVILLE 800 1 000 2 000ST PETER'S - BOIPATONG 850 300 300 200 5 030ST PETER'S UNITED - DENEYSVILLE 10 634 4 860 600 5 384 1 800ST SILAS' - EVATON 400 522 708 1 790 1 200 365 2 378 3 454 2 006ST STEPHEN'S - VANDERBIJLPARK 8 987 32 788 15 000 60 636 2 000 1 310ST TIMOTHY'S - SEBOKENG 1 000 1 000 1 000 600 1 580 600 300STILFONTEIN 2 000 2 100 300 300 340 345 690TRINITY - KLERKSDORP 6 000 12 784 12 598 8 500 17 250 9 550 538 320VRYBURG UNITED 15 689 18 873 10 000 5 000 5 000 5 215

89 974 128 007 119 307 112 299 430 760 137 121 98 188 203 220 243 578 270 255

121

ANNEXURE 5.9

CONGREGATION ASSESSMENT ANALYSIS : LIMPOPO

CONGREGATION 2008 2009 2010 2011 Jan 2012 Jul 2013 Jul 2014 Jul 2015 Jul 2016 Jul 2017To Jun 2013 to Jun 2014 to Jun 2015 to Jun 2016 to Jun 2017 to Jun 2018

BLAAUWBERG 1 200 4 000 3 590 5 812 24 650 55 795 14 400 1 000 27 500DONHILL 14 400 2 400GA-KGAPANE 600 300GOOLDVILLE 4 543 8 760 5 026 20 165 22 411 32 379 32 930 29 790 24 000 20 000LEBOWAKGOMO 2 819 0 11 966 11 100 9 000 13 000MAHWELERENG 2 832 2 832 0 13 000 2 467MAKWARELA 7 625 34 099 18 000 29 500 24 000 31 904 25 636 44 508 33 000MATANGARI 11 000 5 020 2 400 5 300MOUNT HOREB 99 915 99 302 106 649 107 714 115 628 70 000 70 000 72 000 86 400 305 091PHALABORWA POLOKWANE 2 400 4 800 12 200 2 750SESHEGO 2 600 4 800 7 398 10 927 2 660STUARTVILLE 20 000 12 000 600 9 600 96 000WEIRDALE 2 550 2 400 2 400WILLIAM MPAMBA MEMORIAL 9 600WILLIAM SAMSON MEMORIAL 4 800 2 400 2 400 2 500

124 790 127 319 179 581 179 418 207 189 149 199 205 145 185 186 169 708 519 908

122

ANNEXURE 5.10

CONGREGATION ASSESSMENT ANALYSIS : MTHATHA

CONGREGATION 2008 2009 2010 2011 Jan 2012 Jul 2013 Jul 2014 Jul 2015 Jul 2016 Jul 2017to Jun 2013 to Jun 2014 to Jun 2015 to Jun 2016 to Jun 2017 to Jun 2018

DV SIKHUTSHWA MEMORIAL 300 580 600 1 000 1 000 1 000 1 000 2 000 2 000ERSKINE 2 400 2 400 2 400 2 400 2 800 2 500 2 500 2 500 60 000 3 000GT VIKA MEMORIAL 300 300 1 000 1 000 1 000 1 000 1 500 1 500JOHN KNOX BOKWE 300 5 168 11 571 2 000 2 200 1 000 1 000 1 500KHULANI 300 300 500 1 500 1 500 1 500 1 500 2 000 2 000LOWER NGQWARA 2 000 2 852 1 000 1 500 1 500 1 500 1 500 1 500LOWER RAINY 300 300 500 1 000 1 000 1 000 1 000 1 500 1 500MILLER 300 300 500 1 500 1 500 1 500 1 500 2 000 2 000MTHATHA NUCLEAR 1 000 1 000 1 000 1 000NQANDU 1 500 1 500RAINY 1 500 1 500ROSS 2 000SB NGCOBO MEMORIAL 2 400 2 400 2 400 2 400 4 900 2 500 2 500 2 500 3 000 3 000SOMERVILLE 1 500 1 500 1 500 1 500 1 500 2 000 2 000ST ANDREW'S - MTHATHA 1 000 5 200 1 000 2 298 2 000 2 000TP FINCA MEMORIAL 1 200 1 200 1 200 2 400 4 900 2 500 2 500 2 500 3 000 3 000VV DIPA MEMORIAL 300 300 500 2 000 1 000 1 000 1 000 1 500 2 000WILLIAM GAVIN MEMORIAL 300 300 500 1 000 1 000 1 000 1 000 1 500 2 000ZS TYANDELA 1 000 2 000 2 000

11 900 16 400 20 671 7 200 28 100 26 900 21 500 23 798 92 000 32 500

123

ANNEXURE 5.11

CONGREGATION ASSESSMENT ANALYSIS : TIYO SOGA

CONGREGATION 2008 2009 2010 2011 Jan 2012 Jul 2013 Jul 2014 Jul 2015 Jul 2016 Jul 2017to Jun 2013 to Jun 2014 to Jun 2015 to Jun 2016 to Jun 2017 to Jun 2018

COLUMBA 3 600 2 400 1 200 1 200 1 200CUNNINGHAM 3 000 2 000 1 000 2 400 1 200 2 400 1 200DD STORMONT MEMORIAL 1 800 1 200 600 1 500 1 200 1 500DUFF 2 400 2 400 2 400 300 1 200 1 200 1 200EE XOKOZELA MEMORIAL 600 1 200 1 200 1 200GCUWA MISSION 600 600 1 200 1 200 1 200IRVINE NJOLOZA 300 300 1 200 1 200 1 200JL SOKUPA 300 1 200K MANAKAZA MEMORIAL 900 1 200 1 200KIDSTON 300 1 200 1 200LUNDIE MEMORIAL 300 1 200 2 400MACLAY 2 100 300 1 200 1 200 1 200 1 200MAIN 1 200 2 400 1 200 1 200 2 400MALAN -2 400 300 1 200 1 200 1 200MBULU MISSION 1 200 1 200 1 200NCISININDE 1 276 1 500 2 400NDABAKAZI 300NDAKANA 350 1 200 1 200NJIKELANA 1 200 600 300 300 1 200 1 200TUTURA MISSION 1 200 1 200 2 400

2 400 11 176 5 600 1 200 6 700 1 550 13 200 21 900 21 600 19 500

124

ANNEXURE 5.12

CONGREGATION ASSESSMENT ANALYSIS : TRANS XHARIEP

CONGREGATION 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Jan 2012 Jul 2013 Jul 2014 Jul 2015 Jul 2016 Jul 2017To Jun 2013 to Jun 2014 to Jun 2015 to Jun 2016 to Jun 2017 to Jun 2018

AR POHO MEMORIAL CHURCHBOITUMELONGEBENEZER 300 300 300 2 440 300FRANKFORT-VILLIERS 1 000 IKAGENG 300 600 PARYS-VREDEFORT 300PENIELEPHOMOLONG 2 400 2 400 13 259 2 400 2 400POELONG 9 148RAMOETI-MASEMOLA UNITED 4 800ST ANDREW'S - BEACONSFIELD 10 000 44 021 28 049 44 693 20 000 4 000 6 000 6 000 6 500 7 200ST ANDREW'S - CONSTANTIA 2 400ST ANDREW'S - HEILBRON 300ST ANDREW'S - KGOTSONG 1 200 300 300 2 400 1 200 2 400ST ANDREW'S - KROONSTAD 800 10 738 3 671 4 857 6 822 3 600 4 800ST ANDREW'S - VERGENOEG 7 906 2 725ST AUGUSTINE'S - MOTSE-THABONG 1 200 300 300 300 300 300 300 600ST JOHN'S - BATHO 900 700 2 800ST JOHN'S - BLOEMFONTEIN 106 340 96 811 113 307 119 337 98 654 36 089 14 461 28 973 38 339 32 086 38 597ST LUKE'S - HOOPSTAD ST MONICA'S - KUTLANONG 300 900 300 900ST PAUL'S - WELKOM 16 521 6 000 6 000 6 000 9 000 6 000 6 000 6 000 6 000 5 500THABA NCHU BOTSHABELO UNITEDTSOANE ABRAHAM POHOVILJOENSKROON WARDENWELKOM 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 845ZAMDELA 3 400 2 800 2 750 500 8 100

124 040 158 553 163 794 130 308 169 263 75 851 35 361 48 273 55 789 64 137 77 070

125

ANNEXURE 5.13

CONGREGATION ASSESSMENT ANALYSIS : TSHWANE

CONGREGATION 2008 2009 2010 2011 Jan 2012 Jul 2013 Jul 2014 Jul 2015 Jul 2016 Jul 2017To Jun 2013 to Jun 2014 to Jun 2015 to Jun 2016 to Jun 2017 to Jun 2018

CENTURION WEST 29 245 15 635 66 000 110 404 137 400 100 933 250 000 172 080 144 665 72 659EMMANUEL 125 437 163 765 176 686 173 678 479 079 143 708 327 477 415 539 342 420 284 763ET LEGODI 1 200 2 000 2 400 2 400GA RANKUWA 2 000 900 24 000 382 500 500GRACE 9 798 13 517 36 292 35 806 47 151 56 014 43 686JONAS LEDIGA 39 952 1 500 11 000 27 000 4 800 2 700 2 100 7 200 9 600 3 600KHAYAKULU 300 MABOPANE 7 000 2 500 3 500 13 775 34 245 6 000 4 000 6 000 6 000 6 000MAMELODI EAST 500 675 500 2 700 4 800 5 000 2 400 1 000MAMELODI GARDENS 300 300 600 4 000PHOLA PREMIER MINE 1 200 5 465 2 500 2 500 2 500 2 500 24 350 14 875PRETORIA CENTRAL 1 200 5 165 47 137 10 842PRETORIA NORTHRUIGHOEKRUSTENBURG 1 000 28 947 8 000 4 000 500 2 750 7 500SAINTS 105 019 75 057 72 171 108 030 106 743 93 700 170 581 165 309 153 000 150 900SOSHANGUVE 1 000 5 190 11 234 9 600 48 145 79 164 41 750ST ANDREW'S - PRETORIA 70 525 73 448 500ST ANDREW'S - WITBANK 106 055 27 193 54 946 63 101 67 555 8 969 4 500 54 733 23 920ST COLUMBAS - HATFIELD 65 000 113 000 21 509 81 066 15 000 24 000 100 084 383 415 156 000 138 000ST FRANCIS' - WATERKLOOF 29 905 14 917 1 553 2 000 1 000 330 000 96 714 58 521ST JAMES' - MATSULU 900 837 16 000ST JOHN'S - MIDDELBURG 80 224 93 726 140 731 147 533 313 786 237 213 260 815 259 215 265 092 204 250ST MARK'S - MOREGLOED 32 418 26 062 42 746 6 338 70 771 32 423 78 007 48 130 38 327 22 050ST PAUL'S - MARITEST PETER'S MOTHOLUNGTHUMEDI MAKGAHLELA 2 500 1 200TRINITY - LYNNWOOD 176 082 203 401 249 043 228 992 331 092 203 242 262 919 316 323 233 667 254 387

872 862 856 314 861 549 912 771 1 601 650 965 413 1 510 958 2 257 544 1 695 237 1 334 461

126

ANNEXURE 5.14

CONGREGATION ASSESSMENT ANALYSIS : uTHUKELA

CONGREGATION 2008 2009 2010 2011 Jan 2012 Jul 2013 Jul 2014 Jul 2015 Jul 2016 Jul 2017to Jun 2013 to Jun 2014 to Jun 2015 to Jun 2016 to Jun 2017 to Jun 2018

B W ZULU MEMORIAL 900 DOUGLASDUNDEE 3 600 15 661ENDUMISWENI 7 609 7 775ERNEST NTULI MEMORIALGORDON MEMORIAL 1 000 700JOKWENI 2 400LADYSMITH 41 244 52 485 37 969 58 263 54 141 69 325 51 070 54 250 59 499 64 150MSINGA 900 6 000 2 500 5 350 4 000 5 700NEWCASTLE 14 400 14 400 16 000 16 800 27 600 19 200 16 000 11 200 19 200 19 200ST ANDREW'S - NEWCASTLE 21 754 53 109 27 500 42 500 26 000 45 614 28 000 27 500 18 241 25 000ST MARGARET'S - DANNHAUSER 2 400 10 393 16 723 14 045 17 509 19 000 26 126 37 340 31 796 41 783STEADVILLE 500 700 300 900 500 900 800TRINITY - DUNDEE 1 400 6 000 3 600 16 908 36 000 20 000 40 000 55 000 50 000 40 000ULUNDI 300 1 200 300 1 200 1 200 52 361VRYHEID 5 400 16 746 19 825 9 718 10 000 20 000

86 598 153 433 132 226 159 734 175 725 186 239 186 896 192 340 183 636 267 755

127

ANNEXURE 5.15

CONGREGATION ASSESSMENT ANALYSIS : WESTERN CAPE

CONGREGATION 2008 2009 2010 2011 Jan 2012 Jul 2013 Jul 2014 Jul 2015 Jul 2016 Jul 2017to Jun 2013 to Jun 2014 to Jun 2015 to Jun 2016 to Jun 2017 to Jun 2018

AMT CAWA 500 1 200ATLANTIS UNITED 300 300BELLVILLE 238 718 143 500 251 000 311 663 590 016 326 636 198 822 330 969 344 654 314 783BLUE DOWNS UNITEDBRIDGETOWN 11 000 2 000 7 500 400 400CAMPS BAY UNITED 31 852 36 028 36 412 47 869 48 826 43 547 24 477 24 326 28 880 32 577CAPRICORN PARKDARLING 40 786 32 113 61 102 72 454 55 943 60 721 65 539 66 014DELFT UNITED 2 400 2 400 1 200 1 200DURBANVILLE 121 000 159 600 148 380 160 745 403 446 288 784 271 007 337 950 535 946 121 646EASTRIDGE UNITEDELGIN UNITED 16 500 30 760 34 067 39 246 49 480 30 000 29 741 64 630 45 767 35 537ELSIE'S RIVER 6 000FREEMAN BAVUMA MEMORIALGARDENS 250 345 956 31 980 31 980GG NDZOTYANA MEMORIALGOODWOOD 80 604 99 318 71 139 95 826 150 803 106 868 110 874 107 162 105 919 160 337GORDONS BAY UNITED 3 600GUGULETU 17 290 10 610 1 235 15 000 7 000HEIDEVELD-MANENBERG UNITEDIMIZAMO UNITEDJL ZWANE MEMORIAL 300 300 40 610KENILWORTH 36 299 42 136 47 755 37 251 54 000 36 000 36 000 6 000 5 000 12 000KHAYAMANDIKHAYELITSHA UNITED 167 700 600KRAAIFONTEIN 900 KUILS RIVER UNITED 500 1 300 1 500 1 800 1 350 1 200KUYASA 300 600LANGA 300 300 300 2 400 1 200 1 200MAITLAND 600 300 17 989 10 783 11 492MASIBULELE 300 300 300 600MASIPHUMELE 900 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 8 100 2 400MBEKWENIMELKBOSSTRAND UNITED 943 4 532 3 391 2 054 4 757 4 946MILNERTON 600 5 000 7 500 20000 12 000 12 000 9 200 3 600 2 700MITCHELL'S PLAIN UNITED 3 500 3 600 3 500 3 600 6 255 18 007 13 647 14 999 16 259 17 801MOWBRAY 95 479 207 333 242 173 226 992 315 068 214 403 192 407 178 377 194 476 210 371

128

ANNEXURE 5.15 (Cont)

CONGREGATION ASSESSMENT ANALYSIS : WESTERN CAPE (CONT)

CONGREGATION 2008 2009 2010 2011 Jan 2012 Jul 2013 Jul 2014 Jul 2015 Jul 2016 Jul 2016to Jun 2013 to Jun 2014 to Jun 2015 to Jun 2016 to Jun 2017 to Jun 2017

NYANGAORANJEMUND UNITED 41 615 26 260 23 074 36 246 2 600 16 954 6 781PAARL 21 204 8 624 13 856 13 856 9 500 6 250 6 080 11 556 11 203 8 209PINELANDS 57 396 53 628 77 384 58 000 31 470 20 000 20 000 38 558 1 819 88 153PLUMSTEAD 68 000 51 206 18 643 39 557 41 054 39 192 31 203 52 656 46 524 35 916PROTEA VALLEY UNITED 20 000 105 132 114 529 71 227 239 541 498 924 94 926RETREAT 19 500 18 000 18 000 18 000 25 500 28 500 30 000 37 897 39 000 32 500RONDEBOSCH UNITED 55 337 65 121 25 312 41 598 119 988 91 044 103 189 117 815 113 140 126 142SALDANHA UNITEDSALEM UNITED 900 900 600 700 300 350SOMERSET WEST UNITED 74 093 130 257 177 525 148 891 231 170 201 194 182 839 94 025 228 535 173 705ST ANDREW'S - CAPE TOWN 8 329 3 757 28 893 30 056 39 650 22 785 7 800ST GEORGE'S - WELLINGTON 108 325 78 111 32 206 30 281 38 900 24 000 23 500 80 400 40 500 38 500ST KIARAN'S - FISH HOEK 85 570 119 237 87 690 137 217 145 903 129 059 125 497 47 436 150 405 97 789STELLENBOSCH UNITED 52 550 58 991 65 920 70 219 115 320 80 400 87 520 115 488 80 400 80 400STRAND UNITEDTABLE VIEW UNITED 11 718 7 339 41 294 21 301 12 942 79 856 69 440 49 816 49 826 5 984THEMBALIHLETIYO SOGA MEMORIAL 300 300 2 400TRINITY - MEADOWRIDGE 87 416 79 370 128 520 85 164 28 127 87 341 109 728 355 185TYGERBERG 74 750 118 300 89 557 77 952 132 281 131 234 142 912 95 117 95 840 72 165VREDENBURG UNITED 300 4 683WALLACEDENEWEST COASTWOODSTOCK PS 300 300 300 300 300 300 300WORCESTER UNITED 78 999 42 651 54 982 27 302 1 200 2 550 1 200WPT NDIBONGO MEMORIAL 600 600 600 1 200WV MASINDA MEMORIAL 800 1 200 1 500 1 000

1 559 498 1 729 415 1 847 453 1 863 771 2 938 684 2 012 355 1 788 227 2 347 828 2 895 809 2 279 911

129

ANNEXURE 5.16

CONGREGATION ASSESSMENTANALYSIS : ZAMBIA

CONGREGATION Jul 2017to Jun 2018

BHONGENI 1 200BWACHA 360CHIMWEMEWE 360KABUSHI 360MCHINGA 1 500SOLWEZI 360ST ANDREW'S - KITWE 360ST COLUMBAS' - KITWE 360ST JOHN'S - KAPIRI 360ST PAUL'S - KITWE 360ST PETER'S - NDOLA 360WUSAKILE 360

6 300

130

ANNEXURE 6

ASSESSMENT RANKING BY CONGREGATION

Name Presbytery Assessments % of Total Cum % RankHillcrest eThekweni 933 566 7.37 7.37 1St Andrew's - Benoni Highveld 705 000 5.56 12.93 2St Columba's - Parktown eGoli 616 417 4.87 17.80 3Midrand eGoli 550 824 4.35 22.15 4St James - Bedfordview eGoli 449 368 3.55 25.69 5Trinity - Meadowridge Wetern Cape 355 185 2.80 28.50 6Bellville Wetern Cape 314 783 2.48 30.98 7Mount Herob Limpopo 305 091 2.41 33.39 8Glenwood eThekweni 294 146 2.32 35.71 9Gateway Highveld 285 000 2.25 37.96 10Emmanuel Tshwane 284 763 2.25 40.21 11Upper Umgeni Drankensberg 274 804 2.17 42.38 12Trinity - Edenvale eGoli 261 346 2.06 44.44 13Trinity - Lynwood Tshwane 254 387 2.01 46.45 14Linden eGoli 235 582 1.86 48.31 15Mowbray Wetern Cape 210 371 1.66 49.97 16St John's - Middelburg Tshwane 204 250 1.61 51.58 17North Durban eThekweni 191 310 1.51 53.09 18Pinetown eThekweni 183 406 1.45 54.54 19Somerset West United Wetern Cape 173 705 1.37 55.91 20Alexandra eGoli 171 000 1.35 57.26 21Goodwood Wetern Cape 160 337 1.27 58.52 22St Columba's - Kokstad East Griqualand 157 459 1.24 59.77 23St Luke's - Vereeniging Lekoa 154 562 1.22 60.98 24Saints Tshwane 150 900 1.19 62.18 25Fourways United eGoli 142 331 1.12 63.30 26St Columba's - Hatfield Tshwane 138 000 1.09 64.39 27Rondebosch United Wetern Cape 126 142 1.00 65.38 28George Central Cape 123 902 0.98 66.36 29Durbanville Wetern Cape 121 646 0.96 67.32 30Adelaide Amathole 111 500 0.88 68.20 31St Andrew's - Henley-on-Klip Lekoa 107 697 0.85 69.05 32Alfred County eThekweni 103 449 0.82 69.87 33St Kiaran's Wetern Cape 97 789 0.77 70.64 34Stuartville Limpopo 96 000 0.76 71.40 35Protea Valley Wetern Cape 94 926 0.75 72.15 36Orlando eGoli 91 860 0.73 72.87 37St Andrew's - Germiston Highveld 90 184 0.71 73.58 38Pinelands Wetern Cape 88 153 0.70 74.28 39Trinity - Grahamstown Central Cape 87 864 0.69 74.97 40Auld Memorial Amathole 85 000 0.67 75.64 41St Columba's - Queenstown Amathole 83 558 0.66 76.30 42St Paul's United - Mulbarton eGoli 83 119 0.66 76.96 43Stellenbosch United Wetern Cape 80 400 0.63 77.59 43Knysna Central Cape 75 982 0.60 78.19 44St Barnabas' United - Florida eGoli 74 321 0.59 78.78 45Centurion West Tshwane 72 659 0.57 79.35 46St Ninian's eGoli 72 440 0.57 79.93 47Tygerberg Wetern Cape 72 165 0.57 80.50 48St Giles eGoli 72 000 0.57 81.06 49Port Alfred Central Cape 71 849 0.57 81.63 50St Michael's - Boston Drankensberg 69 281 0.55 82.18 51

131

St Andrew's - Brakpan Highveld 69 222 0.55 82.72 52Eshowe eThekweni 68 515 0.54 83.26 53Darling Wetern Cape 66 014 0.52 83.79 54Ladysmith uThukela 64 150 0.51 84.29 54St Francis - Waterkloof Tshwane 58 521 0.46 84.75 55Margate eThekweni 57 247 0.45 85.21 56Westville eThekweni 57 215 0.45 85.66 57Mount Faith eGoli 55 748 0.44 86.10 58St John's Gowrie Drankensberg 54 394 0.43 86.53 59Ulundi uThukela 52 361 0.41 86.94 60St John's - Boksburg Highveld 48 000 0.38 87.32 61Amanzimtoti eThekweni 43 960 0.35 87.67 62Grace Tshwane 43 686 0.34 88.01 63St Margaret's - Dannhauser uThukela 41 783 0.33 88.34 64Soshanguve Tshwane 41 750 0.33 88.67 65JL Zwane Memorial Wetern Cape 40 610 0.32 88.99 66Trinity - Dundee uThukela 40 000 0.32 89.31 67St John's - Bloemfontein Trans Xhariep 38 597 0.30 89.61 68St George'd Wellington Wetern Cape 38 500 0.30 89.91 69Plumstead Wetern Cape 35 916 0.28 90.20 70Elgin United Wetern Cape 35 537 0.28 90.48 71Heidelberg Highveld 33 040 0.26 90.74 72Makwarela Limpopo 33 000 0.26 91.00 73Camps Bay United Wetern Cape 32 577 0.26 91.26 74Retreat Wetern Cape 32 500 0.26 91.51 75Strubens Valley United eGoli 32 150 0.25 91.77 76Trafalgar eThekweni 32 007 0.25 92.02 77JY Hliso Memorial Central Cape 31 981 0.25 92.27 78Gardens Wetern Cape 31 980 0.25 92.52 79Bedford Central Cape 31 759 0.25 92.77 80St Magnus eGoli 31 301 0.25 93.02 81St Nicholas' United Amathole 28 512 0.23 93.25 82Blaauwberg Limpopo 27 500 0.22 93.46 83Summerstrand United Central Cape 27 085 0.21 93.68 84St Andrew's - Newcastle uThukela 25 000 0.20 93.88 85Greyville eThekweni 24 191 0.19 94.07 86Oudtshoorn Central Cape 24 000 0.19 94.26 87St Andrew's - Witbank Tshwane 23 920 0.19 94.44 88St Thomas' - KwaNobuhle Central Cape 22 489 0.18 94.62 89St Mark's - Moregloed Tshwane 22 050 0.17 94.80 90St David's - Nigel Highveld 21 033 0.17 94.96 91St John's - Turffontein eGoli 20 400 0.16 95.12 92Gooldville Limpopo 20 000 0.16 95.28 93Newcastle uThukela 19 200 0.15 95.43 94Mitchell's Plain United Wetern Cape 17 801 0.14 95.57 95Highland Hills United eThekweni 16 290 0.13 95.70 96Randpark Ridge United eGoli 15 931 0.13 95.83 97Dundee uThukela 15 661 0.12 95.95 98Premier Mine Tshwane 14 875 0.12 96.07 99St John's United - PMB Drankensberg 14 864 0.12 96.19 100St Peter's - Tembisa Highveld 14 800 0.12 96.30 100Mpolweni Drankensberg 14 013 0.11 96.41 101Estcourt Drankensberg 13 878 0.11 96.52 102Lebowakgomo Limpopo 13 000 0.10 96.62 103St Andrew's - East London Amathole 12 981 0.10 96.73 104All Saints United - PMB Drankensberg 12 380 0.10 96.83 105Stutterheim & District Amathole 12 000 0.09 96.92 106

132

St Columba's - Port Elizabeth Central Cape 12 000 0.09 97.01 106Kenilworth Wetern Cape 12 000 0.09 97.11 106Khayelihle eThekweni 10 200 0.08 97.19 109St Andrew's - Walmer Central Cape 10 000 0.08 97.27 110Kensington United eGoli 10 000 0.08 97.35 110Richards Bay eThekweni 10 000 0.08 97.43 110William Mpamba Memorial Limpopo 9 600 0.08 97.50 113Phomolong Trans Xhariep 9 148 0.07 97.57 114Paarl United Wetern Cape 8 209 0.06 97.64 115Zamdela Trans Xhariep 8 100 0.06 97.70 116St Andrew's - Cape Town Wetern Cape 7 800 0.06 97.76 117Rustenburg Tshwane 7 500 0.06 97.82 117St Andrew's - Beaconsfield Trans Xhariep 7 200 0.06 97.88 118Johannesburg eGoli 7 200 0.06 97.94 118Oranjemund United Wetern Cape 6 781 0.05 97.99 120Gillispie East Griqualand 6 600 0.05 98.04 121Dorrington Amathole 6 000 0.05 98.09 122Glenbain Drankensberg 6 000 0.05 98.14 122JJR Jolobe Memorial Central Cape 6 000 0.05 98.19 122Mabopane Tshwane 6 000 0.05 98.23 122Tableview United Wetern Cape 5 984 0.05 98.28 123Msinga uThukela 5 700 0.04 98.32 124St Paul's - Welkom Trans Xhariep 5 500 0.04 98.37 125Matangari Limpopo 5 300 0.04 98.41 126St Andrew's - Kingwilliamstown Amathole 5 200 0.04 98.45 127Gonubie Amathole 5 000 0.04 98.49 128St Barnabas' - KwaZakhele Central Cape 5 000 0.04 98.53 128New Edenvale Drankensberg 4 800 0.04 98.57 130St Andrew's - Somerset East Central Cape 4 540 0.04 98.60 131JZS Ncevu Memorial Amathole 4 000 0.03 98.64 132St Mark's - Daveyton Highveld 4 000 0.03 98.67 132Mamelodi Gardens Tshwane 4 000 0.03 98.70 132Diepsloot eGoli 3 850 0.03 98.73 134Clermont eThekweni 3 600 0.03 98.76 135Jonas Lediga Memorial Tshwane 3 600 0.03 98.79 135St George's - East London Amathole 3 500 0.03 98.81 137Abraham Maramani Memorial Drankensberg 3 500 0.03 98.84 137St Paul's - Alberton Highveld 3 380 0.03 98.87 139Embalenhle Highveld 3 182 0.03 98.89 139Edendale Drankensberg 3 000 0.02 98.92 139Erskine Mthamtha 3 000 0.02 98.94 139SB Ngcobo Memorial Mthamtha 3 000 0.02 98.96 139T.P. Finca Memorial Mthamtha 3 000 0.02 98.99 139St John's - Batho Trans Xhariep 2 800 0.02 99.01 140Polokwane Limpopo 2 750 0.02 99.03 141St Andrew's - Vergenoeg Trans Xhariep 2 725 0.02 99.05 142Milnerton Wetern Cape 2 700 0.02 99.07 142The Hill Central Cape 2 500 0.02 99.09 143William Samson Memorial Limpopo 2 500 0.02 99.11 143Mahwelereng Limpopo 2 467 0.02 99.13 145St Andrew's - Scottburgh eThekweni 2 461 0.02 99.15 146BE Ngubane eGoli 2 450 0.02 99.17 147Duncan Village Amathole 2 400 0.02 99.19 148St James' - Zwide Central Cape 2 400 0.02 99.21 148Scottsville Drankensberg 2 400 0.02 99.23 148St Andrew's - Kgotsong/Bothaville Trans Xhariep 2 400 0.02 99.25 148DT Plaatjie Memorial Highveld 2 400 0.02 99.27 148

133

East Rand Highveld 2 400 0.02 99.29 148Weirdale Limpopo 2 400 0.02 99.30 148Lundie Memorial Tiyo Soga 2 400 0.02 99.32 148Main Tiyo Soga 2 400 0.02 99.34 148Tutura Tiyo Soga 2 400 0.02 99.36 148ET Legodi Tshwane 2 400 0.02 99.38 148Jokweni uThukela 2 400 0.02 99.40 148Masiphumele Wetern Cape 2 400 0.02 99.42 148St Silas - Evaton Lekoa 2 006 0.02 99.43 161Moletsane eGoli 2 000 0.02 99.45 162St Margaret's - Bluff eThekweni 2 000 0.02 99.47 162St Paul's - Sharpville Lekoa 2 000 0.02 99.48 162DV Sikhutswa Mthamtha 2 000 0.02 99.50 162Khulani Mthamtha 2 000 0.02 99.51 162Miller Mthamtha 2 000 0.02 99.53 162Somerville Mthamtha 2 000 0.02 99.54 162St Andrew's - Mthatha Mthamtha 2 000 0.02 99.56 162VV Dipa Memorial Mthamtha 2 000 0.02 99.58 162William Gavin Memorial Mthamtha 2 000 0.02 99.59 162ZS Tyandela Mthamtha 2 000 0.02 99.61 162St Peter's United - Denysville Lekoa 1 800 0.01 99.62 173John Knox Bokwe - Bisho Amathole 1 500 0.01 99.63 174M Makwetu Memorial Central Cape 1 500 0.01 99.65 174DD Stormont Memorial Tiyo Soga 1 500 0.01 99.66 174GT Vika Memorial Mthamtha 1 500 0.01 99.67 174Lower Ngqwara Mthamtha 1 500 0.01 99.68 174Lower Rainy Mthamtha 1 500 0.01 99.69 174Nqandu Mthamtha 1 500 0.01 99.70 174Rainy Mthamtha 1 500 0.01 99.72 174Mchinga Zambia 1 500 0.01 99.73 174Winterberg Amathole 1 200 0.01 99.74 183Nonzwakazi Central Cape 1 200 0.01 99.75 183Pholela Drankensberg 1 200 0.01 99.76 183Vulindela Drankensberg 1 200 0.01 99.77 183Kagiso eGoli 1 200 0.01 99.78 183Ebenezer - Vosloorus Highveld 1 200 0.01 99.79 183Merebank eThekweni 1 200 0.01 99.79 183Columba Mission Tiyo Soga 1 200 0.01 99.80 183Cunningham Tiyo Soga 1 200 0.01 99.81 183Duff Tiyo Soga 1 200 0.01 99.82 183EE Xokozela Tiyo Soga 1 200 0.01 99.83 183Gcuwa Mission Tiyo Soga 1 200 0.01 99.84 183Irvin Njoloza Tiyo Soga 1 200 0.01 99.85 183Maclay Tiyo Soga 1 200 0.01 99.86 183Malan Tiyo Soga 1 200 0.01 99.87 183Mbulu Tiyo Soga 1 200 0.01 99.88 183Thumedi Makgahlela Tshwane 1 200 0.01 99.89 183AMT Cawa Wetern Cape 1 200 0.01 99.90 183Delft United Wetern Cape 1 200 0.01 99.91 183Kuils River United Wetern Cape 1 200 0.01 99.92 183Langa Wetern Cape 1 200 0.01 99.93 183Woodstock Wetern Cape 1 200 0.01 99.94 183Bhongweni Zambia 1 200 0.01 99.95 183WV Masinda Memorial Wetern Cape 1 000 0.01 99.95 206Steadville PC uThukela 800 0.01 99.96 207Gordon Memorial uThukela 700 0.01 99.97 208Stilfontein Lekoa 690 0.01 99.97 209

134

St Augustine's - Motse-Thabong Trans Xhariep 600 0.00 99.98 210St Mark's vd Bijl Lekoa 600 0.00 99.98 210St Philip's - Zwelitsha Amathole 500 0.00 99.98 212St John's - Groutville eThekweni 421 0.00 99.99 213BM Molaba Memorial Lekoa 400 0.00 99.99 214Chimwemwe Zambia 360 0.00 99.99 215St Paul's Zambia 360 0.00 100.00 215Wasukile Zambia 360 0.00 100.00 215Bwacha Zambia 360 0.00 100.00 215Kabushi Zambia 360 0.00 100.00 215Solwezi Zambia 360 0.00 100.00 215St Andrew's Zambia 360 0.00 100.00 215St Columbas - Kabwe Zambia 360 0.00 100.00 215St John's - Kapiri Zambia 360 0.00 100.00 215St Peter's Zambia 360 0.00 100.00 215St Patrick's eGoli 350 0.00 100.00 225Lingelihle Central Cape 300 0.00 100.00 226Wattville Highveld 300 0.00 100.00 226St Timothy's - Sebokeng Lekoa 300 0.00 100.00 226GaKgapane Limpopo 300 0.00 100.00 226St Matthew's - Carltonville Lekoa 200 0.00 100.00 230Northdale Drankensberg -4000 -0.03 99.97 231

12 670 148

135

ANNEXURE 7 NON-CONTRIBUTING CONGREGATIONS: 2017/2018 This list includes all congregations irrespective of classification; ie preaching stations, nuclear, etc. AMATHOLE

Adelaide Township

Alice

Breidbach

Burnshill

Cambridge

Ckoti-Dimdaza

Davidson Memorial

Dr Ntsikelelo Katiya

Emgwali

Jt Arosi

Khobonqaba

Lovedale

Macfarlan

Mdantsane

Parkside

Pirie

Sada

Semple Memorial

St John's - Fort Beaufort

St John's - Kingwilliamstown

St Luke's - Dimbaza

St Paul's - East London

Stirling

Stuart Memorial

Tarkastad/Wheatlands

Central Cape

All Saints United

Arcadia

Bluewater Bay United

D. M Soga Memorial

Garden Route

Glen Avon

Graaff-Reinet

Gt Mcoteli

Jeffrey's Bay

Kwazakhele

Plettenberg Bay

Somerset East

St Francis United - Sedgefield

St Martin's - Port Elizabeth

Uitenhage

Zwide

Drakensberg

Entambeni

Eston Mid Illove United

Impendle

Midlands

Mpolweni

Northdale

Pietermaritzburg

Richmond

Scottsville

St David's - Pietermaritzburg

Trinity - Estcourt East Griqualand

Balasi

Bhongweni

Buchanan

Gillespie

Mafube

Mbonda

Mpharane

Paballong

Rietvlei

Springside

Stirling Memorial

Tsekong

Tt Dekeda

Upper Mkemane

Xaba Memorial Nuclear

Yekelo-Mbali Memorial Egoli

Baragwaneth

Central Baragwaneth

Central Johannesburg

Dobsonville

Hamilton Memorial

Mayfair

Meadowlands

Parkmore

Randburg

St John The Evangelist

St Mark's - Yeoville

St Mungos United

St Stephen's - Turffontein

Ethekwini

Beach Mission

Christ The Redeemer

Clermont

Durban

Ernest Reim Memorial

Esikhaweni

Hammarsdale

Shalom

St George's - Bluff

St Paul's - Kwamashu

Tembalihle Highveld

Acts

All Saints United

Alfred K Maja Memorial

Bd Yanta

Dalpark

Rapodile

St Mark's - Daveyton

St Michael's - Springs

St Paul's -Alberton

St Peter's - Duduza

St Peter's - Tembisa

Tsakane Lekoa

All Saints - Jouberton

Bophelong

Solomon Rathebe

St Andrew's - Kuruman

St Andrew's - Westonaria

St Anthony's - Sebokeng

St Peter's - Boipatong

St Stephen's - Vanderbijlpark

Trinity - Klerksdorp

Vryburg United Limpopo

Donhill

Phalaborwa

Seshego

St Paul's United - Haenertsburg

Tzaneen

136

Mthatha

John Knox Bokwe

Mthatha Nuclear

Ross

Tiyo Soga

Jl Sokupa

K Manakaza Memorial

Kidston

Ncisininde

Ndabakazi

Ndakana

Njikelana

Trans Xhariep

Ar Poho Memorial Church

Boitumelong

Brent Park

Ebenezer

Frankfort-Villiers

Ikageng

Kwakwatsi

Parys-Vredefort

Peniele

Phomolong

Poelong

Ramoeti-Masemola United

St Andrew's - Constantia

St Andrew's - Heilbron

St Andrew's - Kroonstad

St Luke's - Hoopstad

St Monica's - Kutlwanong

Tsoane Abraham Poho

Thaba Nchu Botshabelo United

Viljoenskroon

Warden

Welkom

Tshwane

Ga Rankuwa

Khayakulu

Mamelodi East

Phola

Pretoria Central

Ruighoek

St James - Matsulu

St Paul's - Marite

St Peter's - Mothotlung

Uthukela

B W Zulu Memorial

Douglas

Endumisweni

Ernest Ntuli Memorial

Gordon Memorial

Vryheid

Western Cape

Atlantis United

Blue Downs United

Bridgetown

Capricorn Park

Claremont United

Eastridge United

Elsie's River

Freeman Bavuma Memorial

Gg Ndzotyana Memorial

Gordons Bay United

Guguletu

Heideveld-Manenberg United

Imizamo United

Khayamandi

Khayelitsha United

Kraaifontein

Kuyasa

Maitland

Mbekweni

Melkbosstrand United

Mfuleni

Nyanga

Saldanha United

Salem United

Strand United

Thembalihle

Tiyo Soga Memorial

Vredenburg United

Wallacedene

West Coast

WPT Ndibongo Memorial

137

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

Report to the 2019 Executive Commission MEMBERS OF COMMITTEE CURRENT MEMBERS Mr CW Gauld (Chair), Ms G Spelman, - Finance Committee members Mr C Smith, The Rev F Botha, Rev M Njeza - Independent members Mr R Johnson– The General Treasurer -ex officio Rev M Jita – The Chief Financial Officer – ex officio

Terms of Reference of the Audit Committee The terms of reference of the Audit Committee were approved by the Executive Commission in 2017. To summarise, the overriding function of the Audit Committee is to have oversight of and to report to the General Assembly on:

• The operation of adequate financial systems and controls, • The reviewing of financial information and preparation of annual financial statements. This

includes meeting with the external Auditors and the Chief Financial Officer to arrange the scope of external audits and to review their findings and

• The status of risk management.

Review of the Auditor’s letter to Management - 2018 The audit report relating to the Annual Financial Statements (AFS) for the year to June 2018 was reviewed and discussed with management and the external auditors at an Audit Committee meeting held on 8 January 2019.

The auditors raised the issues which have, each year, led to the qualification of their audit opinion in the AFS Audit Report. These are

• The limitations of auditing cash receipts • The state of title deeds relating to certain properties occupied by the church

The accounting treatment of gains or losses relating to Restricted Purpose Funds was also discussed. Unrealised gains or losses on Restricted Purpose Funds are currently shown as “Available-for-sale financial assess adjustments” and are transferred to Reserves. The effect of this is that the impression is given that these gains are for the benefit of UPCSA as a whole whereas they should be for the benefit of the restricted funds only. In addition, unrealised losses might lead to negative reserve balances. The Committee was of the opinion that the UPCSA should not carry any potential liability for the downward movement of the funds in the event of a market turn, even if it is just through a reserve. The Finance Committee was requested to ring-fence any gains so that the correct position is shown. This was agreed to at the Finance Committee’s meeting held on 19 June 2019 with effect from the 2019 AFS. Review of Annual Financial Statements (AFS) - 2018 The AFS for the financial year to 30 June 2018 were reviewed at the January Audit Committee meeting. Certain changes to the wording were requested in order to make the AFS clearer. The Committee approved the amended AFS and recommended that they may be signed by the Finance Committee.

Audit Plan 2019 A meeting with management and the external auditors regarding the 2019 audit was held on 25 June 2019. This meeting focused on the scope of the forthcoming audit and its budgeted costs. The audit plan and approach to the audit were discussed in detail. Achievement of the plan is dependent on Central Office staff providing full information, on time, on the items chosen by the auditors for checking. This was agreed by the CFO. There was also discussion on the limited assurance given by audit reports given the perceived high audit costs. The audit partner advised that if full assurance is required this will entail testing 100% of transactions. The cost of this would be exorbitant. A review audit, on the other hand, would speak only to reasonableness of the numbers and trends and would give very little assurance. The committee confirmed that a full audit, which entails test checking of various items in the AFS based on professional assessments of the risk involved, remains the preferred approach to our audit. In addition, the committee recommended that the Finance Committee should consider implementing an internal audit process so that there is some assurance that internal controls are in place and are working. Risk Review The role of the Audit Committee is to ensure that there is a risk management programme in place and that it is operating satisfactorily. At present this is not the case. A member of the Finance Committee, Ms G Spelman, is working on setting up a risk management framework along the following lines:

138

The intention is to have Risk Registers categorised as follows: a. Risk Register for the General Assembly, b. Risk Register for the Central Office, c. Risk Register for the Presbyteries, d. Risk Register for the Congregations, and e. Risk Register for the Associations

What is left, is to formalise the risk identification process to be followed in populating the registers which should translate to Risk Management Policy. The biggest challenge is the lack of objectives at all levels i.e. we only have the strategic guidelines. This makes monitoring and evaluation hard to achieve. Ms G Spelman feels that a decision should be made by the GA as to whether there should be one Vision and Mission for the Church (UPCSA) which all structures and all levels i.e. Presbyteries, Congregations, Associations should subscribe to, rather than having different visions and missions. This is central to getting a unity of purpose that can be monitored at GA level. In discussion the Audit Committee felt that it would not be feasible to have one Vision and Mission as all congregations and Presbyteries were faced with different circumstances. Recommendation. The Audit Committee recommends to the Executive Commission in September for a Steering Committee to be established (with powers to co-opt) to drive this process (as a committee of the GA) towards developing Strategic Planning Guidelines and a risk management policy. The Committee felt that a handful of large strategic risks should be identified and addressed, rather than trying to implement an all-inclusive document. Thereafter, more risks could be tackled. Zimbabwe Pension Fund Contributions to the Zimbabwe Pension Fund have not been made for a number of years. It is possible that UPCSA will have to pay these arrear contributions. The audit committee has requested that the General Treasurer should seek legal advice from the Auditor’s legal department as to whether there is a liability to the Fund. Following the advice, a decision will be taken as to whether a provision for this should be made or whether a contingency should be noted in the 2019 financial statements. UPCSA Financial Position At the audit committee meeting held on 25 June 2019 the CFO, Rev Jita, reported that there was a R2m deficit for the 11 months to end of May 2019, before allocation of restricted funds which will reduce the deficit. The cash position is extremely tight as a result of the poor operational result and the fact that the sale of the Parktown property has fallen through. Payment for the Gateway property is overdue. The committee recommended to the Finance Committee to put measures in place to increase assessment collections and cut costs as a matter of urgency. All Committee Chairs should be advised that all discretionary expenditure must be stopped until further notice. PBO Status It is imperative that good governance should be followed by all structures within the UPCSA. However, while a lot of attention has been placed on encouraging presbyteries and congregations to register as PBOs there has been little response. This was noted with concern. There is on-going work in this regard. MR COLIN GAULD CONVENER PROPOSAL 1. The Executive Commission receives the report. 2. The Executive Commission appoints a Steering Committee which is tasked with the formulation of a risk

management framework. 3. The Executive Commission accepts the Risk analysis and corresponding risk matrix.

139

Internal Risk Workshop (Uniting Presbyterian Church of South Africa)

Risks are rated in terms of Impact, Likelihood, and Overall Outcome (High, Medium, Low)

ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL ENVIRONMENT

No RISK ISSUE CONTEXT / DESCRIPTION CONTROL / ACTION PLAN RISK RATING OWNER IMPACT LIKELIHOOD OVERALL

1 Inflationary pressures

The cost of services, for example electricity and rates, is rising at an alarming rate, placing pressure on the Church.

Expenditure is, and is, to be contained within the budget. (Reasonable control in place Sensitise staff about responsible usage of electricity and water.)

H

L

L

CFO (Geoff Jooste)

2 Cost increases surpass increase in assessment & investment income

Costs (expenses) may increase at a much greater rate, than the current increase in income that the UPCSA derives.

Controls: From 2013 vs 2011, a 6% reduction. Action plans: Expenditure is, and is, to be contained within the budget. (well containedand work done on congregations to increase number of churches paying assessments)

H

L

L

CFO (Geoff Jooste)

4

Cash Flow

Poor cash flow or in-adequate cash available, may put strain on the UPCSA.

Controls: Presbyteries control and follow up with their congregations. Action Plans: Invoices will be sent in future for assessments due and payable. (Receives the same attention as before. One on one contact better) There is need to talk to the UPCSA members – laying facts bare about the expenditure items, thus asking them to make person commitments to boost the finances of the UPCSA. That means there is need for further fund raising intiatives.

M

L

L

CFO (Geoff Jooste)

5 Assessments not being paid by congregations

Congregations who do not pay their assessments on time, place a great burden on the UPCSA in becoming more stringent in the way it manages its cash available.

Controls: A policy called the “Rules for assessment” is in place stipulating how congregations should calculate, and pay over their assessments. Action Plans: Presbyteries to collect and transfer assessments to central office. (Works in one Presbytery only ut still below what is due. As above one on one more effective. The annual Consultation of the Officials of Presbyteries (Moderators, Clerks and Treasurers remains the most effective mechanism to engender a sense of responsibility and commitment. The February meeting arrangement to dedicate time to administration may yield some desired outcomes.

H M H CFO (Geoff Jooste)

General

Assembly Fin Com.

Local

Presbyteries

6

Determination of assessments for congregations with no accounting systems

There are a number of congregations in outlying areas that do not make use of any form of accounting system to reconcile their financial records. This then means there is no accurate way to determine the accuracy and reliability of the numbers presented forward.

Controls: Design a simple DIY toolkit that may assist the congregations to up their accounting systems. Action Plans: The General Secretary is to engage the associations on this.

M

H

M-H

General

Secretary (Lungile

Mpetsheni)

140

No RISK ISSUE CONTEXT / DESCRIPTION CONTROL / ACTION PLAN RISK RATING OWNER IMPACT LIKELIHOOD OVERALL

7 Outsourcing of information

The UPCSA outsources its payroll, and with this comes the risk, that the pay-roll may not be run on time, that it is incorrect, amongst other things. A risk of confidentiality may also arise in that the payroll company may release information to other parties, should a confidentiality agreement not be in place.

Controls: A confidentiality agreement is in place, and has been signed by all relevant staff. Action Plans: (Works well) up to date on SARS, WCA and UIF.

M

L

M-L

CFO (Geoff Jooste)

8

Outdated or over-priced service level agreements.

This may result in us not receiving a service we paid for, or receiving a service we did not pay for, which may have financial implications. Who vets the agreement, and how often is it reviewed? Furthermore, we may not be able to hold our service providers liable in terms of an outdated or inadequate contract.

Controls: The CFO vets the agreement. Agreements are reviewed on an annual basis. Action Plans: (Only one more left to clear I.E. ADT 23 Eileen Road) Will end June 2017. Service Providers should be picked through a tender systems. Contract should be for a year basis and always call for new tenders. Each service providers has to pass through a test to be awarded contract. There must nothing like traditional service providers.

M

L

M-L

CFO (Geoff Jooste)

9

Not performing audits or financial reviews on congregations

If each congregation does not have an audit or financial review performed, errors may go undetected, as well as an opportunity for fraud or embezzlement may arise.

Controls:Each Presbytery should have Monitoring and Evaluation Team and an Audit Committee. Action Plans: New policy to be discussed at General Assembly. Offertory more than R 2 mil. -> Annual, full audit. Offertory between R 1mil. and R 2mil -> annual review audit. Offertory less than R 1mil. -> Annual review audit performed by Presbytery appointed auditor.

H

H

H

Audit Committe

e Chairman

(Colin Gauld)

10

Ensuring statutory contributions are paid on time.

Should statutory contributions be paid late, fines or penalties may arise, but also, in the case of workmen’s compensation for example, employees may not be covered in the event of an accident whilst on duty.

Controls: Each Presbytery should appoint an accounting officer (not necessarily a treasurer) to work on the books and accounts. This arrangement may cascade down to the Congregations. Action Plans: Capacity building initiatives for the accounting officers for Presbyteries and Congregations.

H

H

H

Fincom/CFO/

Presbyteries

11 Ensuring contributions to medical and pension funds are paid over on time.

Should contributions be paid late, fines or penalties may arise, but also, could result in a medical claim not being paid out, due to the member’s account being in arrears, or even worse, a pension payout being delayed in the sudden unfortunate death of a member whose contributions are not up to date. he Pension Fund adjudicator may also levy fines and penalties when contributions are received late / (paid over late).

Controls: Presbyteries should establish monthly reporting mechanism, which could be the same as the accounting officers mentioned above. Action Plans: (CFO personally involved to clear outstanding pension matters. Punching should be up to to date by end June). There may then still be matters to follow up based on what is found when all punching done. The risk to UPCSA is possible interest levied together with fines from NMG. Medical Aid is all up to date.

H

M

M-H

( CFO)

12

Insurance Cover

The UPCSA needs to ensure that it has adequate insurance cover in place, and that the cover is renewed on an annual basis.

Controls: An annual review is performed by the audit committee. Independent FIA official also checks. Action Plans: This must be a standing item on the agemda of the FIN COM where regular updates will be given

M

M

M

Audit

Committee (Colin Gauld)

141

No RISK ISSUE CONTEXT / DESCRIPTION CONTROL / ACTION PLAN RISK RATING OWNER IMPACT LIKELIHOOD OVERALL

13

Fidelity Cover The UPCSA should ensure that is has some form of fidelity cover in place for its office bearers, and that the cover is adequate or reasonable, to prevent office bearers from being sued in their personal capacity, in which case, they may not have the funds readily available.

Controls: An annual review is performed by the audit committee. Independent FIA official also checks. Action Plans: Office staff should be sentitised about the issues that could give rise to suing taking place, so that they can act circumspectly and avoid such pracices.

M

M

M

Audit

Committee (Colin Gauld)

14

Understanding of Church Financial policies by congregations

There are many church financial policies, and these may not be understood by all congregations in the denomination, or the interpretation may be different to that, that was intended, which may result in altercations taking place and / or, an over or under-payment of assessments to the UPCSA for example. Treasurers also change often and the policies and calculations are passed on to the new treasurer by the old one, which may not always be correct.

Controls: Each Presbytery should appoint an accounting officer (not necessarily a treasurer) to work on the books and accounts. This arrangement may cascade down to the Congregations. Action Plans: An annual visit plan is to be drawn up and implemented where the CFO visits various congregations. (All Presbyteries have had at least one vist with some having had two visits. Many churches have met with CFO to solve long outstanding governance and reporting issues.)

H

H

H

CFO (Geoff Jooste)

15 Losing the NPO or PBO status

The church needs to comply at all times with the various statutes to ensure that the NPO and PBO status is not affected in any way.

Controls: Auditors submit returns annually. Action Plans: (Ongoing work done by CFO/Accountant with congregations. Central office is up to date with all reporting.

H

M

M

CFO (Geoff Jooste)

External Auditors

(RSM Betty

Dickson) 16

Fraud Schemes The UPCSA has just been subject to an international fraud scheme where they were tricked into soliciting money to a fraudster.

Controls: Any unusual requests to be referred to the GA Fin Com. In writing. The CFO and Gen Sec. will approve. Action Plans: (All requests are fully vetted now. CFO and team work together on all requestes.)So far none have been seen as legitimate.

M

M

M

CFO (Geoff Jooste)

General

Secretary (Lungile

Mpetsheni 17

Repayment of Loans by Ministers and staff

The UPCSA grants loans to ministers and staff, and runs the risk that loans may not be repaid. This also applies to loans given to cross-border Ministers, etc.

Controls: Guarantees of Presbyteries. Approval by GA Fin Com. Action Plans: Consider forward cover? (No new loans have recently been authorised but any loans granted going forward will comply with CPA legislation and Presbyteries will cover the debt with Guarantees.

M

H

M

????

18

Third party risk A risk could be the loss of money through default by one of the third party service providers.

Controls: Sensitise people not to involve many hands on monetary issues. Action Plans: To consider banking with top 4 banks only.

L

L

H

CFO

142

No RISK ISSUE CONTEXT / DESCRIPTION CONTROL / ACTION PLAN RISK RATING OWNER IMPACT LIKELIHOOD OVERALL

19

Excessive travel costs

Excessive travel costs, especially for the General Assembly / Ex-Com could impact the financial sustainability of the denomination and / or congregations.

Controls: Encourage Presbyteries and Congregations to be fully responsible for the travelling of their commissioners to the General Assembly / Ex-Com Action Plans: (Monitored within all the parameters laid down by Fincom).

M

H

M

Convenors/

CFO

SYSTEMS

No RISK ISSUE CONTEXT / DESCRIPTION CONTROL / ACTION PLAN RISK RATING OWNER IMPACT LIKELIHOOD OVERALL

1 Integrity of Data

This relates to the quality of as well as the protection of the Church’s data and record-keeping.

Controls: Back-ups are performed monthly, and are kept off-site, but should be changed to weekly. Action Plans: Data should be backed up weekly. (Back ups are housed in fire proof safe.)

H

M

M-H

Philip Gohl

2 Disaster Recovery Plan

The UPCSA should ensure that an adequate DRP is in place. This includes not only data on machines, but should something every happen to the Tia Soga House, that the office could be relocated relatively quickly, with minimal disruption.

Controls: There must be a DRP that will be updated occasionally. Action Plans: The CFO is to develop a DRP and present it to the GA Fin Com. And Audit Com. (Nothing done on this yet).

M

L

M

CFO (Geoff Jooste)

3

Business Continuity

The UPCSA should ensure that an adequate DRP is in place. This includes not only data on machines, but should something every happen to the Tia Soga House, that the office could be relocated relatively quickly, with minimal disruption. This includes, telephones, email, fax, and the day to day running of the facility.

Controls: There is in-house insurance cover. Email and telephony could be arranged within 48 hours. Action Plans: Back ups done weekly. Revise the plan in line with the current development in market and demand.

L

L

L

CFO

4

Retention of Records

The UPCSA should ensure the safe retention of records for at least the minimum duration that the law prescribes, and that these records are secure and fire-proof.

Controls: Back-ups are kept at Metro File. Action Plans: Back-ups should be performed weekly. Frequent checks on ability to call up old files.

H

L

M

CFO (Geoff Jooste)

Philip Gohl

143

HUMAN RESOURCES

No RISK ISSUE CONTEXT / DESCRIPTION CONTROL / ACTION PLAN RISK RATING OWNER IMPACT LIKELIHOOD OVERALL

1 Empowerment

Presbyteries not accepting empowerment.

Controls: Leadership and coaching by CFO and Gen. Sec. Action Plans: In spite of intensive consultation this is still a real challenge. Ongoing traing will be done)

H

H

H

Gensec/ CFO

2

Staff Retention The Church may possibly face the loss of senior staff.

Controls: There should be succession discussions and plan. Action Plans: ( The COC to address this especially in 2017/2018. CFO OK till Aug 2018 but Gensec’s contract will end August 2019.)

M

M

M

COC

3

Rewards Policy A structure should be in place to be able to retain staff.

Controls: Long service awards, bonuses and incentives. Action Plans: COC should pay attention to this and design a plan.

?

?

?

Gensec/COC committee

4

Diversity Having the correct mix of employees per race group and gender, so as to comply with government legislation and Church policy (if applicable).

Controls: COC should determine mechanisms. Action Plans: Gen Sec should sensitise the COC about the matter and report on it.

L

L

L

General

Secretary (Lungile

Mpetsheni) 5 Confidentiality

Agreements

Confidentiality agreements should be put in place, and be signed by all parties that deal with any form of sensitive information that may cause reputational and / or financial harm to the UPCSA.

Controls: Action Plans:

L

M

L

General Secretary (Lungile

Mpetsheni) 6

Personnel records Personnel records should be up to date, and accurate, and should contain some minimum criteria, to ensure consistency throughout all files.

Controls: Open file muster on a regular basis. Action Plans: Records are kept by CFO. Up to Date

L

L

L

General

Secretary (Lungile

Mpetsheni) 7

Job profiles and performance evaluations

There should be clear job profiles for each employee / office bearer, and such parties should undergo a formal job evaluation at least once a year, to identify any training or other needs that may need to be implemented.

Controls: All staff revieved at least quarterly. Submitted to COC Action Plans: All Staff have new job descriptions. Evaluations Done regularly.

L

L

L

General Secretary (Lungile

Mpetsheni)

144

No RISK ISSUE CONTEXT / DESCRIPTION CONTROL / ACTION PLAN RISK RATING OWNER IMPACT LIKELIHOOD OVERALL

8

Training of new ministers / students Students with health issues drain emergency funds Psychological concerns picked up during student and probation years is costly. Have more people that we want to train and wish to give grants to than we can afford. Are limited financially, which curtails the people we wish to support Need to train Supervisors who are responsible for probationers. Our budget does not allow for extra training. Risk of burnout amonst ministers : traumatized society

There is a risk that if ministers are trained for the context and for purpose, there may be frustration, when they get into ministry and that they may not serve the needs of the people. The pressure of studies and personal issues in the House of Studies At discernment time, there are always more students that we could take, as the red flags we may have could be adequately addressed during the year, but we do not have finances to send students to theological institutions, we defer them-some do not return Ministers training in old authoritarian style in conflict with new styles of leadership to which students and probationers have been exposed .

Controls: Visit Presbyteries: Ministry Secretary/Convenor to understand new forms of ministry and ministry burnout and anger strategies Ministry Committee should ensure that education and training address and respond to the situations on the ground. Action Plans: Ministry Committee through the Misnistry Secretary should do consistent monitoring and evaluation of the processes and systems. Find some institutions that can help pro-bono with student/probationer health issues. Find pschologists and social workers who can assist with emergency situations Share training resources with ecumenical denominations Seek and Develop fund-raising programmes to invest in our ministers. See what contributions family and friends and sending churches can contribute toward studies and student probationers well being Develop more on line and skype courses Address anger, hurt and burnout in articles to aid these issues and provide ways for ministers to be healed

H

H

H

Ministry Convenor /

Ministry Sec Pat Baxter

145

No RISK ISSUE CONTEXT / DESCRIPTION CONTROL / ACTION PLAN RISK RATING OWNER IMPACT LIKELIHOOD OVERALL

9

Succession planning There are 35 ministers retiring in the next 5 years (2016 to 2021) and we may not be able to fill the vacancies quickly enough.

Controls: There must be a plan to close the gaps in the ministry that will be occasioned by the retirement. Speak to Presbyteries about call-boost the profile of Presbyterian Ministers by doing a documentary on ministers to be shown in churches and role plays to be done in churches that do not have the technological facilities to show a documentary Action Plans: If we can find more funding, we will be able to up the number of students being trained annually If we can conceive of and find different places to help fund our programmes and develop iinovative programmes that CWM may sponsor The Ministry Committee should prioritise the interests of the congregations in preparing the students for the ministry.

H

NEW

H

H

Ministry Convenor/

Ministry Sec Pat Baxter

INFRASTRUCTURE

No RISK ISSUE CONTEXT / DESCRIPTION CONTROL / ACTION PLAN RISK RATING OWNER IMPACT LIKELIHOOD OVERALL

1 Occupational Health and Safety

Controls: Health and safety checks are performed on an annual basis. (Honestly nothing has been done)

H

L

M

CFO

2 Age of building

The building is very old, which not only costs more to maintain, but may also impact on insurance claims.

Controls: Action Plans: (Plan in place to move July/Aug 2018)

H

H

L

GA CFO/ Convenors

of Fincom/ P&R/COC/

3

Insufficient office space?

Controls: Action Plans: As above. Extra space will be created in new facility.

4 Increasing utility costs

Rates, taxes (if applicable) and water and electricity are increasing at an alarming rate, which puts financial strain on the UPCSA.

Controls: Monitor charges monthly. Action Plans: As Above. This will be finalised hopefully by June 2018.

M

L

L

CFO (Geoff Jooste)

146

No RISK ISSUE CONTEXT / DESCRIPTION CONTROL / ACTION PLAN RISK RATING OWNER IMPACT LIKELIHOOD OVERALL

5

Unpaid utility bills This is an increasing problem as a number of congregations do not pay their utility bills. Because the properties are in the UPCSA’s name, the UPCSA then becomes liable for the outstanding amounts.

Controls: Accounting officer will be a partial solution to the risk Action Plans: The CFO will incorporate this into his training, when he moves around the various Presbyteries. (Still a challenge but only one this financial year although there may be more we are unaware of.) all presbyteries have addressed this.

H

H

H

CFO (Geoff Jooste)

6

Not investing in our own properties

We do not spend enough money investing in, or repairing our own properties, thereby making our properties either un-usable, un-safe or to decrease in value.

Controls: There must be an inventory of our properties with information on how they are utilised, maintained an developed. Action Plans: Improvement in this area with insurances also being addressed. Fincom has had many requests to sanction repairs/improvements.

LEGAL

No RISK ISSUE CONTEXT / DESCRIPTION CONTROL / ACTION PLAN RISK RATING OWNER IMPACT LIKELIHOOD OVERALL

1 Reputational Risk

The Church could possibly be brought into disrepute, by either, members, congregations, presbyteries and / or employees.

Controls: Excellent staff relationships are maintained, and are reviewed annually (Owner: ???, Due Date: ???) Action Plans: The General Secretary and Moderator are to remain high profile (Owner: ???, Due Date: ???) Policies and procedures are to be improved, and to be regularly assessed (Owner: ???, Due Date: ???) Committees are to function effectively (Owner: ???, Due Date: ???)

H

L

M

General Secretary (Lungile

Mpetsheni)

2 Confidentiality of certain information

The Church body may be privy to sensitive and / or confidential information that must be treated in the strictest of confidence.

Controls: Confidentiality agreements have been signed by all staff and are in place. Action Plans: COC and Conveners of Committees to work on this area.

H

L

M

General Secretary (Lungile

Mpetsheni)

147

No RISK ISSUE CONTEXT / DESCRIPTION CONTROL / ACTION PLAN RISK RATING OWNER IMPACT LIKELIHOOD OVERALL

4

Compliance to legislation

Many statutory laws exist, and the Church could be exposed in that it does not comply with a certain law or statute.

Controls: Build a file with the necessary legislations and ensure that staff members are informed about and trained on the contents thereof. Action Plans: (Work in progress. Have complied with SARS etc in many more congregations. )

H

M

M-H

CFO (Geoff Jooste)

OTHER

No RISK ISSUE CONTEXT / DESCRIPTION CONTROL / ACTION PLAN RISK RATING OWNER IMPACT LIKELIHOOD OVERALL

1 Church Growth

It is imperative for the Church body to grow, failing which, they Church will slowly decline.

Controls: Mission and Discipleship to manage this aspect. Action Plans: Transfer the risk to M&D Committee.

H

L

M

General

Secretary (Lungile

Mpetsheni)

2

Committees not working together as one

The various committees in the UPCSA may not work together as one, thereby not strengthening our skills together, but working against one another.

Controls: Action Plans: (Driven by Gensec and P&R committee to gether with Audit committee.) Work in progress.

H

NEW

H

H

Gensec/ P&R committee

3

Not promoting the UPCSA enough

We do not promote the UPCSA enough with our members – e.g. how bursary students are doing, how many lay preachers we have in our denomination, etc.

Controls: The UPCSA ministers, leadership and membership should be equipped and empowrred to be the ambassadors of the UPCSA. Action Plans: (New communication stategy being roled out. C Kasambara is being trained on Electronic web/ Social media platforms.)

H

NEW

H

H

Gensec

4

Communication from Ministers

Ministers do not share information with their sessions and members.

Controls: Presbytery Officials are to take responsibility through the February meetings arrangement Action Plans: A proforma should be designed for soliciting the necessary information.

H

NEW

H

H

Gensec

148

No RISK ISSUE CONTEXT / DESCRIPTION CONTROL / ACTION PLAN RISK RATING OWNER IMPACT LIKELIHOOD OVERALL

5

In-sufficient financial training

We do not give our ministers any form of training with regards to finance, thereby making it difficult for them to understand the admin and finance dynamics within their congregations.

Controls: Ministry committee to evaluate progress of students. Ministry Committee to have a record that shows the number of active ministers, also showing the number of those that are retiring in 5 years and the number of congregations that do not have ministers. Action Plans: In the Student/ Probation formation program financial training will be included. Promulgate this information periodically to sensitise the members about the need for the training od more ministers.

H

NEW

H

H

Ministry Convenor/

Ministry Sec Pat Baxter

6

Lack of understanding of treasurers and moderators at Presbytery level.

Do moderators and treasurers know what is required of them?

Controls: The Accounting officers at Presbyteries is an answer. Action Plans: Recommend via General Assembly that treasurers hold office for a term of 4 years.

H

NEW

H

H

Gensec/ P&R committee

7

Poor accountability. We do not hold people accountable that serve on committees or positions within the Church.

Controls: Action Plans:

H

NEW

H

H

P&R & Gensec

8

None, or irregular feedback from Presbyteries.

Quarterly update from Presbyteries on congregations is in unsatisfactory state – what is being done and by whom (Congregation Minister , Session Clerk and Treasurer to attend Presbytery meeting)

Controls: February meetings arrangement is an answer. Action Plans: Very small improvement. Getting Presbytery minutes is helpful)

H

NEW

H

h

GEN SEC, CFO,

CLERK OF ASSEMBLY AND

PRESBYTERY OFFICIALS

149

UPCSA PENSION FUND

UPCSA Pension Fund Registration No: 12/8/02764

Report to the General Assembly 2019

1. Trustees

Composition of the current Board of Trustees is as follows:

A. Wentzel Chairman and Employer Trustee C. Kelly Employer Trustee Dr. N. Mashalaba Employer Trustee E Stopforth Employer Trustee (Ex-PEPF) C. Gauld Employer Trustee T Borrill Alternate Employer Trustee Rev. R. Botsis Member Trustee Rev. C. Judelsohn Member Trustee JF Botha Member Trustee TB Mahlangu Member Trustee Rev. J. Bester Alternate Member Trustee

Rev. J. Bester filled the alternate Member Elected Trustee vacancy left by Ms JF Botha in 2018.

Ms Botha had been elected as a Member Mr Wentzel was re-elected as Chairman of the Board.

Where a Trustee is absent for two (2) consecutive meetings the Chairman will arrange to meet with the Trustee to establish if the person is able to continue as a Trustee and fulfil the required duties.

2. Principal Officer

Mr Morné Olivier of Seshego Benefit Consulting has been appointed as the Fund’s Principal

Officer to replace Ms Van de Merwe from 1 May 2018. Mr Olivier’s contact details are as follows:

o Cell: 083 441 0642 o E-mail: morne@seshego,co.za

3. Administrator Change The Trustees reviewed the administration services provided to the Fund and its members in 2018

and resolved to terminate the appointment of NMG Consultants and Actuaries as the Fund’s administrators, effective 31 December 2018. After considering suitable alternatives, the Trustees appointed Johannesburg based Ensimini Administration Services as the Fund’s administrators with effect from 1 January 2019.

4. Membership At 31 December 2018 the Fund had 228 contributing members, 67 deferred beneficiaries, 52

paid-up members, 8 non-contributing members, 54 deferred pensioners and 144 pensioners.

5. Fund Contributions

The contribution payments have been centralized and the problems previously experienced are expected to be resolved going forward. A reconciliation of contribution due and paid since 2010 has been conducted and the results will be presented to the Employer when finalized. The report is expected early in June 2019

Late payment interest may payable by the Employer on any outstanding contributions.

6. Default Regulations

Regulations 37, 38 and 39 to the Pension Funds Act were issued in August 2017 and all

retirement funds in south Africa were required to comply with the Regulations by 1 March 2019. Regulation 37 deals with the default investment strategy of the Fund. The Fund complies with

the Regulation and the Trustees agreed to change the investment strategy by identifying the

150

return requirements of the different liabilities in the Fund and matching an investment portfolio that aims to achieve the investment return objectives set for each liability set.

For defined contribution members, a default lifestage strategy will be implemented. The lifestage strategy automatically invests members’ fund credits in high equity portfolios when they are 5 years or more from retirement with an investment return objective of inflation +5% per annum over the long term. The strategy automatically reduces the member’s investment from the high equity portfolio to a Money Market portfolio in the last 5 years before retirement to protect the member’s investment from volatility and potential capital loss shortly before retirement. Members will eb allowed to elect out of the default strategy and remain invested in the high equity portfolio. The strategy will be implemented as soon as the members’ fund credits have been confirmed, following the contribution reconciliation exercise.

Regulation 38 requires members to become paid up members when they leave employment. The Fund’s rules have been amended to make provision for the requirements.

Regulation 39 requires the Trustees to implement a an “annuity strategy” The inf-fund pension option already in place has been adopted by the Trustees as the Fund’s aformal annuity strategy.

7. Statutory compliance

The Board is currently constituted in terms of the Fund’s rules. The audits of the 31 December 2016, 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2018 financial statements are expected due to be finalized in 2019. The Fund is therefore currently in breach of the Pension Funds Act requirement to submit audited financial statements to the FSCA (previously called the FSB).

8. Rates of Contribution – for the year ending 31 December 2019

Ministers: • Member: 7,5% of Stipend • Congregation: R 1 970 or

R 1 410 (Subject to being recognised as a Congregation B) In order for a Congregation to be recognised as a Congregation B, the Congregation must be

approved by the Presbytery responsible for the Congregation before 1 January of each calendar year.

Ex- PEPF Members: • Member: 5% of Salary • Congregation: 13.2% of Salary • The Congregation contributes an additional R300 per member per month to cover expenses

relating to the Fund.

Staff Members (joining after 1 July 2016): • Member: 7.5% of Salary • Congregation: R1 410

9. Rule Amendments

Rule Amendment no. 3 to the Fund’s rules has been submitted to the FSCA and registration is

awaited. The rule amendment makes provision for the default Regulations and includes the following:

o Formally adopts the Fund’s pension option as the Fund’s default annuity strategy which enables retiring members to convert their Fund Credit at retirement to a monthly pension;

o Allows members to preserve their benefits (i.e. become paid up members) in the Fund when they leave service;

o A default investment strategy for all members whose benefits accumulate with Fund returns;

o Benefit counselling to members to help them understand the annuity strategy, investment strategy and any options available to them while they are members of the Fund or when they terminate Fund membership.

10. Investments

The Trustees would like to thank the Investment Sub-Committee and the Finance Committee of

the General Assembly for the diligent manner in which it has looked after the investments of the Fund.

The Funds Asset Value as at 31 December 2018 was R 273,264,107. The portfolio returns for the 12 months to 31 December 2018 were as follows:

o Low risk Portfolio: -0.68% o Balanced Portfolio: -1.35%

The Fund invests in a combination of fixed interest investments and growth assets such as listed shares and listed properties (domestic and international). While exposure to these assets is required

151

to achieve the long-term investment goals, short-term performance can be volatile. Domestic and offshore equity and property markets performed poorly in 2018 (the worst 12 - month performance since the global financial crises in 2008). However, excluding members who accumulate retirement benefits on defined contribution basis and who are close to retirement, the Trustees invest the assets with long term return objectives in mind. These return objectives can only be met by investing growth assets over the long term.

11. Pensioner Benefits As from 1 January 2019 all pensions were increased by 4.90%. In addition, all pensioners (including ex-PEPF members) were paid a once-off bonus of

R3, 000 in December 2018.

12. Responsibility of members to plan for their retirement

The Trustees cannot emphasis strongly enough the need for members to seek appropriate independent advice and to prepare adequately for their retirement.

Members within five (5) years from normal retirement will receive a “Pre-retirement letter” providing guidance on the options available.

Members receive another “Pre-retirement letter” three (3) years before normal retirement. New Regulations to the Pension Funds Act require the Trustees to implement benefit counselling

to members by 1 March 2019. The Trustees are continually reviewing suitable solutions in respect of the requirements, taking into account the cost of such solutions.

A. WENTZEL CHAIRMAN

PROPOSALS

1. That the report be received. 2. That the Assembly thanks the advisors and contractors to the Fund for the assistance given to the Trustees

over the past period. 3. That the report be adopted.

152

PRESBYTERIAN MINISTERS PENSION AND WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSION FUND OF ZIMBABWE

112 Enterprise Road Highlands Harare Interim Report - July 2019 Great strides have been made in bringing the fund to required compliance levels. The Board of Trustees is complete with J Harris and W Gwata having been elected by the Employer and C Phiri and T Kasere having been elected by the Members. A Members meeting was held earlier this week, where Members were to be made aware of all issues and impending changes to the Fund. Feedback on this meeting is expected to be received and reviewed at the next Trustees meeting, scheduled for Monday, 22 July. It has been generally accepted that the fund will be changing from DB to DC. The Board will take direction and advice from Minerva, the Administrators, on all matters relating to the changes. Minerva have advised that the Employer will need to make a provision to bring outstanding contributions and payments of general expenses that will have accrued to the fund, up to the date that the Fund becomes DC, and the Rules are changed. We will look to Minerva, and their actuarial team, to come up with a formula to deal with the outstanding payments. Sincerely, Nigel Rennie Chairman

Trustees : J. Harris W. Gwata C. Phiri T. Kasere N Rennie (Chair) Principal Officer: P Aiken

153

CHURCH OFFICE Report to the 2019 Executive Commission The COC comprises the Revs Zolani Makalima (Convener), Rt Rev Dr Peter Langerman (Mod GA), Sipho Mtetwa (Mod Designate), Lungile Mpetsheni (GS), Christopher Mkandawire, Awedzani Nemaukhwe, Richard Mkandawire, Tinashe Chitsaya, Bongiwe Ngebulana, Messrs Ryan Johnson (General Treasurer), Hylton Cochrane, and Dr Inette Taylor. The committee is in good heart, making every effort to deliver on its mandate. We have pleasure in reporting to the EXCOM on pertinent matters below: 1. Central Office staff members

(i) Rev L Mpetsheni (General Secretary) (ii) Rev V Mkhungo (Clerk of Assembly) (iii) Rev Dr P M Baxter (Ministry Secretary) (iv) Rev M Jita (Chief Financial Officer) (v) Mr P Gohl (Accountant) (vi) Mrs J Botha (PA to the General Secretary) (vii) Ms T B Mahlangu (Bookkeeper) (viii) Ms C Kasambara (PA to the Ministry Secretary) (ix) Ms P Rakgomo (Receptionist) (x) Ms L Makgoka (General Assistant) (xi) Mr R Maqubela (General Worker) (xii) Ms E White (PEF Administrator)

2. COC Goal-setting workshop 15th September 2018 COC held a successful goal-setting workshop for COC members and General Assembly committee Convenors, which included a presentation by Labour Lawyer Robin Twaddle. The workshop delegates recognized the need to collaborate with other committees on improving procedures in, and contributing to the overall well-being of the denomination, which will include inputs to help update the Manual of Faith and Order. 3. Parktown Offices and Relocation of the Central Office to Kempton Park

The relocation of the Central Office (Tiyo Soga House) to Gateway, Kempton Park effectively took place on 1 October 2018. The new premises are user-friendly. There is however, still a struggle with the sale of the offices at 28 Rhodes Avenue, Parktown. It is hoped that by the time the Executive Commission sits, there would be some direction. 4. Human Resources Matters 4.1 Regulatory Framework An HR Task team of the COC has started on the implementation and standardisation of HR policies, processes and procedures for the Central Office staff. We have also engaged the services of an HR expert with relevant experience in Faith based organisations We are pushing for these to be in place by the 2020 General Assembly. 4.2 Performance Appraisals

Staff evaluations and appraisals are done consistently, in order to ensure that effective and efficient services are rendered by Central Office staff to the UPCSA. 4.3 New staff members

Recently appointed staff members, Rev Malungelo Jita (CFO), Mrs Lucky Makgoka (General Assistant) and Mr Ronnie Maqubela (General Worker) are settling well. 4.4 Farewells, Contract renewals, Recruitments 4.4.1 We will be saying farewell to the following Central Office staff members:

i. Mr Philip Gohl’s (Accountant) contract is expiring at the end of September 2019. A recruitment process is underway to ensure unbroken services and stability in the finance division.

ii. Ms Elizabeth White (Administrator of the Presbyterian Education Fund) will retire at the end of February 2020. Replacement is being looked into in consultation with the Education and Training Committee.

iii. The Clerk of Assembly, Rev Vusi Mkhungo’s contract expires at the end of July 2020. Following consultation with the Convener of the ABC and considering his good performance

154

and availability to serve the UPCSA as Clerk of the Assembly for another term, the COC resolved in its meeting of 9th July 2019 to recommend to the EXCOM that the Rev Vusi Mkhungo be granted another 5 year term as Clerk of Assembly effective from 1 August 2020.

4.4.2 COC members have been assigned to Task Teams for the recruitments and appointments of:

i. an Accountant in consultation with the Finance Committee (see point 4.4.1 (i) above) ii. an Administrator of the Presbyterian Education Fund (PEF) in consultation with the Education

and Training Committee (see point 4.4.1 (ii) above) iii. a Mission Enabler in consultation with the Mission and Discipleship Committee.

Feedback on these recruitments and appointments will be given at the 2020 General Assembly. 5. Gender Desk and Youth Desk At the recommendation of the Priorities and Resources Committee, the 2018 General Assembly resolved to task the COC to take care of the establishment of the Gender Desk and Youth Desk. The COC agreed to place this task in the office of the General Secretary. A consultation for the Gender Desk and Youth Desk was held at eMseni on 29-30 March 2019. More details on this are covered in the report of the General Secretary. THE REV ZOLANI MAKALIMA CONVENER PROPOSALS 1. The Executive Commission receives the report. 2. The Executive Commission notes the work being done on the implementation and standardisation of HR

policies. 3. The Executive Commission notes the separations of Mr Phillip Gohl and Ms Elizabeth White from Central

Office staff. 4. The Executive Commission grants the Rev Vusi Mkhungo another five year’s term as Clerk of Assembly,

effective from 1st August 2020. 5. The Executive Commission notes the recruitment and appointment processes for an Accountant, PEF

Administrator (in consultation with the Education and Training Committee) and Mission Enabler (in consultation with the Mission and Discipleship Committee).

6. The Executive Commission notes the efforts to institutionalise a Gender and Youth desk in the UPCSA,

and ask presbyteries to do the same.

155

THE COURT OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND THE ASSEMBLY ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW PANEL

Report to the Executive Commission 2019 (i) The members of the Court/ARP, as elected by the Thirteenth General Assembly (2018) are as follows:

Ministers Elders

J Pillay O Banda (Convener)

M Ramulondi T Rampai

V Vellem H Cochrane

R Blackwell L Mbandazayo

L Qina L Hallam

T Masikane I Mukwevho

V Mkhungo (Secretary)

Alternates

V Mabo P Mdleleni

J Gordon H Booysen

M Pataki M Gelese

(ii) Resignations: Since General Assembly we have received two resignations from Revs Vusi Mabo and Mautji Pataki. We request the Executive Commission to fill these vacancies.

Record of work done between the 2018 General Assembly and Executive Commission Since the General Assembly in July 2018, the Court and Administrative Review Panel has considered the following matters:

1. On 15 November 2018, the Members and Alternates met for an orientation and also to prepare to hear the case of Prof H Wolmarans

2. On 13 June 2019, the Court of Assembly met to finalize the preliminary matters on the case of Prof H Wolmarans

3. On 1 and 2 August 2019, the Court of Assembly met and;

3.1 The Court received a correspondence from the UPCSA General Assembly Representatives on a matter between Prof H Wolmarans withdrawing the charges before the Court subject to the mediation process.

3.2 Heard an appeal from Semple Memorial Congregation Session, against the Amathole Court of Presbytery on recusal of Rev SO Loni and Rev NG Luthuli and the appeal was referred back to the Presbytery Court.

4. On 1 and 2 August 2019, the Administrative Review Panel heard; 4.1 Dissent and complaint by Rev L Qina and Mr MSW Ngoma on the appointment of Rev BB Finca by

the Amathole Presbytery at St George’s Presbyterian Church. The panel upheld the complaint

4.2 Dissent and complaint by Ms T Kakaza against the decision of a Special Congregational meeting

of St Georges Presbyterian Church to recommend to Amathole Presbytery the appointment of Rev BB Finca to the congregation. The panel ruled that the application fell away given the ruling on the matter in 4.1 above.

4.3 Dissent and complaint by Doornfontein Outstation Concerned members against the decisions of

the EGoli Presbytery commission to not granting them the status of a Transitional Congregation. The panel dismissed the application.

4.4 Dissent and complaint by Zwide Congregation Concerned members against the decisions of the

Central Cape Presbytery commission to dissolve the session and call committee and to remove

the Interim Moderator of Zwide Congregation. The panel ruled that the application is upheld.

156

4.5 Dissent and complaint by Rev VL Magaqa against the decisions of the Central Cape Presbytery commission to remove him as an Interim Moderator of Zwide Congregation, dissolve the Session and Call Committee. The panel ruled that the application is upheld.

DR. OMM BANDA CONVENER PROPOSAL 1. The Executive Commission receives the report.

157

PRIORITIES AND RESOURCES Report to the 2019 Executive Commission UPCSA @20 We are delighted that this year the UPCSA will return to Port Elizabeth, where back in 1999 the step of faith was taken as this denomination became a reality. We have called it a celebration for this is what it is and should be. This Committee has grappled with various questions about this celebration. The questions have arisen from among ourselves, from other Committees, from Presbyteries and Synods as well as from individual members of the UPCSA. The most prominent of those questions have been: What are we celebrating when we seem to be a far cry from the ideal expected of the body of Christ? Who is celebrating when we are hardly a reconciled community that visibly works together? Is the cost of the celebration justified, let alone affordable? What happens in the life of the UPCSA after the celebration? The Committee neither pretends to have answers that close discussion on these questions nor does it believe discussion on these questions should ever be closed. We believe that it is healthy to struggle with our own failures and imperfections because we have been given the vision of a reconciled community of people devoted to Jesus. So, our celebration is not about having reached the goal but we celebrate the journey of faith. We walk by faith and not by sight; so we celebrate that, by God’s grace, the UPCSA is a practical statement of faith. That practical statement of faith is not only in the coming together of 1999. It is not simply in the fact that we have stayed together when it seemed easier to separate and fragment. But, it is also in the fact that our celebrating is in itself a statement of intent to follow God further. We celebrate that God who has brought us this far will take us further inspite of our inherent contradictions that are noted. We are mindful of the fact that we are, as described in the Bible, ‘hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; troubled, but not destroyed’. (ref 2 Corinthians 4:8 -9) That is worth celebrating. We have worked with other Committees, particularly the Finance Committee and the Assembly Business Committee and we are aware that the celebration will be costly in financial terms. We are encouraged to see members and various structures of the denomination making efforts and giving their resources to ensure that God is glorified through this celebration. This cost is going towards our re-aligning, re-positioning as well as re-cognising of who we are and who we are meant to be. The celebration is our way of reflecting on what God has done in and with, to and through us so we become reinvigorated. We are committed to evaluating the life and work of the UPCSA, as well as our use of resources in this celebration. It is the Committee’s conviction that we will come out of this celebration in Port Elizabeth with renewed strength as those who have waited on the Lord. The rest of this report, while serving to report that as a Committee we have been diligent to carry out the tasks given to us by the General Assembly of 2018 and our Terms of Reference, also serves to give a glimpse of where we see the UPCSA going beyond the celebration in 2019. Strategic Plan We have remained focused on the Strategic Plan that the UPCSA has in place for these five years. We hope that the Executive Commission will add its voice in urging all structures of the UPCSA, but particularly the Committees of the General Assembly, to continue to align their work with the Strategic Plan and promote the aspirations therein. On our part we have worked on a risk matrix that will assist to measure whether the UPCSA is realizing its strategic plan. We continue to do more work in this regard and we will endeavour to recommend and encourage appropriate monitoring and evaluation systems and tools for the UPCSA in its life and work. We will be giving more details on this and the necessary recommendations to the 2020 General Assembly. Use of the UPCSA Logo/Emblem We are encouraged to see that many members, congregations and other structures of our church are proud to use the logo of the denomination in their various activities. We are encouraged to note that the Communication Committee of the General Assembly is attentive to the question of helping members of the church with guidelines on the appropriate use of the logo of the UPCSA. We have also noted that the UPCSA is very active and holds functions that include training events, retreats and conferences in public places or venues that belong to other denominations yet the UPCSA remains largely unnoticed. We are recommending that when such functions are held in public places, those organising the events should make an effort to have banners displayed and announcing the presence of the UPCSA. We believe such banners should display the Vision and Mission statements of the UPCSA as well as our values and Mission priorities. We are also encouraging congregations to publicise the denomination’s Vision and Mission

158

priorities. Ministers Retreat We were able to hold a well-attended Minister's Retreat at eMseni in February this year. We are grateful to all the Presbyteries that encouraged and supported Ministers to attend, as well as to the Ministers for taking their time and using their resources to ensure that they were part of this Retreat. Ministers went away having strengthened their personal relationships, reflected on their covenant relationship with the church, as well as challenged and encouraged to play their leadership role in the Church. The various contexts in which Ministers are working were also looked at. The UPCSA is now clearly beginning to attend seriously to the dynamics of rural ministry. It is envisaged that, as we go forward, this important aspect in the life of the church will be satisfactorily addressed along with the growing focus on other forms of ministry that we have not always promoted in the UPCSA. We are encouraged to note that the Ministry Committee and the Mission and Discipleship Committee are making strides in this area. Pastoral Care Guidelines and Funeral Services for Deceased Ministers Many questions have been raised concerning how the UPCSA provides care to the bereaved families of Ministers upon the death of the Minister. In many instances we have been found to give the impression that spouses of our Ministers are only valued when they provide supporting services to our Ministers and as soon as the Minister is deceased we do not care much for them. Our Committee is working towards improving as well as strengthening the way pastoral care is provided to bereaved families of our Ministers. We shall be collaborating with other Committees on this and report to the 2020 General Assembly. Another important area that we will be attending to as well as engaging other relevant Committees is on how Funeral Services for deceased Ministers are conducted. While this is a matter that requires pastoral sensitivity as bereaved families are comforted, it has been noted that the other part of a Minister's extended family that needs to be considered seriously is the congregation and the UPCSA. Upon ordination, Ministers take vows that include affirming that they are entering in a covenant relationship with the denomination. As such, that relationship needs appropriate closure upon the death of a Minister. This is part of the reason why the Moderator of the General Assembly has traditionally had a key role of preaching, while the Presbytery and its Moderator conduct the funeral service of a Minister. This tradition is not always followed, leaving some members wondering whether that deviation from tradition is healthy or not. Our Committee has been asked to exercise our mind on this matter and bring appropriate recommendations to the 2020 General Assembly having consulted with other Committees such as the Worship Committee. Addressing Inequalities and inequities in the UPCSA We have also remained committed to addressing the issues raised in the document produced by the Church in Society Committee on this matter. We invited the Convenor of the Church in Society Committee to one of our meetings and he encouraged us to keep attending to this document, as well as other important matters of justice and fairness in the life and work of the Church. We shall give more details on further work in this regard to the 2020 General Assembly. Transnational nature of the UPCSA One of the gifts that the UPCSA has is that it is transnational in nature. In that identity the UPCSA proclaims that the reign of God is different from the kingdoms of this world. We have not always managed this gift in a good way. So, sometimes it has been perceived as a burden or a problem. Our Committee has tasked a team from our members to engage our members and structures in all three countries in a way that will help us to appreciate the implications of being transnational as a denomination and make recommendations on how this gift can be utilized in a fruitful manner, as we move forward beyond the celebration of our 20 years of life and work. The fact that we have been approached by Christians in the Democratic Republic of Congo to be part of the UPCSA is also in itself an invitation to consider this issue. Journeying with Christians in the Democratic Republic of Congo Together with several other Committees of the General Assembly we sent a delegation to the Democratic Republic of Congo to meet with Christians there who have expressed the desire to be part of the UPCSA. More details will be given in other reports to this Executive Commission. Let it suffice here to say that we hope the Synod of Zambia as well as the Mission and Discipleship Committee will carry on steering the process forward as the UPCSA ceases this opportunity to expand its work. Terms of Reference of GA Committees As we celebrate the 20 years of the life and work of this denomination, we also look at our structures. Our Committee has been tasked with reviewing the Terms of Reference of all our Committees. We have looked at a number of factors on the work of our Committees and have come with a recommendation to make a radical shift in the way we organise our Committees’ work. Our work on this is contained in the appendix to this report.

159

Centralizing the Payment of Stipends We have worked closely with the Finance Committee and have realised that there is need for the UPCSA to review our system of payment of Stipends. Two main concerns or problems stick out. These are:

i) We have a huge compliance gap in the way we are paying income taxes and what is required by the statutes in all three countries at the moment. Unfortunately we do not have all the data on the real situation because Presbyteries and the Central Office are not always apprised by congregations and ministers.

ii) We have disparities in the incomes of our Ministers with some ministers getting no notable income while other ministers get relatively huge incomes. The church cannot go on without addressing this disparity in the interest of justice and fairness.

In order to find ways to address these two problems in mind, we are in the process of developing the concept of a centralised system of paying stipends and we hope to make recommendations to the 2020 General Assembly. Centralizing stipends is envisaged to help in three main areas addressing the stated problems. Firstly, it will help the church to have the relevant data to enable monitoring of our compliance with the statutory requirements. Secondly, it will enable the church to find creative ways to use grants and other funds to bridge the gap between incomes of Ministers. Thirdly it will ease the administration of pensions. Committee Members The Committee is made up of the following members: Mr TK Molaba, Rev Dr D Mhlambeni, Ms G Spellman, Dr K Masiteng, Mrs M Piroe, Rev M Khetsi, Rev N Tati, Rev P Baxter, Mr P Sakuhuni, Rev Dr P Langerman, Rev S Phaika, Rev L Mpetsheni, Rev P Neshangwe and by invitation the Moderator Designate- Rev S Mtetwa, the Clerk of Assembly- Rev V Mkungo and the Chief Finance Officer- Rev M Jita REV PAUL NESHANGWE CONVENER PROPOSALS 1. The Executive Commission receives the report 2. The Executive Commission instructs the Communication Committee to facilitate the production of

banners to be used for publicity when the UPCSA structures are holding events in public and other venues.

3. The Executive Commission notes that there is a team of the P & R Commitee that will work on how to

make our trans-nationality character more fruitful, and encourages members in the three countries to offer input.

4. The Executive Commission

a. notes the intention of the P&R Committee to recommend to the 2020 General Assembly a new structure of Committees as contained in the Appendix to this report; and

b. instructs the Nomination Committee to prepare for its possible implementation at the 2020

General Assembly, should it be approved by the Assembly.

160

APPENDIX A

INTRODUCTION The terms of reference of the Priorities and Resources Committee has been charged inter alia with the following tasks:

• to encourage and assist Assembly Committees to implement the mission and vision of the UPCSA, as defined by the General Assembly;

• to consider the priorities and resources of the UPCSA General Assembly and appropriate ways of applying these resources;

• to help the UPCSA to engage in continuing personal, corporate, theological, missiological and structural renewal and

• to formulate budgeting guidelines, in accordance with any discerned vision and/or mission priorities, approved by the Assembly.

In fulfilling its mandate, the Committee has come back, time and again, to some recurring issues. Among these are some of the following: 1. Since the adoption of the Consensus Model of Decision Making, there has been a conscious attempt to reduce the number of Committees, but that number continues to increase, and the Committee is concerned that we soon may have the unwieldy situation we had previously. However, balanced against that is the need for the work of the Church to continue and, for that to happen, we will, at times, need to appoint new Committees or to rationalize the way in which Committees function. 2. Ever since the Strategic Plan of the UPCSA was passed by the General Assembly, there has been a frustration experienced by the General Secretary in the implementation of that Strategic Plan. Committees and Presbyteries have been encouraged to take responsibility for specific items from the Strategic Plan, but the uptake has been slow. 3. The Priorities and Resources Committee has, along with others, been tasked with the Monitoring and Evaluation of the effectiveness of the General Assembly Committees in meeting the UPCSA’s Strategic objectives but has found that process frustrating. 4. Linked to the Monitoring and Evaluation process, those who have developed a Risk Matrix that seeks to identify and address the risks inherent in the Strategic Plan have also asked for a plan in which to manage those risks. 5. Based on our financial situation, there have been cries to rationalize the Committee structures of the Assembly in order to function more efficiently. The Priorities and Resources Committee has come up with a proposal that would seek to rationalize and streamline the way in which the work of the Committees of the Assembly is dealt with. This would also seek to help to implement the UPCSA’s Strategic Plan and assign specific responsibility for aspects of that plan to specific functional units and assess how much progress was being made in reaching those specific strategic targets. We would also have a mechanism to manage the risks that may prevent us from reaching the goals of the Strategic Plan and we would be able to manage our Committees in a more cost-effective way. This proposal seeks to rationalize the structure of the Committees of the Assembly so as to cover the five areas identified above.

Clusters

161

There is no suggestion at this point about reducing or changing the current number of Committees of General Assembly, but clustering Committees in hubs based on shared values and interests. In terms of this document, five Clusters are proposed, and each Cluster would have a head. Each Committee would continue to have a Convenor and each Committee would continue to establish Task Teams, which would be led by a Facilitator. The Cluster Head should be proposed by Nominations Committee and appointed by the Assembly. The Committee Convenors should be proposed by Cluster Head in consultation with the Nominations Committee and then appointed by the Assembly. This will allow the Cluster Heads to have some say in appointing members of their respective teams. Each Committee will establish Task Teams that will be headed by a Facilitator who is appointed by the Committee.

Cluster Hub and Committees

While the Committees could meet on their own as their budgets would allow, the Cluster Hubs and their respective Committees will meet together for 3 days twice a year; once in Oct / Nov (just after the General Assembly / Executive) and once in Feb / Mar (to prepare for the General Assembly / Executive). The Cluster Hubs would consist of the Cluster Head; the Committee Conveners and the Task Team Facilitators. The Committees (Convenor and Task Team Facilitators) would meet on Day 1 of the three-day meeting. While they are meeting, the Cluster Heads should meet with the Moderator, Clerk, General Secretary and Chief financial Officer to assess where the Church is currently in the implementation of the Strategic Plan. On Day 2, those Committees (via the Convenor and Task Team Facilitators) would report to the Cluster. And the final day would be for the Cluster to decide on Action steps. In the meeting following the Assembly the decision would have to be how to implement decisions of the Assembly in order to meet the strategic objectives that the Cluster has identified from the UPCSA’s Strategic Plan. In the meeting prior to the Assembly, the Cluster would determine the structure of its report to the General Assembly with specific reference to the Strategic Plan. The Clusters would identify those aspects of the Strategic Plan for which they will assume responsibility and will assesses progress with Committees in addressing the Strategic Plan. This would include the Monitoring and Evaluation of the successes of achieving the objectives they have defined for themselves and the way in which they are succeeding in managing the risks inherent in the Strategic Plan. The Cluster would present a report to the General Assembly based on the work of the Committees in the Cluster and focusing upon the way in which they are making progress in implementing the Strategic Plan. Accordingly, the General Assembly reporting structure would be changed from 19 / 20 different reports to five where the Clusters would present an omnibus report on the Committees in their Cluster and focusing on the effectiveness of the Cluster in addressing the Strategic Plan. In identifying the Clusters, the Committee has adapted Malan Nel’s Eight Modes of Ministry, rationalized them to four and added one extra.

162

Cluster 1: Preaching and Teaching

This Cluster includes the Committees that deal with the public preaching and teaching of all ages of people within the ambit of the UPCSA and the material that is preached and taught by the Church. Accordingly this Cluster contains Committees that: 1. Deal with the selection and training of people to minister in Word and Sacrament;

2. Deal with the presentation of the gospel in either preaching or teaching, whether by ministers, lay preachers, elders and others;

3. Deal with new forms of ministry and new types of congregations as well as supporting those congregations need financial assistance;

4. Deal with the teaching of learners in the schools under the care of the UPCSA and

5. Deal with the content of that which is preached and / or taught in these respective spaces and by these respective people.

Cluster 2: Worship and Pastoral Care

This Cluster deals with the way in which we worship and the way in which we care for ourselves and the world in which we live. Accordingly this Cluster includes the Committees that: 1. Deal with the conduct of public worship; 2. Deal with the wellbeing of our members 3. Deal with the care which we are supposed to take of ourselves and the environment in which we live. The Priorities and Resources Committee is included in this Cluster because the bulk of the work of the

163

Committee deals with the human resource within the UPCSA.

Cluster 3: Service and Witness

This Cluster deals with the way in which we as a Church relate to other Churches and Ecumenical Bodies and the way in which we live out our faith in the world. Accordingly, this Cluster includes Committees that: 1. Deal with our relationship with other Churches and Ecumenical Bodies;

2. Deal with the way in which we behave as Christians in the world;

3. Deal with the way in which we engage as a Church with the broader society.

The Associations are included here since the founding document of al the associations speaks of the propagation of the gospel through acts of witness and service.

Cluster 4: Governance and Administration

This Cluster deals with issues affecting our governance and the way in which we administer ourselves. Accordingly this Cluster contains Committees that: 1. Deal with the proper functioning of the Committees themselves; 2. Deal with diligent financial planning, oversight and management;

3. Deal with our governing legislation and

4. Deal with the way in which personnel are selected to administer the various Committees of the Assembly.

164

Cluster 5: General Assembly

This Cluster contains Committees that are charged with the planning, running and proper functioning of the General Assembly. Accordingly this Cluster contains Committees that:

1. Deal with discipline and proper functioning of the administration of the various structures in the Church;

2. Deal with the planning and execution of the business of the Assembly;

3. Deal with communication about the work of the Assembly and

4. Deal with the effecting running of the General Assembly office.

Conclusion The Priorities and Resources Committee is not asking the Executive to approve this structure, only to note it and, if it is favour of more work being, to instruct the Priorities and Resources Committee to continue the work and bring a report to the 2020 General Assembly. What the Priorities and Resources Committee is asking is that the Nominations Committee apply its mind to the selection of the five Cluster heads so that, if this is passed by the 2020 Assembly, the new structure will be able to come into effect right away.

165

MINISTRY COMMITTEE Report to the 2019 Executive Commission

INTRODUCTION

Membership: Rev SS Ncapayi(Convenor); Rev Dr PM Baxter(Ministry Secretary; Rev Dr C Mkandawire; Rev G Goyns; Dr I Taylor; Rev G Mufanebadza; Rev VP Mabo; Mr N Ndlovu; Rev SP Sam; Ms J Sehoana; Rev Prof VS Vellem and Rev JH Gordon. The Rev Nigel Chikanya resigned from the Committee due to his move to Scotland. The mandate for the Ministry Committee is to discern the call, recruit, train, and prepare candidates for ordination into the Ministry of Word and Sacrament and equip the Saints through various forms of ministry to build missional congregations, where members are equipped and empowered for works of service in the world. The Committee also provides grants for ministers already in service to study further and improve their skills, knowledge, understanding and expertise. Research is currently undertaken on how to assist and support ministers who are about to retire.

To this end the Ministry Committee provided for:

• students’ training and resources • probationers’ learning and practice in the church • ministers’ grants toward their studies • discernment regarding students for ministry and admission for ministers from other denominations • recognition of secondments and credentials • input on new forms of ministry • a ministerial marriage conference • two Post Academic Training (PAT) conferences • appropriate applicants for the University of Pretoria faculty position

The Ministry Committee was blessed with denominational support in the form of supervisors, mentors, and finances.

Each of these is further elaborated upon to show that it has been a good year, blessed with a diverse committee, that has intentionally worked on respecting and engaging one another to the best of their ability for the benefit of those entrusted to them. Thank you for the privilege to serve this denomination, and thank you to the staff, Ms Christine Kasambara, Personal Assistant and Rev Dr Pat Baxter, Ministry Secretary, for their execution of the decisions of the Ministry Committee and all they contributed to the life and work of the Ministry Committee to equip the saints for ministry in the UPCSA. STUDENTS FOR THE MINISTRY 2019

This past year was a good one for students, with more distinctions than in previous years. Two of our students in Pretoria, Mr Thamsanqa Memela and Mr Asanda Hlongwe were given the honour of presenting academic papers in Germany, and others have been given mission opportunities in Israel and India through the Council of World Mission. One student, Philip Stoneman, did not register for studies this year. After deliberation with his Presbytery, he decided to discontinue his studies.

A Manual for Student Formation is being developed for Fellowship of Vocation events in the Presbyteries. All ministers were encouraged to consider what issues in ministry to share with our students. The project is well under way with 30 sessions almost finished and 30 sessions to go. If any minister would still like to participate in the project, they are invited to contact the Ministry Secretary. Completed articles will need to be in by 30th November, 2019. A conference will be held in February 2020 to present papers, have peer review, and select content to be included in the student formation manual.

This year, we have 33 students studying for the ministry. Please find names and their respective years of study below.

NAME

INSTITUTION COURSE & YEAR OF STUDY

Ajapa, Norest JMU - 2nd Year

Benzon, Fiona TEEC - NDP

Buso, Pumlani JMU - BTh 4th Year

Chawinga, Robert Justo Mwale - 1st year

Chataika, Pedzisai JMU - 3rd Year

Ferreira, Antonio UTC - 1st Year

Gordon, Amber-Leigh Pretoria - BTh 2nd year

Hlela, Mthokozisi Pretoria – 1st year

Hlongwe, Asanda O Pretoria - BTh 3rd Year

Lebesa, Lydia S UNISA - 1st Year

Lifa, Watson TEEC - 2nd Year

166

NAME

INSTITUTION COURSE & YEAR OF STUDY

Masaraure, Mirriam UTC -NDP

Maselesele,Lusani M TEEC - BTh 2nd Year

Mata, Eric TEEC - BTh

Mbedzi, Nduvho I TEEC - BTh 2nd Year

Memela, Thamsanqa Pretoria - Dip Theol

Mkandwini, Tebogo P TEEC - 2nd Year

Mlotshwa, Xolisile P TEEC - Dip Theol

Mntungwa, Nkululeko E TEEC - Final year

Mokheseng, Letsatsi J TEEC - Dip Theol

Murove, Dephine UTC - Dip Theol 3rd Year

Mothoa, Johannes T TEEC - 1st Year

Mzongwana, Monde TEEC

Mzumara, Edgar BTh - 2nd Year

Ncapayi, Luhle Pretoria - 1st Year

Ndawonde, Nobuhle H Pretoria - 1st Year

Pandelani, Isaau JMU - BTh 3rd Year

Pillay, Shaldene L Stellenbosch

Piroe, Matshediso A BTh - TEEC

Rakoma, Caroline UNISA - BTh

Sello, Tsholofelo JMU - BTh 3rd Year

Sajeni, Lazarus UTC - 1st year

Stoneman, Philip TEEC

For some time, the Committee has been concerned with the living conditions of our students at Justo Mwale University. Coupled with that is the expectation by the university that our students should also take part in manual work that distracts them from their studies. Currently the UPCSA has an MOU with the Reformed Church in Zambia. This MOU does not address the MinComm’s concerns with the university directly. To this end the Committee has entered into talks with the university with the intention of drafting an MOU between the two. The Committee is satisfied with the academic programme and spiritual formation given by the university. Once the MOU is signed, discussion will take place regarding the issues of concern to the Ministry Committee.

The draft MOU is currently with the Faculty of Theology of Justo Mwale University for its consideration. PROBATIONERS 2019 There are 19 probationers engaged in learning the practicalities of ministry in various local contexts.

NAME CONGREGATION

Lungu, Beaton Mchinga, Chipata Synod of Zambia

Mhlanga, Willingmore Khayelitsha, Zimbabwe

Nyawo, Andile Endumisweni, Osizweni, Thukela

Paskwababiri, Allan St Francis Waterkloof, Tshwane

Habasimbi, Malachi Kabushi, Copperbelt Synod of Zambia

Seloma, Simon M MB Molaba and St Marks Sebokeng, Lekoa

Asch, Brendon S

Nzama, Themba D Heidelberg Highveld

Mosinki, Matshediso Meadowlands eGoli Presbytery

Mlalandle, Yolisa JT Arosi Amathole

FIRST YEAR BI-VOCATIONAL

Jita, Mthobi H John Know Bokwe Mthatha

Walaza, Kanyiso St Patricks eGoli Presbytery

Mkhesu, Amina K Rapodile, Daveyton Highveld

Simelane, Sharon N Stoffberg Congregation, Mamelodi. Tshwane

2ND YEAR BI-VOCATIONAL PROBATIONERS

Stoffberg, Peter J Mount Faith eGoli

Letuka, Victor S St Andrews Mthatha

Sotashe, Zukisani GT Mcoteli Memorial Central Cape

Ntshona, Victor Mgwali Amathole

Dube, Zorodzai St Andrews Tshwane

Matshediso Mosinki -CWM Programme. It is a pleasure to note that our probationer Ms Matshediso Mosinki has been chosen to participate on the CWM Young Women Enabling Transformation (YWET) Programme 2019 on June 30 – July 31 in Kingston, Jamaica.

167

Nomxolisi Mzalisi Sadly, one of our probationers, Nomxolisi Mzalisi died after a short illness. Two services were held to honour her, a memorial service in Gauteng and a burial in the Eastern Cape. The services were well supported by ministers, probationers, family, and friends. We miss her passion for praise, her concern for others, and her desire for women to receive equal treatment in ministry and for cultural practices that limit women in their ministry to be questioned. Two Post Academic Conferences were held, one in March at Rocky Valley, and one in August at Simonsberg. The facilitators were ministers from Gauteng and the Cape The topics included: the minister as a person by Dr

I Taylor; Jesus priorities by Dr P Baxter; Marriage by Rev G Goyns; Eco friendly future by Rev G Goyns; Manual of Faith and Order by Rev V Mkhungo; Sacraments by Rev T Groeneveld; polity, preaching and vestments by Rev Prof G Duncan; order of service by Rev A Anquetil; Ministry by Rev S Ncapayi; Education and Training by Rev A Sontange; Vision, mission and strategic guidelines of the UPCSA by Rev L Mpetsheni; practical ministry by Rev L Molokoane; bereavement process by Prof M Masango; journey through probation into ordained ministry by Rev Golebilwe Mathabatha; and worship at Orlando with the Rev K Minya and the whole congregation. The probationers’ evaluations showed that they are well pleased with the training being given. The majority of leaders were given ratings of 4 and 5, where 4 is rated excellent and 5 is superior. There was not one probationer who was disappointed with their training. They did however give insights as to what they would like to see in the future. The Ministry Secretary also visited each of the probationers in their own context, engaged with sessions regarding the training of ministers and offered pastoral care and guidance regarding

their present and future ministry in the UPCSA. More engaging in Spiritual formation for African contexts, particularly rural ministries, is being undertaken. Arrangements for Placement of Probationers The Ministry Committee is recommending that the General Assembly increase the minimum monthly support offered to congregations for probationers from R3,000 to R5,000 to make it possible for more congregations to participate, especially rural congregations. Congregations will be requested to provide telephone and transport allowances. CALL DISCERNMENT CONFERENCES The Committee held two conferences this year, one focused specifically on ministers from other

denominations, with specific reference to entering the UPCSA. Four candidates were interviewed at this conference on 3rd June 2019, and three are recommended to be provisionally admitted into the denomination, namely: Patrick Ndibongo with conditions, Mteteleli Ngcambu to further studies, and Christopher Lawrence. The second discernment conference was held from 13-16 June to discern the call to ministry. In total, 20 candidates were interviewed. Calls to Ministry of Word and Sacrament and equipping the saints were confirmed for 18 candidates, some with the promise of additional mentoring. One was deferred and one declined, since the call was not clear. The Ministry Committee requests presbyteries and congregations to cover the travel costs for their candidates, while the Ministry Committee will cover the food and accommodation.

The names of the new candidates for ministry appears below:

Bamanye B Vokwana Student

Caesar Murove Student

Eric Mandiyase Student

Fishani Muwowo Student

Lethabo Mabotja Student

Lilian Chirikwawo Student

Mpho Matlala Student

Mzwabantu Jibilili Student

Nomonde Mkencele Student

Nozuko Dyosini Student

Sandiso Njeza Student

Sicelo Hlati Student

Unathi Ntseke Student

Xolelwa Kobese Student

Bongani Lucky Gwe Probationer

Celani U Mbhele Probationer

Mvuyo Dick Probationer

Zoyisile Sithako Probationer

SECONDMENT The Ministry Committee also engaged in the relationship between seconded ministers and the church at the Ministers retreat held at Emseni in February 2019. The following discussions need noting:

168

Seconded Ministries Meeting held at the Ministers Retreat on Wednesday 27th February at 2.00pm The following groups were represented at the Ministers Retreat: SADF, SAPS, TEACHERS, CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, SCHOOL CHAPLAIN, BIBLE SOCIETY, EDUCATION, STATUTORY PAROLE BOARD, SACC, UNIVERSITIES, and OFFICE OF THE PREMIER. The overall concern focused on the relationship between seconded ministers and the church and the way in which seconded ministries are regulated. Six main questions were raised:

1) What is the rationale behind secondment? 2) Who are the recognized groups with whom the UPCSA has a relation?

3) Who is where and what skills can be offered to the UPCSA? (How does the UPCSA benefit from seconded ministries?)

4) Are there other bodies needing recognition where our ministers are working without being seconded?

5) Why are ministers working in various groups without requesting secondment? 6) How can the church benefit seconded ministers? Decisions to be implemented:

1. The Ministry Secretary was requested to send out a questionnaire that established answers to the above questions. 2. The Ministry Secretary was requested to develop a data base of skills and implement a system whereby the information could be updated annually and whenever there is a change in status of seconded ministers for the church to make use of the skills offered to benefit the church.

3. Seconded Ministers need to send in their annual reports to Presbyteries 4. Presbyteries need to send annual reports to the General Assembly Ministry Committee updating profiles and skills to be offered to the denomination. 5. A policy needs to be developed on the way in which seconded ministers relate in the life of congregations with regard to public events (i.e. funerals, weddings, and baptisms) and how congregations participate in the life of seconded ministers and their ministries? i.e. Prison Ministries 6. The church needs to take note of seconded ministers’ ecumenical and missiological involvement in society. Rev Ndoda Mbuyisa The Ministry Committee received notification from the eGoli Presbytery that the Rev Ndoda Mbuyisa has retired from the SANDF. His name has been removed from the seconded list with effect from 9 April 2019.

Rev Patricia Mogale- Aneto The Ministry Committee received notification from Tshwane Presbytery that the Rev Mogale Aneto had resigned from the UPCSA with removal from the seconded ministers list with effect from February 2019. Secondment of Rev T Ngalwana -Nibe The Presbytery of Tiyo Soga Memorial and Trans Xhariep submitted its support and request for the secondment of Rev Thembazana Ngalwana- Nibe to SAPS as chaplain. The Ministry Committee supports the application and recommends it to the Executive Commission. ADMISSIONS AND READMISSIONS TO UPCSA MINISTRY Daniel Kitenge

Rev Kitenge was provisionally admitted at the 2018 General Assembly. The Presbytery of Western Cape submitted a favourable report recommending his full admission into the UPCSA ministry. Christopher Lawrence Rev Lawrence took part in the Call Discernment process (like all other candidates) including the psychometric tests and panel interviews. The Ministry Committee is satisfied that it can recommend that he be “provisionally admitted” (Manual 17.55) to the UPCSA ministry. Patrick Ndibongo Rev Ndibongo took part in the Call Discernment process (like all other candidates) including the psychometric tests and panel interviews. The Ministry Committee is satisfied that it can recommend that he be “provisionally admitted” (Manual 17.55) to the UPCSA ministry

Mteteleli Ngcambu Rev Ngcambu took part in the Call Discernment process (like all other candidates) including the psychometric tests and panel interviews. The Ministry Committee is satisfied that it can recommend that he be “provisionally admitted” (Manual 17.55) to the UPCSA ministry. Elries Fortuin Rev Fortuin took part in the 2018 Call Discernment Conference and was referred back to address outstanding issues through the Presbytery. The Presbytery of Western Cape submitted a favourable report and the Ministry Committee is satisfied that he can be provisionally admitted into the UPCSA ministry (Manual 17.55).

Simiso Mncwabe Rev Mncwabe attended the 2016 Call Discernment process and Ministry Committee was not satisfied that he could be readmitted into the UPCSA. The Committee has journeyed with him in liaison with the Presbytery of

169

Western Cape. The Committee is now satisfied that he can be provisionally admitted. Patrick Mafa The Rev Mafa has journeyed with the Ministry Committee, Presbytery of Amathole and the Mthatha Presbytery in his mentoring to be readmitted into the UPCSA ministry. The Ministry Committee received a favourable report from the Mthatha Presbytery on the journeying with Rev Mafa. The Committee is satisfied that Rev Mafa can be provisionally admitted into the UPCSA Ministry (Manual 17.55) MINISTERIAL MARRIAGE AND FAMILY CARE (MMFC)

Ministerial, Marriage and Family Care Conference 31st May to 2nd June 2019, held at Emseni Conference Centre, Benoni 1. Mandate and Objectives

The 2018 General Assembly resolutions relating to the MMFC were: • The Assembly instructs Presbyteries to submit feedback on the ministerial marriages and family care

(MMFC) questionnaire contained in the Executive Commission 2017 papers. • The Assembly approves a ministerial marriage and family care conference to be held by June 2019.

The MMFC Conference was held to address both matters above, and as requested by most of the 22 respondents to the MMFC questionnaire, provide some skills’ training at the Conference. Mrs Christine Kasambara, PA to the Ministry Secretary, managed the Conference invitations and arrangements. Forty-four delegates representing the 19 UPCSA transnational presbyteries attended the Conference. 2. MMFC Conference Programme

The Conference programme was devised and presented by Ministry Committee member Dr Inette Taylor (Psychologist) in consultation with the Ministry Secretary Rev Dr Pat Baxter. Dr Taylor built on the Ministry Secretary’s anchor symbol when she presented a video on the adventures of people on a fishing trawler seeking a hidden journey, being confronted by storms, discovering a different treasure which turned out to be starfish (representing neuroplasticity and growth) and an enemy octopus which the starfish conquered and killed. From this story Dr Taylor’s teaching material included ten steps: 1. On-boarding and off-boarding; 2. Creating safety; 3. Moving forward; 4. Balancing both sides; 5. Connection and travelling together; 6. Going beyond the surface; 7. Tools, Resources, Instruments, Procedures; 8. Knowledge treasure that matters; 9. Immobilizing the enemy; and 10. Transformational Grace. A booklet with brief notes was supplied and only some of the PowerPoint slides were included (brevity and cost saving). The conference also provided meaningful time for fellowship. Rev Dr Wonke Buqa presented a movement

meditation and praise on the Saturday evening. Devotions were led respectively by the Ministry Secretary Rev Dr Pat Baxter on Saturday morning and the Ministry Committee Convenor Rev Sipho Ncapayi on Sunday morning. The second day’s morning devotion included prayer for marriages in the delegates’ own contexts. At the end of the conference delegates wrote brief evaluations of their experience of the conference (see point 5.1.) The MMFC Conference programme covered the following main topics over two and a half days, which consisted of PowerPoint presentations, video clips, short lectures, live discussions, and practice sessions involving all delegates: 2.1 New research on Marriage as trauma with reference to Neuroscience, and the implications for couples

to be first made present, safe and ‘on-board’ in order to be ready for, and receptive to marriage counselling

2.2 Research on physiology and in particular the heart (also relating to scriptural references to the heart)

and the polyvagal theory 2.3 Shifting former models of trauma intervention 2.4 Moving the couple forward: presuppositional questioning 2.5 The Intentional Dialogue from Imago training 2.6 Unconscious agenda and triggers when couples experience conflict 2.7 Discussion on the functioning and way forward of the MMFC.

3. MMFC discussion

On the third day of the Conference delegates were asked to discuss and present on questions pertaining to the current and future role of the MMFC, and possible reasons why Presbyteries were no longer referring people to the MMFC. The Ministry Committee Convenor Rev Sipho Ncapayi facilitated the discussions (small groups and representatives of each group reporting to all). The discussions on these questions are summarised under two main headings (phrased as questions) below, and included the following main points: 3.1 Why have Presbyteries stopped referring Ministers with troubled marriages to the MMFC?

3.1.1 No cases have been brought to presbyteries, and there is some confusion about the work of

the MMFC, for example newly appointed Ministers lack knowledge of the system 3.1.2 Incoming Moderators and presbytery members are not properly informed about the role and

availability of the MMFC

3.1.3 Presbyteries are not trusted to deal with marital problems competently, objectively and confidentially

3.1.4 Former confidentiality problems arose when it appeared that confidential information leaked out once the Presbyteries referred cases to the MMFC, and as a result confidentiality issues

170

and lack of trust have paralyzed the MMFC to take care of marital problems in the denomination

3.1.5 There have been cases and perceptions that the MMFC judged instead of helping Ministers, and in one case the MMFC allegedly reported that a certain Minister was not fit to work as a Minister, information which his estranged wife apparently used against him when he wanted to respond to a call

3.1.6 Related to point 3.1.5 above, there have apparently been unfortunate cases of politics and havoc after marital breakdown when issues were used via the system (referral process to and possibly action from the MMFC) to punish Ministers instead of helping them

3.1.7 There is a fear that once a Minister is referred to the MMFC he/she may be at risk of losing their ministerial licence

3.1.8 Due to cultural differences and different customs in our culturally diverse Southern African marriages, presbyteries, couples and/or individuals prefer not to refer to the MMFC which is perceived as biased towards western marriage practices

3.1.9 Senior Ministers don’t want to bring their marital problems to younger Moderators 3.1.10 Ministers prefer to be private about their marital problems instead of hanging out their dirty

laundry in public 3.1.11 The clauses in the Manual of Faith and Order concerning the MMFC are not clear 3.1.12 Ministers seek help when it is too late 3.1.13 There is a perception that the MMFC caters for the Ministers only and not for the spouses 3.1.14 The MMFC referral process may cause division because “we protect those we love, and expose

those we hate.” 3.1.15 A leadership vacuum in Presbyteries has created a lack of equipped pastoral care providers.

3.2 Recommendations: The Way Forward

3.2.1 The MMFC should be reconfigured as a standalone committee of the General Assembly. 3.2.2 The MMFC should continue to have such conferences and not only once-off 3.2.3 A MMFC conference should be centralized in order to engage other Ministers 3.2.4 The MMFC needs to raise awareness of its role 3.2.5 Each Presbytery should appoint a liaison person for the MMFC 3.2.6 Direct access for Ministers to the MMFC should be allowed instead of going through Moderators

to obviate trust issues or the possibility that Moderators will escalate problems (even unintentionally)

3.2.7 The MMFC must remove punitive action and offer help only 3.2.8 Related to point 3.2.7 above, all Moderators must be trained and oriented about the MMFC

system after induction 3.2.9 Former laws of the denomination should be revisited; some laws may not be appropriate or

likely to work in our current context 3.2.10 The MMFC should keep confidentiality and confidentiality agreements need to be signed by all

involved in the MMFC referral process including members of the MMFC 3.2.11 The MMFC should focus on Ministers marriages and their families only, and offer support, not

judgements or cause disciplinary actions against Ministers 3.2.12 Polity programmes on marriage should be developed

3.2.13 MMFC should assist training Presbytery Pastoral Committees dealing with marital issues 3.2.14 Forty-two delegates stated in their evaluations that they learnt several new skills and that

they appreciated the Imago Intentional Dialogue and presuppositional questions in dealing with trauma in marriages

3.2.15 The majority of delegates requested more conferences to continue the up-skilling process started

3.2.16 Most delegates found the brain theory on the Friday night too detailed and would have liked to use the time to learn more practical skills

3.2.17 One participant asked why there was only one presenter, one person left after the Friday night’s session, and one person had a death in the family and had to leave the conference

3.2.18 Several participants requested a follow-up conference to examine the trauma occurring in rural contexts

3.2.19 Everyone was appreciative of the time and talents brought to the conference by Dr Inette Taylor.

After an evaluation of participant summaries, the Ministry Committee concluded that a follow-up conference is needed to do what the delegates requested. CREDENTIALS SM Matli

The Ministry Committee received a request from the Presbytery of Trans Xhariep for granting of credentials for Rev MS Matli. The Ministry Committee agreed to support the request and to recommend to the Executive Commission. Chris Nissen The Presbytery of Western Cape informed the Ministry Committee that it was formally requesting the Credentials of Rev Chris Nissen to be restored. The Ministry Committee at its meeting of 12 June decided to

171

forward the application to the Executive Commission with its positive support. Edwin Louw The Presbytery of Western Cape informed the Ministry Committee that it was formally requesting the Credentials of Rev Edwin Louw to be restored. The Ministry Committee at its meeting of 12 June decided to forward the application to the Executive Commission with its positive support. Thumakele Gosa The Presbytery of Western Cape informed the Ministry Committee that it was formally requesting the

Credentials of Rev Thumakele Gosa to be restored. The Ministry Committee at its meeting of 12 June decided to forward the application to the Executive Commission with its positive support. Bukelwa Hans The Presbytery of Central Cape informed the Ministry Committee that it was formally requesting the Credentials of Rev Bukelwa G Hans to be restored. The Ministry Committee at its meeting of 20 February decided to forward the application to the Executive Commission with its positive support. UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA FACULTY OF THEOLOGY POSITION The Memorandum of Understanding between the UPCSA and the University of Pretoria provides for the option of supporting two faculty positions. To date the Ministry Committee has exercised its right to only one position. Since the appointment of Prof Pillay as Dean of faculty of Theology in March 2019, our position has

been vacant. The General Secretary, Rev. Lungile Mpetsheni, the Convener of Ministry Rev. Sipho Ncapayi, and the Ministry Secretary, Rev. Dr Pat Baxter met with Professor Pillay on 7th February at the University of Pretoria to discuss the faculty position. Professor Pillay presented three possible posts for the Ministry Committee to discuss: posts are available in Practical Theology, Missiology, and New Testament and have been confirmed with the university HR department. The University has requested that the prospective candidate have a PhD qualification or be in the process of completing a PhD. It was required that candidates be black and preferably female. The posts were advertised throughout the denomination and two candidates are recommended to the

University for consideration, namely Rev Dr Buhle Mpofu and Rev Dr Wonke Buqa. ASSISTANCE TO RETIRING AND RETIRED MINISTERS Retirement is inevitable and ageing is a reality that sometimes catches us unprepared. A major question we confront is: Does the UPCSA empower its Ministers with knowledge and information to help them reach retirement comfortably with financial, mental, physical and social independence and fulfilment? Pre-retirement in a Minister’s life can be deceptive depending on the context. There could be two extreme situations: A Minister could be given access to all his/her needs by the congregation, mainly accommodation and mobility. At the other extreme, minimal provision may be made for these. In these situations, there is a possibility if one did not prepare well for life after retirement, that they may not have their own homes or cars. Their families may receive less attention in such cases, resulting in a psychological disorder.

Empowerment process It is suggested that a programme be designed to address this subject. Ministers need to be informed and reminded about the process towards retirement. They need to be capacitated with ways of coping with life after retirement; be empowered with knowledge on how to maintain good physical and mental health; and understand the importance of financial management apart from the pension fund. Presbyteries should be empowered to take care of their retired ministers by creating special budgets for their well-being. Presbyteries should create programmes to help their Retired Ministers to still feel part of the life and work of the Presbytery. Retirement can be a lonely world for a Minister. The General Assembly could consider an annual enrichment programme for retired Ministers and their spouses. Although they may be retired, they may still wish to know how the Church with which they spent most of their lives in service is doing. We could also probably tap into their experiences in one way or another. A programme directed at Inter and Intra-personal Interventions, Health and Wellbeing could be

considered. General Assembly should devise a mechanism through its presbyteries of monitoring and evaluation to ensure that its decisions on this matter are well communicated. In our Mission Priorities we declared that Ministers are important assets of this denomination. Does this refer to Ministers in active Ministry only? Retirement may seem to be distant but it comes upon us unexpectantly. Much has to be done at the entry point to ministry well in advance of retirement. The life of every employee after retirement reflects on the image of the employer. The church needs to provide a plan that enables retired ministers to continue living in a comparative lifestyle to that which they enjoyed during active ministry. This includes medical insurance, suitable accommodation and transport. Interaction with those about to retire:

The relevant office to design a questionnaire sent to affected members regarding: � What are their thoughts about retirement? � Their feelings. � Adjustment to losses and changes.

172

� Fears. � Level of anxiousness. � Excitement. � State of mind- self- worth, new challenges. � Spiritual Wellbeing – are there plans in place.

The responses will inform the office about each individual’s special needs. A document suggesting tips on coping mechanisms for change should be developed. It is suggested that presbyteries establish Health and Wellness committees and create programmes to ensure the wellbeing of their retirees.

POST ORDINATION STUDIES AND TRAINING (P.O.S.T) FOR MINISTERS Due to the limited available budget, financial assistance for studies was given only towards tuition fees to all who are continuing studies and new applicants. The following ministers received financial assistance for their studies in 2019:

NAMES

Bowa, Arthur

Chirwa, Edward

Garande, Tatenda

Mambi, Gleness

Mazanhi, Brian

Mkandawire, Judith

Mkandawire, Thompson

Msiska, Godfrey

Mumba, Susan

Nota, Thompson

Ndlela, Sthembiso

Phaika, Sauros

Sakala, Farisi

Joubert, Strauss

Tungunu, Clarence

Vatela, Xolani

ONGOING ACADEMIC TRAINING, SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND SPIRITUAL FORMATION OF MINISTERS On-going Training in the Ministry is a work in progress and covers a broad spectrum of courses. Materials for the relevant courses will be made available by the Ministry Committee. Ministers can then apply to do the courses of their choice. On successful completion of any such a module, the Ministry Committee will issue a certificate to the said minister and a record be kept at Central Office, allowing for inclusion of such completed modules on a Minister’s CV. Should any person wish to verify a minister’s involvement, Central Office can thus confirm his/her completion of such modules. The materials for these various courses will be written and compiled by the people as suggested in the paragraph below. These people will also be responsible for marking and assessing the relevant modules. Concern was expressed that, should a minister not wish to do such further studies, he/she not be penalised in any way.

Suggested courses that can be presented are: 1. Homiletics in a modern-day African context (Prof Johan Cilliers - US) 2. Church and Finance (Dr Pakiso Tondi) 3. Doing a missional African theology in a diverse context. (Prof Vuyani Vellem) 4. Mentoring: Both receiving and providing (Dr Inette Taylor) 5. Church Leadership: Both Minister & Elders (Dr Pakiso Tondi) 6. A renewed mind in reformed theological biblical interpretation. (Rev William Poole) 7. A new approach to the implication of the Reformation (Rev William Poole) 8. Early African Christianity (Dr Eddie Germiquet) 9. Church Administration & Correspondence Compilation (Mr Herman Booysen)

The above courses are desires and necessities of the ministers interviewed. Mr Herman Booysen, Dr Pakiso Tondi and Dr Eddie Germiquet have all indicated their willingness to produce such material and the

assessment thereof. This is still a work in progress. BUDGET Training, conferencing and all other expenses are escalating. We need new ways to increase our pool to meet the costs associated with the work of the ministry Committee and its task teams. An anonymous donor in Polokwane has pledged to cover the cost of two students for the ministry. To that effect a trust fund has been opened. We have received cash donations towards the training of students from Gonubie Presbyterian church and the UPWF. Bicycles were donated by Pretoria Central congregation and Palms Presbyterian Church in the USA. Soshanguve congregation is providing a constant supply of firewood to

Sedibeng House for our students’ fireplace. Such generosity from the Mothers of the church, individuals, sister churches and Sessions is highly appreciated and deserves acclaim at the Executive Commission. We rejoice in all who have contributed to the Ministry in our denomination. To God be the glory.

173

THE REV SIPHO NCAPAYI CONVENER PROPOSALS 1. The Executive Commission receive the report. 2. The Executive Commission notes the work being done by ministers to develop a student formation manual for

students for the ministry and encourages ministers to contribute an article towards the formation of students for the ministry.

3. The Executive Commission notes the number of academic distinctions and improvements among its students

with thanks. 4. The Executive Commission notes the list of students for the ministry in 2019. 5. The Executive Commission notes with sadness the passing of probationer Nomxolisi Mzalisi and remembers

her contribution to the life and work of the UPCSA. 6. The Executive Commission approves the increment of maximum support of probationers grants to

congregations from R3,000 to 5,000 per month. 7. The Executive Commission notes the Ministry Committee’s intention to send out a questionnaire to be filled in

by all seconded ministers. 8. The Executive Commission confirms the admission of Rev Daniel Kitenge to the UPCSA ministry according to

Manual 17.55. 9. The Executive Commission provisionally admits Rev Christopher Lawrence to the UPCSA ministry according to

Manual 17.55. 10. The Executive Commission provisionally admits Rev Patrick Ndibongo to the UPCSA ministry according to

Manual 17.55. 11. The Executive Commission provisionally admits Rev Mteteleli Ngcambu to the UPCSA ministry according to

Manual 17.55. 12. The Executive Commission provisionally admits Rev Elries Fortuin to the UPCSA ministry according to Manual

17.55. 13. The Executive Commission provisionally re- admits Rev Simiso Mncwabe to the UPCSA ministry according to

Manual 17.55. 14. The Executive Commission provisionally re-admits Rev Patrick Mafa to the UPCSA ministry according to

Manual 17.55. 15. The Executive Commission grants credentials to the Rev Simon Malefetsane Matli. 16. The Executive Commission grants credentials to the Rev Chris Nissen. 17. The Executive Commission grants credentials to the Rev Edwin Louw. 18. The Executive Commission grants credentials to the Rev Thumakele Gosa. 19. The Executive Commission grants credentials to the Bukelwa Hans. 20. The Executive Commission notes the withdrawal of the secondment for Rev Ndoda Mbuyisa from the 9th April

2019. 21. The Executive Commission notes the withdrawal of the secondment of the Rev Patricia Mogale -Aneto from 1

February 2019. 22. The Executive Commission supports that the names of the Rev Dr B Mpofu and the Rev Dr W Buqa have been

recommended for consideration in filling the UPCSA vacancy at the Pretoria University.

23. The Executive Commission gives thanks to Dr. Inette Taylor for facilitating the MMFC Conference. 24. The Executive Commission notes the work of the sub-committee for assistance to retired and retiring

ministers. 25. The Executive Commission notes the work in progress on the on-going academic training, skills development

and Spiritual Formation of Ministers.

174

APPENDIX A

SECONDED MINISTERS QUESTIONAIRE

Background: Seconded ministers met at the Ministers’ Retreat on Tuesday 26th February 2019 at eMseni Conference Centre to look at the relationship between the church and seconded ministries. It was agreed that we need to highlight

i) Who is where and what skills can they offer to the UPCSA? (How does the UPCSA benefit from seconded ministries?)

ii) that there are many ministers who are involved in other and have not applied for secondment. We need to identify what ministerial bodies need to be included in our mission outreach in the community.

In completing the questionnaire below, you will enable the denomination to identify and highlight how we are reaching out into the world.

Please fill out the following questionnaire and keep us updated on your vital ministry.

QUESTIONAIRE

1. Full Names:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2. Presbytery:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3. Name of congregation where you are a member………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4. Place of Secondment:

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

5. If you are working in employment that you would like to be recognised officially by the UPCSA, please name it and describe why it should be included in the mission of the UPCSA e.g. working for educational institutions, translating or any other specific ministries: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4. Name specific skills that you can offer the denomination: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

5. Name specific skills that the denomination can help you with in your secondment: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6. Any other comments: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Conclusion: Thank you for taking time to complete this questionnaire.

175

TASK TEAM ON FORMS OF MINISTRY

The Task Team on Forms of Ministry comprised representatives from the GA Ministry and Mission & Discipleship Committees, and others:

• Harry Bopape: Elder Commissioner, Tshwane Presbytery

• Stewart Gordon: Acts United Church

• Glynis Goyns: GA Ministry Committee (Head of Task Team)

• Theo Groeneveld: GA Mission and Discipleship Committee

• Chris Judelsohn: GA Mission and Discipleship Committee

• Vusi Mabo: GA Ministry Committee

• Lentekile Mashoko: GA Mission and Discipleship Committee

• Nathi Ndlovu: GA Ministry Committee

• Wayne van Heerden: Convenor of Tshwane Presbytery Ministry Committee

• Vuyani Vellem: GA Ministry Committee

• Pat Baxter: Ministry Secretary in an ad hoc capacity.

The Task Team met approximately once a quarter to consider the practicalities of APEST (Apostleship, Prophecy, Evangelism, Shepherding/Teaching) and bi-vocational ministry with specific reference to the work of the Ministry Committee. The bulk of the work done by the Task Team was in building awareness and a better understanding of the various forms of ministry, and how this relates to our Ministers and their congregations. The following action was taken in this regard: • A list of definitions has been compiled and is attached as Appendix A.

• Bi-vocational and APEST leaflets have been compiled and printed for distribution at ExCo.

• These resources are also available electronically on the Mission & Discipleship website.

• Provision was made to address the forms of ministry at the March PAT Conference. This will be included as

a feature of future PAT Conferences.

• The Fellowship of Vocation programme is currently under development and will include material on the

forms of ministry.

• Sermon topics on the APEST forms of ministry will be included for mission month in October this year.

There has been a degree of confusion especially about bi-vocational ministry, which is motivated by the understanding that God is specifically calling certain candidates to fulfil a dual purpose by serving in slightly different, but interlinked ways, both in a congregation and in secular employment. Examples of professions that lend themselves to this dual form of ministry are theology lecturers, social workers, psychologists, nurses, teachers, etc. Bi-vocational ministry does not arise from financial expediency for either an individual or a congregation. Part-time ministry and shared ministry address the financial issues, whereas bi-vocational ministry focusses on God’s calling. Anxiety has been expressed around the idea of the APEST forms of ministry. Recognition of the APEST forms of ministry is directly related to the Reformed tradition of the priesthood of all believers. It does not threaten Ministers or diminish their role but requires an additional ability to help members of congregations to

recognize their spiritual gifts, and to motivate and mobilize them for acts of service in the world. It is a question of helping to realize the full potential of the Body of Christ in ministry and mission. It also allows for Ministers to recognize their own particular spiritual gifting and how this can best be utilized to enhance their ministry in their respective congregations. In the interests of clarity and confidence concerning the forms of ministry, it is deemed expedient to include relevant programme items on this at the next Ministers’ Conference and the Presbytery Convenors’ Conference in 2020. It was recognized at the 2019 Discernment Conference that the official documentation used for applications and confidential reports from Ministers, Sessions and Convenors of Presbytery Ministry Committees, as well as

spouses, does not adequately provide for either bi-vocational or all other forms of ministry. These documents have therefore been revisited and revised for consideration by the GA Ministry Committee prior to the 2020 Discernment Conference. It is hoped to have these revised documents ready in good time for distribution to potential candidates for next year. General Assembly 2018 ruled that the paper arising from the theological workshop on forms of ministry held in January 2018 be sent down to congregations and presbyteries for their comments. Unfortunately, this was delayed due to teething problems with the Central Office moving to new premises. To date only two responses have been received. The Task Team therefore feels that more time should be allowed for additional responses before considering these for possible action in the future. Changes to the UPCSA Manual with respect to APEST and bi-vocational ministry are still a work in progress

176

and will be presented to General Assembly in 2020 to allow adequate time to liaise with the Manual Committee first in this regard. PROPOSALS 1. The Executive Commission receives the report. 2. The Executive Commission adopts the definitions included in Appendix A of the report. 3. The Executive Commission approves the distribution of the APEST and Bi-vocational leaflets as appropriate. 4. The Executive Commission notes the fact that these two resources are available in electronic format on the

website of the Mission and Discipleship Committee. 6. The Executive Commission instructs the Priorities & Resources Committee to include an item on APEST and bi-

vocational forms of ministry on the programme for the next Ministers’ Conference in 2020. 7. The Executive Commission encourages the General Secretary to include an item on APEST and bi-vocational

forms of ministry on the programme for the next Presbytery Convenors’ Conference in 2020. 8. The Executive Commission notes that revised documentation will be made available for applications to the

2020 Discernment Conference.

9. The Executive Commission notes that an extension has been granted to 31 October 2019 for responses to the theological paper on Forms of Ministry and that these should be addressed to the Head of the Task

Team on Forms of Ministry at glynis@safcei.org.za. Such extensions to be communicated to Congregations and Presbyteries.

11. The Executive Commission notes that relevant changes to the UPCSA Manual with regard to bi-vocational and

APEST forms of ministry will be presented to the General Assembly in 2020 following proper liaison with the Manual Committee.

177

APPENDIX A:

Definitions for Forms of Ministry

CATEGORY DEFINITION SOURCE OF INCOME REASON

Full-time A minister who is 24/7 in a

local congregation.

Full remuneration from

the local congregation.

A congregation who is in the

financial position to sustain a

full-time ordained minister.

Bi-vocational Dual calling, a minister in a

local congregation and

secular employment.

Local congregation and

secular place of

employment provide a

combined source of

income.

A minister believes that he/she

has a dual calling in church and

in secular employment. There

is some form of connectivity

between the two roles.

Part-time A minister who is in a local

congregation, where there

are financial limitations in

terms of paying a stipend.

The local congregation

pays the minister on a

part-time basis, leaving

them free for part-time

employment elsewhere

to supplement their

income.

Due to financial constraints or

pressure, a minister may need

part-time employment or a

congregation with limited

resources may need a part-time

minister to ease the financial

burden.

Secondment Ministers of the UPCSA

seconded (endorsed) to

work outside the church.

Salary paid by

organisation, state or

university to whom they

are seconded.

The granting of a secondment

is only to the specific

occupation or employment

defined in the appointment.

Shared Ministry Two or more local

congregations who cannot

support a minister

independently, agree to

share the services of a

minister. Various options

are listed in our UPCSA

Manual.

A percentage of the total

stipend is paid by each of

the local congregations

participating in shared

ministry as agreed in

advance.

An opportunity for local

congregations to have ministry

despite limited resources, and

to give a minister the option of

full-time employment.

Stated Supply A minister/lay preacher who

assists a local congregation

in a short-term capacity to

build up their ministry and

financial resources to allow

for future full-time ministry.

Renewable annually.

Limited remuneration is

provided by the local

congregation.

A local congregation that has

limited finances that need the

assistance of a minister or lay

preacher.

178

CHURCH IN SOCIETY (CIS) Report to the 2019 Executive Commission 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 The committee members: The Rev. M. Nyama, Mrs. C. N Pona, The Rev. V. Mbaru, The Rev. J Smith, The Rev. J.B. Gaborone, The Rev. Mashibini, The Rev. G.M. Mambi, Mrs Beatrice Ngwira Kondowe and Ms. V. Mthembu, The Rev. N. Mbatha, The Rev. B. Ngebulana (co-opted), Mr. Jonathan Langerman (co-opted) Rev. L. Mpetsheni (General Secretary Ex-official), Ms. Nomtoxolo Currie (Secretary) and The Rev. Reuben. Daka (Convener). Corresponding Members: Presbytery CIS Conveners and CIS Coordinators of Church Associations. 1.2 The report shall cover up:

1. Policy For Church In Society And Strategic Direction 2. Monitoring Inequalities And Inequities (Injustices) Actions 3. Task Leaders, Coordinators And Thematic Leaders 4. Transitional Countries 5. The Conclusion

2. POLICY FOR CHURCH IN SOCIETY AND STRATEGIC DIRECTION The Church in Society Committee is in the restructuring process including all terms of reference. The CIS Committee saw the need to speak prophetically on critical issues that deny God’s people the abundant life and experiencing the realities of the social ills. Therefore, following the decision of the 2018 General Assembly, the committee adopted the policy for the UPCSA General Assembly. The General Assembly committees, the Presbyteries and Congregations are free to input and use the Church in Society Policy. Our Vision as a denomination is, “to be a reconciled community of Christians exercising a prophetic witness to Christ”. Our Mission is to proclaim our Triune God in Southern Africa through: Bearing witness to the saving love of Jesus Christ, building vital, reforming congregations for worship, ministry and discipleship, and visibly proclaiming the Kingdom of God through unity, justice, peace and love. For this reason, the CIS submits the Calendar dates for the Executive Commission of General Assembly for consideration and circulation to Presbyteries and Congregations to align the work they do with the action plan for the current year (SEE ANNEXURE A: CALENDAR DATES 2019).

3. MONITORING INEQUALITIES AND INEQUITIES (INJUSTICES) ACTIONS The monitoring of inequality, inequities, imbalances and injustices has been the responsibilities of the actions as indicated by Committees, Presbyteries and tasks of General Assembly. The Presbyteries with Church in Society are addressing the real issues on the ground of the congregations and local community. In our time, the actions are working bit by bit in our presbyteries and congregations. The Church in Society of the period under review has been very busy with other committees of General Assembly and Presbyteries of the following the items below;- Healing of memories, transformation / racism, welfare of ministers and centralisation of stipend, categorisation of congregations, leadership training and empowerment, sharing of assets/resources; transfer, partnership of skills and information sharing, ethos/ liturgy/worship, inclusion of chapter on church associations in the manual of faith and order, representation, confrontation/ resolution of conflict, implementation of the decisions of general assembly and the binding nature of the decisions of general assembly, establishment of the gender and youth desk, translation, inclusiveness in decision making/ consensus model and presbyteries (SEE ANNEXURE B: MONITORING INEQUALITIES AND INEQUITIES (INJUSTICES) ACTIONS).

4. TASK LEADERS, COORDINATORS AND THEMATIC LEADERS

4.1 TASK LEADER AND COORDINATORS In South Africa below are the cluster Presbyteries: 1. East Griqualand, Thukela, Drakensberg and Thekwini: Rev. J. Smith, Rev. N. Mbatha 2. Limpopo, Tshwane and Highveld Presbyteries: Rev. M. Nyama and Rev. B. Ngebulana 3. Lekoa, Egoli and Trans Xhariep Presbyteries: Rev. X. Mashibini and Ms. N. Currie 4. Central Cape and Western Cape: Rev. B. Gaborone and Rev. V. Mbaru 5. Mthatha, Tiyo Soga and Amathole Presbyteries: Ms. V. Mthembu 6. Zimbabwe Presbytery: Rev. G.M. Mambi 7. Synod of Zambia: Mrs. Beatrice Kondowe

4.2 THEMATIC LEADERS 1. Justice and Ecology. Rev N. Mbatha 2. Gender and Empowerment Rev B. Gaborone 3. Ministry to Marginalized Rev. M. Nyama & Jonathan Langerman 4. Healing of Memories Rev. J. Smith,

179

5. Rev. Mbaru the Church Associations for the Church in Society 4.3 THEMATIC ISSUES 1. THE CLUSTER WAS TASKED TO CONDUCT WORKSHOPS The cluster was tasked to conduct workshops in the Drakensburg Presbytery, East Griqualands Presbytery, Ethekwini Presbytery and Uthukela Presbytery. This team managed to visits the Presbytery of Drakensburg successfully. The presbytery promised to continue the CIS Activities and the Presbytery Moderator attended the workshop. The congregations sent representatives of the Church Associations and few congregations’ from the sessions. They congregations promised to rectify the mistake of not yet having CIS committee in sessions. It was noted that many people didn’t understand the work of Church in Society in. East Griqualand: |Presbytery and are still waiting for the convener to confirm the date and arrangement for the meeting... The activities are taking place. In the \ EThekwini Presbytery: in the waiting of the confirmation date. The thematic issues of the presbyteries are: 1 The focused on four areas namely: Eco-justice, Gender Empowerment, Ministry with the marginalized,

and Advocacy. 2 Promoting health, wellness and addressing HIV/AIDS, including stigma and discrimination. 3 Addressing violence (including police brutality), poverty, unemployment, crime and substance abuse. 4 Speaking and acting prophetically on all social, economic, political and ecological aspects of our life. 5 Addressing gender discrimination and violence against women and children. 6 Corruption is a problem in any institution that is managed by fallen men (and women), whether it is civil

government, business or even the church. 7 South African society has been so deeply impoverished (morally, spiritually and economically) that it is now

teetering on the brink of collapse 8 Youth and Gender desk is working with the Church in Society Committee and other presbyteries and congregation 9 ECO- JUSTICE on thematic matters in own presbytery and congregations: Genesis: 1:28-29 10 Preparing for the Celebration of twenty (20) years are from all transnational churches and the Port

Elizabeth share be the apex (SEE ANNEXURE C: CHURCH IN SOCIETY REPORT ON TASK LEADERS AND THEMATIC LEADERS (KZN CLUSTER).

5 TRANSITIONAL COUNTRIES The Transnational Countries in our denomination are having various challenges in Southern Africa. Church in society projects guidelines are for funding for all congregations supported by own Presbytery. The focus of our Church is to help the poor congregations to support the valuable situation to empower the church in Society (See ANNEXURE D: CHURCH IN SOCIETY PROJECTS GUIDELINES FOR FUNDING).

5.1 SOUTH AFRICA: Church in Society The report highlighted the following:

1 to preach the Theology of Disability more in our denomination 2 a financial request for the goats’ farming project from the congregation 3 In July 22-26, 2019 Ramp Up is inviting the committee to attend the workshop (Disability Inclusion

Facilitators for Churches), 4 School was accused of racism where black and white children were seated separately in grade R

class. It is not clear why children were separated according to their skin colour. 5 Eskom announced that they are requesting to increase its tariff by 15% in the next three years as

they are owing R419 billion 6 48 political parties were in a ballot paper contesting the national elections. African National Congress

(ANC) won the elections with 57.5 %, this means it’s still rule the country for the next 5 years. 7 There is another form of structural unemployment triggered by the artificial intelligent (technology) in

various sector e.g. banks and supermarkets. (SEE ANNEXURE E: SOUTH AFRICA: CHURCH IN SOCIETY)

5.2 ZIMBABWE PRESBYTERY: Church in Society The report highlighted the following;

a) |Political And Economic Situation: b) The Bore Holes for Girls in Schools have helped the water supply to handle the difficult areas with

good action. The Team Convenors of Church in Society (CIS) and Health and Wellbeing (HW) Committees has helped

c) The Presbytery central account has provided stipends to improve the Warfare of Ministers and other church workers in the zones in order to uplift the life of the presbytery. The Denver Presbytery has supplemented in the presbytery projects done by many other Committees. The CIS and HW have worked together on challenges of our community.

d) Church School: The committee runs a church school which also supports the orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs).

e) CYCLONE IDII: This left a devastating effect in that part of the country. f) DONATIONS: The highland was the centre for all the donations received within and outside the

country. g) Learning from what Zimbabwe has experienced, there is need for the church to have Disaster

Preparedness. (SEE ANNEXURE F: ZIMBABWE PRESBYTERY: CHURCH IN SOCIETY).

180

5.3 ZAMBIA SYNOD: Church in Society The report highlighted the following:

1 a consultative two day workshop to discuss how to take care of people with disabilities 2 A consultative symposium will be held in Lusaka for three days. 3 empowering members of the church in Zambia in order to alleviate poverty 4 Symposium, Construction of toilets, Empowerment Consultative workshop and Transport conveners of

presbyteries. 5 CHOLERA EPIDEMICS 6 A TOT training and conveners from the presbyteries are expected to train the conveners from the

congregations (SEE ANNEXURE G: SYNOD OF ZAMBIA: CHURCH IN SOCIETY).6. CONCLUSION The report has covered matters for: Church in Society Policy, Strategic Direction, Inequalities and Inequities (Injustices) Actions, Task Leaders, Coordinators and Thematic Leaders and Transitional Countries. THE REV. REUBEN DAKA CONVENER PROPOSALS 1. The Executive Commission receives the report. 2. The Executive Commission to take note of the Calendar dates presented Activities in our denomination

(Annexure A). 3. The Executive Commission Approve the action plan to address inequalities and inequities (Injustices) in

the UPCSA as presented in committees in the Annexure B: a. General Assembly Committees b. Synod and Presbyteries Committees

4. The Executive Commission Agree the action plan for the Church in Society in South African on as presented in ( Annexure C): a. Moral issues, spiritually and economic matters b. The department of Transport should impound the drivers’ licences of those who drive under the

influence of liquor as presented in (Annexure E).

5. The Executive Commission notes the Church In Society Projects Guidelines For Funding (Annexure D) a. The Congregation for empowerment b. The Presbytery approves the application for attention

6. The Executive Commission accept: a. To develop a policy on Disaster Preparedness for the UPCSA in Transnational countries. (M) b. To take notes of the RampUp invitation which will be held on the 22-26 July 2019 as presented

in Annexure F. (T)

7. The Executive Commission to note the 2019 National elections Synod of Zambia (Annexure G).

181

ANNEXURE A:

CALENDAR DATES 2019 January 2019 • 1 Jan: New Year's Day February 2019 • 2 Feb: World Wetlands Day • 20 Feb: World Day of Social Justice March 2019

• March: Human Rights Month • 8 Mar: International Women’s Day • 12 Mar: Youth Day (Zambia & Zimbabwe) • 21 Mar: Human Rights Day (South Africa) • 21 Mar: World Down ’s syndrome Day • 21 Mar: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination • 22 Mar: World Water Day • 25 Mar: International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade • 30 Mar: Good Friday April 2019 • April: Freedom Month

• 1 Apr: Family Day • 18 Apr.: Independence Day (Zimbabwe) • 27 Apr: Freedom Day (South Africa) May 2019 • May: Energy Month • May: Africa Month • 1 May: Workers Day (South Africa) • 21 May: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development • 22 May: International Day for Biological Diversity • 25 May: Africa Freedom Day (Zambia & Zimbabwe) June 2019 • June: Youth Month (South Africa)

• June: Environment Month (South Africa) • June: World Blood Donor Month • 4 Jun: International Day of Innocent Children - Victims of Aggression • 5 Jun: World Environment Day • 15 Jun: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day • 16 Jun: Youth Day (South Africa) • 17 Jun: World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought • 26 Jun: International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking July 2019 • July: Nelson Mandela Month • July: Moral Regeneration Month • 2 Jul: Heroes Day (Zambia)

• 3 Jul: Unity Day (Zambia) • 18 Jul: Nelson Mandela Day August 2019 • August: Women's Month (South Africa) • August: National Month of Deaf People (South Africa) • 6 Aug: Farmers Day (Zambia) • 9 Aug: Women's Day (South Africa) • 12 Aug: International Youth Day • 13 Aug: Heroes Day (Zimbabwe) • 14 Aug: Defense Forces’ Day (Zimbabwe) September 2019

• September: Heritage Month (South Africa) • September: Month of Deaf People (South Africa) • September: Albinism Awareness Month (South Africa) • 1-7 Sep: Arbor Week • 8 Sep: International Literacy Day • 9 Sep: World Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Day • 16 Sep: International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer • 21 Sep: International Day of Peace 2018 • 24 Sep: Heritage Day (South Africa) • 26 Sep: World Environmental Health Day October 2019 • 17 Oct: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

• 18 Oct: International Day of the Girl Child • 24 Oct: Independence Day (Zambia) November 2019 • 20 Nov: Universal Children's Day

182

• 25 Nov: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

• 25 Nov-10 Dec: 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children December 2019 • 1 Dec: World AIDS Day • 2 Dec: International Day for the Abolition of Slavery • 3 Dec: International Day of Persons with Disabilities • 10 Dec: International Human Rights Day • 16 Dec: Day of Reconciliation (South Africa) • 17 Dec Public Holiday (South Africa) • 2 Dec: National Unity Day (Zimbabwe) • 25 Dec: Christmas Day • 26 Dec: Day of Goodwill

183

ANNEXURE B:

MONITORING INEQUALITIES AND INEQUITIES (INJUSTICES) ACTIONS

NO ITEM ACTIVITY RESPONSIBLE TIME FRAME

1. HEALING OF MEMORIES • Enhance the process of unity, reconciliation, healing and transformation to address the effects of and eliminate racism, tribalism and ethnicity that are prevalent in our church

• Research / seek information on events that took place in our church

• Training of CIS and UPCSA Committee members (inter-committee team) with the knowledge and skills for the healing of memories

• Training of trainers for the whole church • Availability of funds for the healing of memories

• Church in Society • Doctrine Committee • Finance Committee • Ministry Committee

April 2018 2018 General Assembly On going

2. TRANSFORMATION / RACISM

• Develop a plan to enhance dialogue and meaningful encounters

• Engage in continuous dialogue to address issues of racism

• Fanning of fires that promote racism in the context of new versus old PCSA/RPCSA Perception that all “White” ministers earn more than “Black” ministers. Black and white not to be the issue. Transformation should be.

• Revitalising previously white congregations where membership has dwindled to reflect the changing demographics

• White congregations to embrace and support work of church associations

• Monitoring and Evaluation

• Church in Society • Ministry Committee • Doctrine Committee • Worship Committee • Presbyteries

2018 General Assembly Ongoing

3. WELFARE OF MINISTERS AND CENTRALISATION OF STIPEND

• Putting plans in place to address inequalities • Establishment of a task team to investigate and

recommend how to address all forms of inequalities • Centralisation of ministers’ stipends as a possible major

tool (The Presbyteries of Zimbabwe and Highveld are working on this project for their ministers at different scales and methods.)

• Ensure that ministers subscribe to the pension fund and register at SARS

• Identify training needs and link up with the listed committees

• Information collection tool in consultation with Presbyteries and Congregations on how ministers are

paid (February Presbytery meetings) • Develop a comprehensive model that instructs

congregations to pay ministers’ stipend • Monitoring and evaluation tool.

• Finance Committee • Ministry Committee • Mission and Discipleship • Presbyteries • Congregations • Ministers

2018 General Assembly Ongoing

184

4. CATEGORISATION OF CONGREGATIONS

• Address non-viability by twinning/merging close congregations

• Transparency and honesty regarding the finances of congregations

• Congregations to advise Presbytery of challenges experienced

• Congregations assessed according to their financial viability

• Ministry Committee • Mission and Discipleship • Doctrine Committee

2018 General Assembly Ongoing

5. LEADERSHIP TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT

• Orientation and induction of newly elected elders about the structures of the church

• Training on roles and responsibilities • Workshops on the Manual of Faith and Order • Develop leadership programmes for all age groups with

special emphasis on youth and women • Capacity building on modern technology

• Ministry Committee • Doctrine Committee • Mission and Discipleship • Education and Training

2018 General Assembly Ongoing

6. SHARING OF ASSETS/RESOURCES; TRANSFER, PARTNERSHIP OF SKILLS AND INFORMATION SHARING

• Shared ministry • Encourage partnerships (Congregation to Congregation;

Presbytery to Presbytery) • Capacity building at congregational level

• Finance Committee • Priority and Resources • Ministry Committee • Doctrine Committee • Mission and Discipleship

2018 General Assembly Ongoing

7. ETHOS/ LITURGY/WORSHIP

• Liturgy to accommodate all languages • Encourage/Urge/Instruct structures/services to include

youth at all levels • Ministers and Congregations to consider the youth in

planning the style of worship services and those who participate in them

• Ministry Committee • Doctrine Committee • Mission and Discipleship • Congregations • Ministers

2018 General Assembly Ongoing

8. INCLUSION OF CHAPTER ON CHURCH ASSOCIATIONS IN THE MANUAL OF FAITH AND ORDER

• Manual of faith and Order to govern the existence of church Associations

• Guidelines on how Church Associations should operate • Monitoring and Evaluation

• Manual Committee • Ministry Committee • Doctrine Committee • Church Associations

Committee

2018 General Assembly Ongoing

9. REPRESENTATION • Sensitivity in gender representation - equal balance of men and women in church structures/councils and as commissioners

• Inclusion of youth as Commissioners to Presbytery and General Assembly councils

• Representation of Church Associations in church councils • Nominations Committee to be sensitive of gender balance

when setting up GA Committees

• Doctrine Committee • Church Associations

Committee • Nominations Committee • Ministry Committee • All the Councils • Nominations Committee

2018 General Assembly Ongoing

10. CONFRONTATION/ RESOLUTION OF CONFLICT

• Continuous dialogue - create space for constant debates • Encourage participation to address flaws • Healing and Reconciliation sessions • Accountability - own up • Mediation

• Ministry Committee • Church Association’s

Committee • Doctrine Committee • General Secretary • Church in Society

2018 General Assembly Ongoing

185

11. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DECISIONS OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND THE BINDING NATURE OF THE DECISIONS OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY

• Reporting by commissioners • Implementation of decisions by Presbyteries and

congregations • Understanding of the binding nature of the decisions of

the General Assembly

• Assembly Business Committee

• All the Assembly Committees

• Presbytery Structures • Congregations

2018 General Assembly Ongoing

12. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE GENDER AND YOUTH DESK

• Advocate for the General Assembly to approve the establishment of the Gender and Youth desks

• Promote inclusivity and emphasise the radically inclusive nature of the Gospel

• Every structure to include young people • Research on gender issues • Develop gender policy • Monitoring and Evaluation

• Priorities and Resources Committee to present to the General Assembly the need for the Gender and Youth desks

• Mission & Discipleship • Education & Training • Doctrine Committee • Presbyteries • Congregations

2018 General Assembly Ongoing

13. TRANSLATION • Translation kit to be prioritised • Develop a policy for the denomination that upholds the

issues of transnationality

• Assembly Business Committee

• Assembly Committees

2018 General Assembly Ongoing

14. INCLUSIVENESS IN DECISION MAKING/ CONSENSUS MODEL

• Promote maximum participation of all members by

simplifying the decision making processes

• User friendly decision making processes

• Adequate orientation of commissioners on the decision

making processes

• Review the Consensus (Insaka) Model of decision making

• Assembly Business Committee

• Presbyteries • Church Associations • Congregations

2018 General Assembly Ongoing

15. PRESBYTERIES • Encourage Presbyteries to exercise care and discipline of their ministers and congregations

• Ability of Presbyteries to address stipend inequalities • Instruct Presbyteries to have information available on

how Ministers are paid • Proper audit of congregations • Compliance by congregations regarding annual returns of

minister’s emoluments that provides information regarding life and work or assistance required depending on the state of the congregation

• Submission by congregations to Presbyteries of Annual Financial Statements (AFS) and Minutes of Annual Congregational Meeting (ACM)

• Annual returns to the General Assembly • Monitoring and Evaluation

• Presbytery Moderators , Clerks and Treasurers

• Congregations

2018 General Assembly Ongoing

186

ANNEXURE C:

CHURCH IN SOCIETY THEMATIC REPORTS (KZN CLUSTER)

Reports from KZN Cluster Presbyteries Introduction The cluster was tasked to conduct workshops in the followings presbyteries. The Drakensburg Presbytery, East Griqualands Presbytery, Ethekwini Presbytery and Uthukela Presbytery. So far as this team we manage to visits Presbytery of Drakensburg. The workshop went successfully. The presbytery promised to continue with the CIS

Activities. We were so blessed and honoured by the presbytery moderator who was with us throughout the workshop. Though congregations sent associations representatives and few congregations’ representatives from the sessions. They promised to rectify the mistake. There are those congregations who do not yet have CIS committee in their sessions. It was noted that many people didn’t understand what CIS is. East Griqualand: we still waiting for the convener to confirm the date but arrangements were made and we do communicate telephonically. Therefore there are activities that are taking place. EThekwini: still waiting the confirmation date. Activities done for the first quarter: Visited Nongoma prison. (Prison ministry), Conducting prayers in two nearby schools. (Education), Provided a wheel chair in an old lady. (Marginalised), Christmas gift to the windows, Took part in the new development

UTHUKELA PRESBYTERY The workshop had place on the 11 May 2019. Uthukela presbytery has fourteen congregations only two who sent their reports. Those congregations are: Ulundi congregation focused on four areas namely: Eco-justice, Gender Empowerment, Ministry with the marginalized, and Advocacy.

Endumisweni report: Planned activities:

a) To have a vegetable garden. b) To raise awareness on Substance abuse. c) To take care of the elderly, d) to care for the sickly/ ill persons in hospitals and at their homes. e) To visit the young and old prisoners in different jails. , f) To buy offer food parcels to the less fortunate. g) To offer support to the grieving persons before and after the burial. h) To fellowship with other church members from other churches.

i) To care for the needy.

Congregation’s Applications Two congregations applied and successful granted the money to start their project. Those are Ulundi with the amount of 30.000, and Newcastle with the amount of R40.000. These two congregations are requested to report to the presbytery on the progress. The presbytery requested to monitor the progress of these project and report to the assembly CIS committee. Minister’s welfare. Challenges: Congregations did not send report in time. Lacking in implementing the decisions of the assembly CIS committee. And Lack of support from the congregation’s Leadership. EAST GRIQUALAND PRESBYTERY

Introduction: The Committee comprising of the Rev C.N Hlati (Convenor) & Rev. J. V Mdlalose whilst planning the workshop of the CIS of the General Assembly, has decided to open up a What’s Up group, where to make easy and fast communication with Ministers from different Congregations of the Presbytery, whereby cutting down on unnecessary costs and time in particular as Presbytery. St. Columba’s The Congregation has a group called 5 at a time, where they raise funds to help up to 5 people/ situations at a time. They have been helping with food and school uniform at some children’s homes. They also assist with skill’s training to other children within the Kokstad community. Kokstad Ministers from different Congregations have arranged themselves for prayer before elections. They also collected clothes that were delivered to assist the needy Zimbabweans.

Bhongweni Children’s Ministry of Bhongweni is doing a very good, informative play and presentation on drug abuse. The UPWF also has a social outreach program. Gillespie Terms of reference for the Congregation’s CIS are as follows: 1. Looking for vulnerable children, it can be adult or even young people. 2. Assist in getting child support grant, foster care and also identifying social issues e.g. socio-economic

status, poverty etc.

Buchanan

They had a wonderful service where they conducted an outreach programme towards 3 women who were the victims of rape in December by praying for them sharing this pain with them, giving them tokens of R500 each. Children were also given gifts after their activities. A renovation of the mission house has been

187

done. Water system toilets have been constructed. They are now busy with the fencing around the Church

premises. Paballong There is a Congregational Hope Action Team (CHAT), which is responsible for child protection within the community. This team has a committee comprising of a policeman, a nurse, a social worker and a church in society representative, where to report different types of child abuse incidences. The Congregation’s main focus is on children as they are the future of our church (UPCSA). We have also inherited a Pre-school called “Lechamochamo”, where one of our outstations is given space for worship. The Congregation has also started to celebrate the child protection week through a Child- Protection Campaign that was conducted last year where all stake holders were invited to do presentations that assist on child protection. Children‘s Ministry from different outstations were doing roll plays on different types of abuse. DRAKENSBERG PRESBYTERY

Background

Vision and Mission of the UPCSA

Our Vision as a denomination is to be a reconciled community of Christians exercising a prophetic witness to Christ. Our Mission is to proclaim our Triune God in Southern Africa through:

• Bearing witness to the saving love of Jesus Christ. • Building vital, reforming congregations for worship, ministry and discipleship. • Visibly proclaiming

Vision of the Church in Society Committee

1. Promoting health, wellness and addressing HIV/AIDS, including stigma and discrimination.

2. Addressing violence (including police brutality), poverty, unemployment, crime and substance abuse.

3. Speaking and acting prophetically on all social, economic, political and ecological aspects of our life.

4. Addressing gender discrimination and violence against women and children.

Church in Society Committee Objectives

1. To engage and mobilize congregations on Church and Society issues. 2. To help our church to reflect, dialogue and act on issues of health and justice. 3. To reflect theologically on issues of social justice. 4. To address racism and prejudice that causes division and impact negatively on

church unity. 5. To explore ways of developing partnership and networking.

6. To raise awareness on gender-based violence with special emphasis on women and children.

7. To improve the welfare of Ministers’ stipends and conduct a skills audit throughout the denomination (rural, township, suburban, urban) in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Modus Operandi

The Church in Society Committee works as a unit of members appointed by the Presbytery. It works with Congregations through their Conveners of the Church in Society. Congregations are expected to take immediate action on issues of Church and Society that erupt within the areas of their jurisdiction and to refer selected issues to the Presbytery Church in Society Committee, based on merit.

Members In February Presbytery meeting, the Presbytery appointed the following as members of the Church in Society Committee. Moderator; Clerk/CAC; Revd. KJ Xaba (Convener); Presidents and Wellness or Social Responsibility of all Associations and Convener of CIS from each Congregation.

Workshop The Committee had a successful workshop on the 9th day of March at Thembalihle Presbyterian Church, under Edendale Congregation. The workshop was conducted by Revds. Jeremy Smith and NG Mbatha. We were blessed by the presence of the Clerk of Assembly, Revd. V Mkhungo, who passes the word of encouragement and greetings

from Tiyo Soga House.

Report on Presbyterial Associations

UPWW/UPWF Had a joint Conference on 2-3 February 2019 at Caluza Hall, hosted by New Edendal Presbyterian Church. On that day among other thing the following were observed.

1. The presentation of certificates to their long service members. 2. Presentation of gifts to the UPWW Executives. 3. Sympathizes with their mothers who are affected by cancer and they were

given the sum of R500 each. 4. Presentation of gifts to the Moderator who came for constituting their

Conference and other guest speakers.

5. Presentation of stoles to all Ministers in charge for their support to their Conferences and their availability at Congregational level.

YF/YA Had their joint Conference 23rd-24th June 2018 at A.Maramani Congregation. The following were done by their Associations in a various Congregations.

1. All of them do outreach.

MCG Had their Conference at Glenbain Congregation on the 2nd -3rd June 2018. They were able to do the following.

188

1. Three Spar vouches were handed over to the two families. 2. The bereaved families were given the Bereavement envelopes. 3. The Social Responsibility Committee and interested members of the guild

were capacitated with information of the CIS and also the guild was blessed with the presence of Revd. NG Mbatha.

Iyza Had their Conference on the 29th-30th of September 2018 at Estcourt Congregation. All of them do their outreach.

1. Edendale Congregation

Jan-April 2019

ACTIVITY OBJECTIVE BENEFICIARIES

Outreach Programme: - Hospice - Hospitals

- Orphanage homes - Prison - Communities

- To lend a helping hand, and also reach out to the needy. -To provide support systems and

motivational talks to offenders in correctional centers to reduce reoffending.

Local schools, offenders and local communities. Once a year we visit the

hospice and we supply clothing and toiletry/cosmetics.

- Communities Handed out a gift to Induna of AmaMpumuza Mr TD Ntombela

-To maintain good working relationships with local and community leadership.

Nduna, Mr. TD Ntombela in recognition of his unending generosity during Good Friday Services.

1/4/2019 Handing out clothing, groceries and toiletry

Community Care Centre members.

- To lend a helping hand, and also reach out to the needy.

Siyaphila Community Home-Based Care Centre in Imbali

20/4/2019 Provided full school uniforms to four (4)needy children (2 boys and 2 Girls)

- To lend a helping hand, and also reach out to the needy.

Caluza Primary and Siyamu Primary Schools

Food, Clothing donations etc. - Schools (During 2019

Passover Services . -Provided groceries and other items of need to church members 19/4/2019-Provided gifts to all men and women of our congregation who are above the age of 65.

- To lend a helping hand, and also reach out to the needy.

Needy and destitute members of the congregation

We bought new lounge suite for the Manse

We fitted new curtains in the Dining-room and sitting room. We also bought big, beautiful white table cloths and a big net for Lord’s supper table We bought new kitchen utensils for the Congregation

-To make it easy and enjoyable for the Ministry to do the work of the Lord.

Congregation

Outreach Programme: Provide gifts in the form of

cash to Minister in charge and retired Ministers – this is done without fail.

- To lend a helping hand, and also reach out to Ministers and their

Spouses.

Moderator and 3 Moderators Emeritus

1/4/2019 Handing out clothing, groceries and toiletry Community Care Centre members.

- To lend a helping hand, and also reach out to the needy.

Siyaphila Community Home-Based Care Centre in Imbali

20/4/2019 Provided full school

uniforms to four (4)needy children (2 boys and 2 Girls)

- To lend a helping hand, and also

reach out to the needy. Caluza Primary and Siyamu

Primary Schools

Food, Clothing donations etc. - Schools (During 2019 Passover Services. -Provided groceries and other items of need to church members 19/4/2019-Provided gifts to all men and women of our

- To lend a helping hand, and also reach out to the needy.

Needy and destitute members

of the congregation

189

ACTIVITY OBJECTIVE BENEFICIARIES

congregation who are above the age of 65.

We bought new lounge suite for the Manse We fitted new curtains in the Dining-room and sitting room. We also bought big, beautiful

white table cloths and a big net for Lord’s supper table We bought new kitchen utensils for the Congregation

-To make it easy and enjoyable for the Ministry to do the work of the Lord.

Congregation

Outreach Programme: Provide gifts in the form of cash to Minister in charge and retired Ministers – this is done without fail.

- To lend a helping hand, and also reach out to Ministers and their Spouses.

Moderator and 3 Moderators Emeritus

2. Estcourt Congregation

Major things done in the Community

• They supported needy families by means of grocery and giving some clothing. • They did an outreach through Evangelism by means of open Air Preaching. • During Easter Saturday they went to a village where people are usually found

dead with their bodies having missing parts. They were preaching there rebuking that Satanism as a Congregation.

3. Mpolweni Congregation

Visiting aged

and sick people

• The UPWF visited aged and sick people. • Collected some donations and gave them to the families. • Visited the family of the sick woman, gave her a scarf, certificate of

appreciation and donations that were collected from branches. • The UPWF bought a cake and spend R12000 to buy gifts for their Minister when

he was celebrating his belated birthday on the Rededication day. • The MCG gave their Minister the sum of R4500 when he was celebrating his

belated birthday on the Rededication day. • On Easter Saturday the UPWF donated the BP Machines to all branches so that

they use them to check BP. • Mpolweni is working very well with Schools and the Councillors. If they have

functions, they involve the Minister.

4. Northdale Presbyterian Church

ETHEKWINI PRESBYTERY Corruption Corruption is a problem in any institution that is managed by fallen men (and women), whether it is civil government, business or even the church. When we begin to speak about corruption, some people immediately interpret such discussions as a form of racial attack levelled at Africans, yet everyone knows that corruption is not an African disease but corruption is endemic to all parts of the the world. North, South, West and East all face the scourge of corruption. Reality Dawns

South African society has been so deeply impoverished (morally, spiritually and economically) that it is now teetering on the brink of collapse. Whilst the political spin doctors and the sincerely delusional all parrot a story of improvement, the load shedding, rampant criminality, destruction of the places of learning and economic upheaval speak the truth with a brutal elegance. It is not Ramaphoria but Reality that is now dawning on our people. ESKOM and electricity tariffs Whilst we as a nation sit in the current quota of darkness, we have the opportunity to reflect upon our situation, the future of this nation and the future prospects for our children's children without the clamour of our favourite electronic distractions and entertainment. We now have the opportunity to speak to each other and address the propaganda and spin of the SOE's spokespeople.

We as a church can make several helpful contributions: • We can encourage and applaud ethical management in all sectors and especially the SOE's.

190

• We can help train up the present generation in accountability and stewardship for God's glory.

• We can encourage and pray for members of our congregations in local, provincial and national levels of government.

• We can speak out and stand steadfastly against the further theft of government employees pension funds (for it has already been suggested publicly that monies be taken from the government employee pension fund to bail out the looted SOE's). If the church remains silent on the looting of pension funds, it is then complicit in the actual crime and we will have reneged on God's call to protect the widow and orphan.

• We can advocate for the privatisation of SOE's to create smaller, financially accountable business units that can function free of the ideological interference of secular social engineers.

• We can oversee the roll-out of justice and encourage government to recover the looted monies • We can take disciplinary action on members of our church if they are found guilty of corruption and,

after they have shown contrition, restore such people in the face of the community Mental Illness Society has changed some of its attitudes to the physically disabled for ramps, rails, special parking bays and toilets are now standard architectural requirements and considerations. The physically disabled are now generally accepted and provisions are made for them. However, we were recently confronted with the truth that there are practically no facilities to house and treat mentally ill people. Mental illness has a stigma in our society. The “mad” person is in a much worse predicament than the physically disabled person. The mentally disabled such as the bipolar, depressed or schizophrenic are ostracised even from the church community. The mentally ill are generally not trusted, they are feared and there is much less empathy shown for the mentally ill. They are sent out of the community, the “lucky ones” manage to get admitted into institutions. Sufferers are left to take their medication without supervision or accountability, this

provides opportunities for suicide. YOUTH AND GENDER DESK What was expected from us:

• Reading the Bible with the eyes of Young people and women. • Involve youth activities in our planning • Involvement of youth and woman in our leadership • To address the abuse of man in our community and Church • The Issue of women not appointed as conveners in General assembly committees • Youth and woman empowerment should be our priorities.

It was also encourage reading the Bible and conducting more Bible studies in our contexts. The Bible should speak to our contexts. More revivals and be flexible to accommodate everyone including young people. To take note that the desk is something new is open for ideas to make it work better.

ECO- JUSTICE REPORT: Genesis: 1:28-29

• To dominate and desecrate the planet • To rule over all creatures • Subdue the Earth • Human beings created to serve the land How can we serve the earth? • Mission through worship

• Hearing the cries of the earth • Indigenous listening • Cries for justice Mission through advocacy • Mainstreaming the earth in our liturgy • We need sermons about our ecology • Awareness campaigns about ecology • Need a prophetic voice of the church in the current environment crisis

THE ESCANSION. Took place at Tshwane: Looking at all different ecological aspects .Following areas were visited: Snake Park, we were taught about difference kind of snakes. There are dangerous and useful snakes. It was mentioned that all of them they warn you before they bites or becomes dangerous. Despise their dangerous

there are useful but we need them. As the stewards of this world we were requested to teach about the importance of snakes on earth. Because:

• God created them on purpose. • They help us in some things e g medicine.

191

ANNEXURE D:

CHURCH IN SOCIETY PROJECTS GUIDELINES FOR FUNDING WHO DO WE FUND?

• Congregations CRITERIA

• Check the number of Congregations already funded in the particular Presbytery • Check the project’s potential & sustainability

• Submission of all required documents HOW MUCH DO WE FUND?

• Up to R50 000 – ONLY capital funding. Running costs like salaries, rentals, renovations transport & refreshments are not funded by the committee.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION • Application letter • Supporting letter from the Presbytery • Business plan • Quotation/pro-forma invoice

MONITORING • Church in Society convenors from all levels to the Task Force leaders

REPORTING

• Twice a year, to the General Assembly Church in Society GUIDELINES FOR TASK FORCE LEADERS AND CO-ORDINATORS

• Workshops • Communication with the CIS Conveners of Presbyteries • Provide national leadership on CIS work’ • Prepare reports for the General Assembly through the CIS Committee (Task force leaders) • Co-ordinators prepare reports of the CIS through the Task Force Leaders. • Organise Presbytery conveners for CIS work • Monitoring

GUIDELINES FOR THEMATIC LEADERS

• Promote themes in Presbyteries through Task Force Leaders and Co-ordinators • Thematic Leaders report to the CIS Committee

192

ANNEXURE E:

SOUTH AFRICA: CHURCH IN SOCIETY

CHURCH IN SOCIETY COMMITTEE IN SOUTH AFRICA on 14-MAY 2019

1 NGCISININDE CONGREGATION WORKSHOP-TIYO SOGA PRESBYTERY

In our last meeting in 2018 Ngcisininde Congregation requested Church in Society committee to workshop them

on Church in society‘s work or activities. On the 09th and 10th February 2019 Rev V. Mbaru responded to the request and facilitated the workshop. The attendance was not that good, approximately fifty (50) people attended. Perhaps it was because of the weather as it was raining and Youth Fellowship attended a presbytery camp. The congregation participated fully in the workshop. After two weeks CIS convener received a financial request for the goats’ farming project from the congregation. It is unfortunately that some information and documents are pending. See annexure 1

2 THE CHURCH AND DISABILITY BOOK LAUNCH Currently, as a Society we are not aware how less educated we are with regard to Disability. It was an eye opener during the book launch on the 26th March 2019, as the South African Task Force leader attended THE CHURCH AND DISABILITY in Sandton at Rosebank Union Church. The author of the book is Professor Louise

Kretzschumar from University of South Africa (UNISA). She challenges all Churches to work with people living with disabilities and to involve them as part us.

3 SOUTH AFRICAN UPDATES a) Road accident in South Africa

Some of the emerging concerns are deaths on the roads. These are mainly during holidays and People are dying in big numbers on South African roads, especially in festive season. It was reported that 767 people passed on during 2018 festive season. This means the numbers of deaths in 2018 are higher than the one of 2017 (16%). 162 people died on South African roads during Easter holidays. Some of the causes of these deaths might be speeding, drinking and driving and non-rest drivers. Every year awareness’s are done by the department of transport to remind road users not to do the above. Social media also does the same. In May 2017 the South African task force leader requested that all UPCSA congregations should do more

awareness as they speak to big numbers every Sunday. As UPCSA we need to work harder to minimize the death of our loved ones on the roads.

b) Racism in some South African Schools Racism in some South African schools still exists. 2 years ago one of South African schools (Pretoria Girls High) was against African hair. This year 2019 one of the primary schools in the North West Laerskool Schweizer Reneke School was accused of racism where black and white children were seated separately in grade R class. It is not clear why children were separated according to their skin colour. Of course many unclear reasons were mentioned. In short the teacher was suspended. The governing body chair of the school Mr Joseph du Plessis confirmed that that incident was not a racial act. When he was asked why children were grouped in that manner, he speculated reasons. After suspension of the teacher and investigations of the matter she was found not guilty and returned to school.

c) Eskom issue After 1994 most residential areas in South Africa had an opportunity of having electricity. This was one of the excitements to those who never had electricity before. In the past years Eskom experienced tariff challenges until to date. In October 2018 Eskom announced that they are requesting to increase its tariff by 15% in the next three years as they are owing R419 billion. Why consumers are held responsible with the above as we know that there’s a challenge inside? What does this mean to the less fortunate communities? As we are the voice of the voiceless what do we say about this challenge?

d) National Elections May 8, 2019 was one of the most important days in South Africa; national and province elections took place. Few things happened; deaths of people (natural death) and complain from smaller parties about some

people who voted more than once, declaring the process not being fair. 48 political parties were in a ballot paper contesting the national elections. African National Congress (ANC) won the elections with 57.5 %, this means it’s still rule the country for the next 5 years. The ruling party also won most of the provinces in some with good results. The Church needs to pray harder for the country’s stability and maturing democracy.

e) Structural Unemployment While the year started with a hope where elections are going to be held and Politicians promised people especially the Youth employment. It is a reality that not all of these promises may be kept as a result these does trigger some more issues. The minimum wage also put more pressure on employers who are less prepared to comply and lay down some employees. There is another form of structural unemployment triggered by the artificial intelligent (technology) in

various sector e.g. banks and supermarkets. People normally struggle with change and with the change brought in by these processes, instead of thinking about alternatives or up-skilling themselves; they would rather resign without alternative employment.

193

ANNEXURE F:

ZIMBABWE PRESBYTERY: CHURCH IN SOCIETY

Introduction: The report covers the period to April 2019. The Church of our domination in our Country has been faced with various challenges inside Congregations and outside the Society in our Communities. Highlights on Zimbabwe 1. Political And Economic Situation: The Zimbabwe political situation has been different from most citizens.

The Church Ministers are giving hope to the vulnerable members of the society. We are praying for the government and the opposition to work together with peoples to build the great Zimbabwe again. The

Economical dilemmas have made it more difficult by the economic sanctions by the foreign powers. The Unemployment problem of the young people has just made things worse for the industry and agriculture of our land.

2. THE BORE HOLES for Girls in Schools have helped the water supply to handle the difficult areas with good action. The Team Convenors of Church in Society (CIS) and Health and Wellbeing (HW) Committees has helped the Church to have involvement in matters of justice and ware being of our communities.

3. The Presbytery central account has provided stipends to improve the Warfare of Ministers and other church workers in the zones in order to uplift the life of the presbytery. The Denver Presbytery has supplemented in the presbytery projects done by many other Committees. The CIS and HW have worked together on challenges of our community.

4. CHURCH SCHOOL: The committee runs a church school which also supports the orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs). They also support two students at the university who are studying Engineering and Veterinary medicine.

5. CYCLONE IDII: This left a devastating effect in that part of the country. The whole area was swept only three houses were left. Chimanimani was the most hit. Families perished in some cases, children who were out in school survived while some parents and younger children died. The situation is sad and many people are still traumatised. However the church is actively involved.

6. DONATIONS: The highland was the centre for all the donations received within and outside the country. A family donated a building to the church which is hosting all donations. The church intends to use this building later as a University/College. The government has also given the church one school which needs renovation.

Conclusion; Learning from what Zimbabwe has experienced, there is need for the church to have Disaster Preparedness. THE REV. G.M. MAMBI CONVENER

194

ANNEXURE G:

SYNOD OF ZAMBIA: CHURCH IN SOCIETY REPORT TO THE SYNOD OF ZAMBIA MEETING TO BE HELD AT GARDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ON 14-15 May 2019. Introduction: This is the first report to the Synod of Zambia after taking office in September 2018, at St. Andrews in Kitwe.

COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE: The following are members of the Synod Church in Society committee: Mrs Beatrice Ngwira Kondowe-Convenor, Rev James Lungu (CIS Convenor-Mchinga)-Member, Mrs Stella Bowa (Synod Convenor H/W)-Member, Mar. Peter Banda (CIS Convenor- Munali)-Member, Rev. Reuben - (General Assembly Convenor)-Consultant, Copperbelt CIS Presbytery Convenor-Member 1. Workshop on the general assembly health and wellness committees

The workshop was held from the 15th to 17th February, 2019 at the Emison Centre in Johannesburg. The convener rolled out the plan for the H/W committee for the next two years. The main emphasis was that the CIS and H/W committees should work hand in hand for the sake of progress and continuity. All presbyteries and congregations should form these committees and encourage them to work hand in hand.

2. Church in Society meeting

There will be a meeting for all task force leaders and conveners of presbyteries committees (CIS) In May 2019 from 14th to 17th May at the Emison Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.

3. The Synod of Zambia a) The committee will hold a consultative two day workshop to discuss how to take care of people with

disabilities. In addition, the workshop will discuss the programs and activities to be undertaken by the synod and presbyteries. The workshop participants will be: CIS Conveners from the three presbyteries, General Assembly Convener (Facilitator-to explain the policy documents the committee), The Moderator for the Synod of Zambia, The Synod Clerk (ex-official), The H/W Convener Synod, The H/W Conveners from presbyteries, one external facilitator, The Synod CIS

Convener. This will be a TOT training and conveners from the presbyteries are expected to train the conveners from the congregations.

b) THREE DAY CONSULTATIVE SYMPOSIUM FOR 20 PEOPLE... A consultative symposium will be held in Lusaka for three days. This meeting is aimed at sensitizing participants on the role of CIS. He following participants will be expected to attend the meeting: The Synod moderator, The Synod Clerk, The General Assembly CIS convener, The CIS Synod Convener, The H/W from WF, Four members from MCG, Four members from Youth Fellowship, One external facilitator, Conveners from CIS presbytery committee and an internal facilitator

c) EMPOWERMENT As a committee, we would like to write a proposal to CIS GA to request for funding for empowering members of the church in Zambia in order to alleviate poverty. This will run in form of small loans to boost existing small businesses or start new enterprises. Before distributing the loans, business

management will be taught to thee members for sustainability. d) CHOLERA EPIDEMICS

The 2017/2018 memories of cholera are too fresh. Most of congregants could not go to worship the Lord for close to three months. The reason for this was mainly due to sanitary issues. The local authority want churches to have water bone toilets and running water at each church. Therefore, conveners should forward statistics of the statuses of all congregations to the Synod Convener. This will help the committee to source for funding that will enable us to build these facilities.

e) WORK PLAN AND BUDGET FOR 2019 Symposium, Construction of toilets, Empowerment, Consultative workshop, Transport for conveners from in presbyteries

BEATRICE NGWIRA KONDOWE CONVENER

195

COMMUNICATIONS

Report to the 2019 Executive Commission The Communications Committee of General Assembly has met monthly over the past year. The major focus of the Committee has been on the UPCSA Website, the compilation of a Policy, the Presbyterian Link and the MyPresby Data System. 1. UPCSA Website The website has been under continuous and ongoing updating. 2. Communications and Marketing Policy A comprehensive policy has been drawn up and is attached as an appendix to this report. The Policy has been adopted by the Communications Committee and recommended to ExComm for

adoption. 3. Presbyterian Link The Presbyterian Link was published in October 2018 and June 2019. Our main problem has been

receiving articles for publication. We now have Presbytery Liaison Officers who will in the future be sending us information regarding the activities of their Presbyteries.

4. MyPresby Web based church database

After really struggling for many years to obtain reliable statistics for the UPCSA it was deemed necessary to investigate data base systems which would cater for all levels in the church in a cost effective manner but also to move into the new phase on up to date modern platform. One that is accessible to every member of the church. The Communications committee evaluated two locally based data systems to replace the existing Central Office Tamarisk system and have recommended that the UPCSA try MyPresby for a year. To date 13 congregations had already moved to this and Tamarisk at Central Office will migrate to MyPresby. The Anglican Church originally funded the development of the South African web based system with decentralised servers in different parts of the world. It is now being used by congregations in the CCSA, Methodist denominations.

Benefits of MyPresby 1. Members Have control of their personal details which are entered via a simple interface on a smart phone or PC. Every member and child is recorded in the system. As individuals move around, change status, resign or

die, all is archived. 2. Congregation ministers, session and administrators Different administrators can be granted different access permissions Members grouped into organisational such as Children’s church, associations and so on, and record

attendance. Statistics available such as monthly and annual service attendance or distribution of people according to age or sex.

SMS or emails sent to groups of members for information or to wish individuals blessings on birthdays or

anniversaries. Reports can be generated of telephone numbers or members according to affiliation such as cell groups Member’s information can be used to match ministry needs to gifts. A full financial package is provided to run a congregation. This extends to recording of members tithes if

required. 3. Presbytery and General Assembly The details of every minister are recorded including their various charges. Copies of documents such as

ordination are stored in the database for easy retrieval. Statistics such as membership numbers and church attendance are available by congregation or

Presbytery. Financial records for each congregation up to Presbytery level. This system is fully compliant but also

very easy to use. There is a full archiving facility so no records will ever be lost. This system doesn’t

196

need an accountant to use it.

The system is fully POPI compliant. The Moderator and General Secretary would never have to be embarrassed again if we all used the system as everything they need would be provided by the system.

MRS GLENYS KELLY CONVENER

PROPOSALS 1. The Executive Commission of General Assembly receives the report. 2. The Executive Commission of General Assembly adopts the Policy of the Communications Committee.

197

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Report to the 2019 Executive Commission Convener: The Revd. Armando Sontange Members: Ms. R. Manda, Mr. T. Mbandazayo, The Revd PS Mbanjwa, Ms M. Mosotho, The Revd T. Ngalwana-Nibe, The Revd P. Neshangwe, The Revd N. Qupuna, Dr S. Stofile, Ms E. Stopforth (Secretary), The Revd X. Vatela and Miss E. White. Overview:

Supporting and training of our pre-schools with regard to Early Child Development. (ECD) The work being done in various schools in Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa; these

involve both High Schools and Primary Schools. Elder training (TIE) Presbyterian Educational Fund. (PEF) Children's Ministry support

The committee has met twice since General Assembly 2018, once at the Central Office in Kempton Park and once at eMseni in Benoni. We have been kept busy by the many different functions that this committee performs, and in our view have had another successful year. I was elected/appointed as convener at General Assembly in 2018. In the two meetings we have held we have among other things looked at the Terms of Reference for the committee, in order to acquaint ourselves with the mandate at hand. We have also identified ourselves as another chapter in the Church’s objective of being Prophetic and Missional and therefore felt that our scope goes beyond just the administration of schools but also needs to include being involved at the wider scope of education across our three countries. We have taken time to analyse the trends in education especially in South Africa, where we find what I will refer to as ‘rebellious’ children who have been in the trending news for beating up or fighting with their teachers. One teacher union has been on the news for advocating that teachers should carry guns on themselves whilst at school and therefore, we asked ourselves how we as the Church become a voice at this time.

Reviewed Terms of Reference

1. To provide resources, training courses and encouragement to Early Childhood Development projects run by the UPCSA congregations and to facilitate networking among them

2. To encourage the children’s ministry by providing and publicizing resources and training for sessions, ministers, and parents to help children come into a personal faith in Christ and a commitment to the work of the church.

3. To exercise oversight over schools run by the UPCSA and facilitate liaison between the schools and the General Assembly;

4. To equip elders and those about to be trained as elders to be effective in their work;

5. To provide/facilitate such other training as will strengthen the capacity of and encourage the lay leaders of the church in carrying out their various functions

6. To administer the Presbyterian Educational Fund by a) having oversight of the PEF administrator, b) considering applications received from UPCSA members for assistance (from the PEF) in funding their

or their children’s education at high schools, colleges and/or universities, c) overseeing records of all donations received towards the PEF, d) allocating bursary awards to successful applicants; and

7. To see to the translation of publications, training materials, etc., as required by the General Assembly or its Commissions or Committees.

† Early Childhood Development

As the environment within which Early Childhood Development centres now operate has shifted over time, the Committee has been in the process of revising and updating the support materials available for congregation-based centres. Moderator sir, we are proud to announce that the training material [starter packs] to assist

198

congregations to establish Early Learning Centres/Play centres/Day Care, etc., has been circulated for inputs. † Schools

Zimbabwe The work in the administration of schools in the Presbytery of Zimbabwe is delighting and going on. This is even though there is an ongoing dispute between the PoZ (Presbytery of Zimbabwe) and Training and the PZET (Presbytery of Zimbabwe Education Trust). Using a bird’s eye view, one may be tempted to think that the dispute is the result of unclear roles, which each of these entities are meant to play in that context. This is a sensitive and historical dispute which does not need a face value scrutiny but thankfully, there is a General Assembly Mediation Process underway with an attempt to find an amicable resolve on the matter. I believe that we will be able to report affirmatively on this during the 2020 General Assembly. Zambia I have taken it upon myself to visit the schools in Zambia; my reason being to experience first-hand the life and the context under which our witness in Zambia is exposed in this part of His vineyard. For full report, please see annexure 1 South Africa We can report on three of our schools in South Africa:

o Gooldville Mission School

Gooldville continues to thrive in its drive for providing a good education to the local community. Unfortunately, due to budget constraints and other schools, I was unable to visit the school this year. The committee initiated a book drive for Christmas, requesting churches through Presbyteries to collect books that we could send to Gooldville for their library that was in desperate need of appropriate children’s reading books and even Encyclopaedias. We continue with this effort and encourage churches to support us.

o Pholela Secondary School

Please see annexure 2 for a full report on Pholela.

o United Church School UCS is a school that is situated in the heart of Yeoville, amongst a community that has a widely varied cultural background. The school has over the years acquired a number of properties in the area, as the school has outgrown its premises. The Principal and her staff are not only committed but dedicated to meeting each child's needs. After thorough consideration, engagement and deliberations within the committee on how we could be involved and participate in further growth of the school, Education and Training Committee decided to let the school be at the moment. We will be open to any invitation by the school for further involvement.

† Training in Eldership

• Two cluster workshops, one in Polokwane and the other in Vhembe, provided basic Training in Eldership for elders in Limpopo Presbytery during July 2018.

• Around 80 elders, drawn from all the congregations in the Presbytery of Zimbabwe, were exposed to the Basic Training in Eldership course by means of 2 “Train the Trainer” workshops conducted in Bulawayo and Harare in March 2019. A supply of trainer’s manuals was provided at the time. In-depth follow up training will be provided, later this year, for those individuals who wish to become “official” trainers.

• The GA Committee has also been directly involved in a Tshwane Presbytery project to provide training for all elders in that Presbytery. Cluster workshops have taken place in various centres since the beginning of 2019. All Tshwane congregations will have been reached by the end of this year.

• Difficulties are being experienced by this Committee in communicating with Elder Trainers at Presbytery level. Presbyteries are requested to provide this Committee with names and contact information for Presbytery conveners.

199

• Presbyteries are reminded that initial preparation of elders considering ordination lies firmly with the Presbyteries, who need to assist congregations to comply with items 7.56.3; 7.58 and 7.59 of the Manual of Faith & Order. Presbyteries who are not yet involved in the TIE program are encouraged to contact Eddie Stopforth (eddiestop@global.co.za) for assistance.

• “Session Management”, an enrichment course for Sessions (one of the original training series developed by the Denomination) has been revamped and will be rolled out for use by congregations and/or Presbyteries. The course seeks to encourage Sessions to allocate specific areas of work to workgroups, each workgroup to be created taking into account the Spiritual Gifts of the members. The system will provide for greater involvement by individual elders in the work of the Session and enhanced accountability.

• The Executive Commission is requested to note the course outline, which is attached hereto (see annexure 3). The outline, together with the visual presentation material and participant hand-outs will be lodged on the Mission & Discipleship website.

† Children’s Ministry

The “Kids Alive Drive” website has been registered and is under construction. Details will be circulated in due course. In the meantime, anybody who has teaching materials suitable for this ministry is invited to send them to eddiestop@global.co.za for lodging on the site. † Presbyterian Educational Fund [PEF]

• Following on from the Roadshow events held in May and June 2018, the PEF Task Team met with the Presbyteries of Zambia and Zimbabwe at the General Assembly at eMseni in July, 2018, and with the Presbytery of Lekoa in August, 2018. Further Roadshow events were not possible in 2018 as the administrator was away from the end of September until the end of October. The Convener has carried the message of the PEF to the Presbyteries and congregations that he has visited since then.

• Meetings of the Task Team were held on an ad hoc basis, in August and October 2018, and January and May 2019.

• Submission of Application Forms was particularly bad for the 2019 Application year: less than a dozen had been submitted by the deadline of 30 September, and forms trickled in even after the administrator returned at the end of October. Forms continued to arrive throughout December, January and February. This is unacceptable and impedes the work of the administrator, making it almost impossible to keep to any work schedule.

• Furthermore, applicants continue to submit incomplete application forms with no results, and no income information. Other requested information is also omitted.

• End of year results are not submitted automatically and registration and enrolment information is frequently only submitted after multiple requests, even though all this information should be submitted automatically if an application form has been submitted.

• Having to request each item required from each applicant is time consuming and unnecessary. It is a waste of the denomination’s resources. Ministers and other helpers are requested to ensure that applicants comply with the requested sequence of submission dates and submit all documents automatically and timeously.

• In spite of the above, the office move to Kempton Park, and other obstacles resultant from the move, the PEF has managed to process a good proportion of the applications and payments have continued. The introduction of a new currency in Zimbabwe is complicating allocations since fee statements were received in USD and it seems disbursements will be in RTGS$. The administrator is currently tackling this new development while following up on outstanding documentation.

• Good governance and accountability demand that the PEF receives copies of the statements of the fees accounts of all recipients, showing the PEF contributions received and correctly credited to the recipients’ accounts. As well as for reasons of good governance, these statements are required by the PEF’s auditors, yet obtaining these statements from institutions or the recipients remains a challenge.

200

• Schedules of donations received and awards made during the 2017/2018 financial year appear at the end of the PEF report. Once again, the PEF increased the amounts per recipient and the overall amount paid out. This was made possible by increased donations from congregations, business, the Robert Niven Trust, and others, and the PEF thanks all donors for their generosity. It is our donors that make the work of the PEF possible.

• Detailed versions of the above Award and Donation schedules are on the PEF webpage on the internet and can also be obtained on request from the administrator.

• Special thanks must go to AMS HADEN INSTRUMENT and MINING SERVICES who donated R 100,000.00 as part of their Skills Development program. This company has been a boon to the PEF since 2013, and we wish to acknowledge their support, which has increased year on year. An even bigger donation has been received towards the 2018/2019 year.

• Over and above donations received from congregations (twelve more congregations than in the previous financial year), three Presbyteries made donations from Presbytery funds too.

• The increase in congregations that have donated is encouraging, but the total number is still just 113 – only about one quarter of the total number of congregations in the denomination. The PEF challenges the other 300 plus congregations to consider prayerfully their support of the PEF, and to make some contribution to this ministry of our church. Imagine how many more applicants could be helped, and how much more we could contribute towards each applicant’s fees, if EVERY congregation contributed. So far, our contributions cover less than a third of an applicant’s fees (on average) and the burden which is placed on families remains high. What a difference would be made if we could further double the PEF contributions in cases of greatest need!

• From the smallest to the largest, all donations are welcomed and cherished as each Rand received makes it possible for the PEF to make that much more of a positive change in a young person’s life. It is a joy to experience the response when the PEF is able to contribute more than an applicant dared to hope for, and we know that our young people are achieving their dreams and we are assisting to educate our youth thanks to the donations that come in from associations, congregations, individuals, business and trusts.

• Donations received in 2017/2018 reached R 458,012.67 and awards made reached R 699,633.51. Both these amounts have been surpassed in 2018/2019, but amounts are not recorded here as they must still be finalised and will appear in next year’s report.

• Any function which is undertaken by a single person is vulnerable, and the PEF function’s vulnerability has been highlighted this year, by the administrator’s longer absence on leave and subsequently by a couple of periods of illness. The E&T and Church Office Committees are requested to work towards having more backup for this position in future so that the work of the PEF is not interrupted by the absence of one person.

• The administrator will be retiring early in 2020, and this Executive Commission is asked to give permission for E&T Committee with the Church Office Committee to begin the process of finding a new PEF administrator. The administrator trusts that the denomination will continue to support the PEF and respond to appeals as it has since 2011, and that you will continue to make it possible for the PEF to make our young people’s dreams come true, educating them and skilling them to take the UPCSA and our country to new heights in the years to come. The administrator wishes to thank the denomination for the privilege of serving in this area of ministry for the past nine years.

201

PEF DONATIONS RECEIVED as at 30 JUNE, 2018 - SUMMARY

July - Dec

2017 Jan - June

2018

TOTAL July 2017 - June 2018

AMOUNT AMOUNT AMOUNT

IN RANDS IN RANDS IN RANDS

CONGREGATIONS IN PRESBYTERIES

AMATHOLE 6 000.00 5 700.00 11 700.00 2 CENTRAL CAPE 7 194.30 6 571.00 13 765.30 10 SOUTHERN CAPE REGIONAL COMM 1 060.00 1 060.00 1 COPPERBELT DRAKENSBERG 8 662.30 3 700.00 12 362.30 9 EAST GRIQUALAND eGOLI 12 780.00 13 860.00 26 640.00 11 eTHEKWINI 2 000.00 2 500.00 4 500.00 2 HIGHVELD 3 500.00 5 300.00 8 800.00 5 LEKOA 1 100.00 1 000.00 2 100.00 3 LIMPOPO 9 550.00 5 610.00 15 160.00 13 M'CHINGA MTHATHA 7 200.00 7 200.00 18 MUNALI TIYO SOGA MEMORIAL 14 048.50 14 048.50 18 TRANS XARIEP 3 800.00 2 500.00 6 300.00 5 TSHWANE 31 293.50 8 007.60 39 301.10 10 uTHUKELA 3 200.00 3 200.00 1 WESTERN CAPE 11 622.00 928.00 12 550.00 5 ZIMBABWE

SUBTOTAL 100 702.10 77 985.10 178 687.20 113

PRESBYTERIES CENTRAL CAPE 2 000.00 2 000.00 DRAKENSBERG 2 300.00 2 300.00 M'CHINGA 1 500.00 1 500.00 SUBTOTAL 2 300.00 3 500.00 5 800.00 ASSOCIATIONS MEN'S 0.00 WOMEN'S 57 500.00 57 500.00 YOUTH 2 000.00 10 000.00 12 000.00 SUBTOTAL 2 000.00 67 500.00 69 500.00 OTHER BUSINESSES 100 000.00 100 000.00 INDIVIDUALS 28 680.00 32 280.00 60 960.00 TRUSTS 43 065.47 43 065.47 SUBTOTAL 71 745.47 132 280.00 204 025.47

TOTAL DONATIONS RECEIVED 176 747.57 281 265.10 458 012.67

202

THE REV ARMANDO SONTANGE CONVENER PROPOSALS 1. The Executive Commission receives the report. 2. The Executive Commission condones the decision of the committee to let the UCS School in Yeoville be

but to respond in an appropriate manner to any invitation from the school, as and when we receive such.

3. The Executive Commission encourages Presbyteries and Congregations to take advantage of the

Eldership enrichment and Session Management courses being made available. 4. The Executive Commission encourages Presbyteries and Congregations to be on the lookout for the

KIDS ALIVE website and to download and use the teaching materials available. 5. The Executive Commission expresses its sincerest thanks to all who have made donations to the PEF, to

help the ongoing work of the fund and thanks the members of the Task Team for their service. 6. The Executive Commission reminds congregations of the GA decision that Sunday June 16, 2019 was

declared PEF Sunday and requests all congregations still to hold a retiring offering for the PEF if they missed June 16, 2019 before the end of 2019.

7. The Executive Commission declares Sunday, June 14, 2020, PEF Sunday and requests all congregations

to hold a retiring offering for the PEF on that Sunday or another of the congregation’s choosing in June 2020.

8. The Executive Commission instructs all Presbyteries to set up Education and Training Committees. 9. The Executive Commission instructs all ministers and Session Clerks to screen PEF applications

stringently, by checking that applicants have completed the forms correctly and in full, and have included all required documentation, before signing the forms.

10. The Executive Commission notes that the deadline for submission of completed PEF application forms is

September 30, annually, and that late submissions will not be accepted nor considered.

PEF AWARDS MADE FOR THE PERIOD JULY, 2017 to JUNE, 2018 - SUMMARY

SCHOOL UNIV/COLL TOTAL

AMOUNT NO. AMOUNT NO. AMOUNT

NO.

IN RANDS IN RANDS IN RANDS

PRESBYTERY

AMATHOLE 22 000.00 3 26 500.00 2 48 500.00 5

CENTRAL CAPE 40 900.00 5 27 750.00 2 68 650.00 7

SOUTHERN CAPE REGIONAL

COPPERBELT 6 740.39 2 6 740.39 2

DRAKENSBERG 10 700.00 3 36 250.00 4 46 950.00 7

EAST GRIQUALAND

eGOLI 53 050.00 7 58 000.00 8 111 050.00 15

eTHEKWINI 3 500.00 1 3 500.00 1

HIGHVELD 7 500.00 2 8 000.00 2 15 500.00 4

LEKOA 12 750.00 2 12 750.00 2

LIMPOPO 60 000.00 3 60 000.00 3

M'CHINGA 42 781.64 2 42 781.64 2

MTHATHA

MUNALI 6 974.60 1 6 974.60 1

TIYO SOGA MEMORIAL

TRANS XARIEP 10 971.00 1 10 971.00 1

TSHWANE 12 500.00 2 56 500.00 5 69 000.00 7

uTHUKELA 10 000.00 1 3 000.00 1 13 000.00 2

WESTERN CAPE 9 650.00 3 50 000.00 5 59 650.00 8

ZIMBABWE 39 667.75 9 83 948.13 12 123 615.88 21

TOTAL for ALL PRESBYTERIES 220 438.75 37 479 194.76 51 699 633.51 88

203

11. The Executive Commission grants the Education and Training Committee in consultation with the Church Office Committee permission to begin the process of finding a replacement for the PEF administrator.

ANNEXURE 1 A VISIT TO ZAMBIA BY THE CONVENER OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Rev Armando Sontange, convener on Education and Training of General Assembly visited Zambia from 13th - 15th November 2018. His mission was to check on the welfare and challenges of both community and private schools managed by Presbyterian Churches in Zambia. During his visit, he was accompanied by Synod Moderator, Rev Sauros Phaika, Synod Convener on Education and Training, Ms. Rhoda Mtande-Manda, M’Chinga Presbytery Clerk, Benson Njobvu, and Copperbelt Presbytery Convener, Jeremiah Munthali. Introduction This report is on the status of Presbyterian Schools in Zambia. NG’OMBE COMMUNITY SCHOOL

The Education and Training Committee members visited N’gombe Presbyterian Church in Lusaka. This school runs from grade one to grade nine and the church offers educational services to orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) through this school. The school has 320 double orphans and 150 single orphans and 10 pupils on Anti-Retroviral Therapy. The school had 632 pupils before grade 7 examinations, and it has remained with 570 pupils. The school has 10 teachers which is not enough comparing to number of pupils; hence, it has a platoon system class. The school management encourages pupils who can afford to contribute money amounting to K200.00 from grade four to seven per term while basic school pupils pay K300 per term but grade one to three is free education. CHALLENGES

The challenges at the school include inadequate infrastructure, staff and education materials. Feeding Program – there is a feeding scheme which provides “rise against hunger” nutrition food

once a week. But it is not sufficient looking at given the number of pupils in school. Teachers’ allowance is not paid on time.

WELFARE

The pass rate for both primary and basic schools is constant between 98% and 100% The ministry of education in Zambia has approved this school to be an examination centre. The school has a cordial partnership with a Christian Alliance for Children in Zambia, who helps in

paying teachers amounting to K4, 992.00 monthly. Rotary club built an ablution block for the school.

GARDEN COMMUNITY SCHOOL The Education and Training Committee went on to visit Garden Community School managed by Garden Presbyterian Church. This school runs from preschool to grade seven. It has a community section with a total of 424 pupils and 100 pupils in private section. The idea of putting up a private section was to support a community section. The school has orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and it has 30 double orphans, 5 single orphans and 2 pupils on Anti-Retroviral Therapy. The school is located within the church premises. Community Section, pupils pay K90.00 per term and can be payable monthly at K30.00; while the private sector pay K575.00 per term and can be payable monthly at K185.00. The school has eleven teachers, of whom 5 are males, 6 females and 3 teacher’s aide whom 2 are females and 1 male. The home take for teachers is as follows:

(i) Highest paid is K1, 300.00 per month (ii) Lowest paid is K700.00 per month

204

CHALLENGES Lack of teaching resources; e.g. textbooks Teacher’s salaries are too little and are in arrears. Lack of furniture.

WELFARE

The pass rate is between 88% - 100%. The school is in partnership with CACZ and Mount Vernon. CACZ gives a monthly cheque of K4, 300.00 to community teachers. Mount Vernon built a school and renovates it. The school has a computer laboratory used by pupils.

ST COLUMBA’S SCHOOL – LUSAKA

The committee had their third visit at St. Columba’s Presbyterian School in Lusaka. This is a private school managed by St. Columba’s congregation in Lusaka under M’Chinga Presbytery. The school runs classes from pre-school to grade five; it has a total of 185 pupils. The school has a nursery school section with 85 pupils and primary school with 100 pupils. The school has thirteen teachers and six teacher aides. On salaries, the highest paid teacher gets K9,000.00 and the lowest paid teacher gets a K3,600.00. There is a gratuity at the end of a two-year contract amounting to K15,000.00. The school has no arrears towards gratuities. Each worker has a medical scheme. CHALLENGES

Parents delay in paying school fees although there is a cordial relationship with teachers Sports facilities are a source of challenge to children.

WELFARE

School has developed a lot in all areas. School offers French lessons from grade one to five

TWINKLE STAR PRIVATE SCHOOL ONE AND TWO

The committee visited Twinkle Star Private School in Lusaka. It is a private school managed by Kabwata Presbyterian Church. The school has classes from pre-school section to primary section. It has a total of 444 pupils. This figure caters for both twinkle One and two primary and nursery schools. The school has 37 teachers and 8 supporting staff. On salaries, the highest paid teacher gets K9, 000.00 and the lowest paid teacher gets K3,600.00. The school is in arrears on gratuity of K8,000.00 which is not too good for the welfare of the school. Hence, something must be done to settle arrears. Teachers gratuity is a cause for concern. School fees vary:

TWINKLE ONE Pre-school - baby class to reception pays K2,100.00 per term. Primary pays K2,300 per term.

TWINKLE TWO

Pre-school pays K1,300.00 per term Primary pays K1,600.00 per term

CHALLENGES

The school faces a lot of challenges and some of them are as follows: Lack of computer laboratory, library, sick bay furniture, etc Pupils’ desks, tables and chairs. Filing cabinets and tables for teachers. Sporting equipment to be used by learners during physical education lessons. Late and non- payment of school fees by parents has contributed to delays in paying or meeting

certain obligations. Due to financial challenges the school is not able to pay staff on time and it has contributed to

demoralizing and losing good workers and teachers.

WELFARE

205

The school has a pass rate of 90% – 100 %. It is an approved examination centre. Pupils from other schools get enrolled every term.

ENCOURAGEMENT

The General Assembly Convener on education and Training, Rev. Armando Sontange advised the Presbyterian Schools in Zambia to look beyond their 4 schools by lobbying assistance from NGOs, other churches and International Private Schools. FURTHER VISITS TO BE MADE

Rev. Armando Sontange will still visit St. Columba’s Private School in Kabwe and David Livingstone Memorial Presbyterian School in Livingstone. CONCLUSION

The Committee hopes that the General Assembly will continue supporting the committee by prayers and resources (human and otherwise).

ANNEXURE 2 Pholela Secondary School Moderator sir, this school is one of the Missionary endeavours of the Presbyterian Witness in Southern Africa. The school’s situation has been deteriorating as has been reported by my predecessors to both General Assembly and the Executive Commission. The Church through our committee has never given up on intervention with a few other stakeholders in KwaZulu-Natal. There are pending legal interventions as well but as we may all know; resilience is what we need when we deal with government entities. Despite all the attempts to get the ‘minor repairs’ done to, at least, the cabling (which lies bare), windowpanes (broken), water supply and floors at the school – nothing has happened. The Education Department has sent a lawyer with whom we met, and the gentleman was also angry at the circumstances under which learning is happening at the school – they are extremely hazardous if you ask me. However, we are waiting for the commencement of these repairs. We are also awaiting on Harry Gwala to install 2 JoJo water tanks and convert the electricity meter to prepaid as this is economical. The department of Sports and Culture in the KZN has built what is known as the Combi Court – this allows for Netball, Volleyball, Basketball and a Tennis court. This is now standing and in a usable state. The school is doing well and had an enrolment of 854 pupils and have a total number of 27 educators. The following is the depiction of the results: Grade 8 = 73%

Grade 9 = 90%

Grade 10 = 78%

Grade 11 = 76%

Grade 12 = 86%

We have an alumnus of Pholela who are also partnering with us in the endeavour to resuscitate the institution. The alumni included the immediate past Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr. Senzo Mchunu – who, in April 2019 convened a “rally” at the school – the rally was preceded by a stakeholder’s meeting at the Premier’s office. We thank God, for the presence our Moderator Designate in that space!! The rally involved almost every community member and we had a couple of MECs also addressing us – key to these we had Mr Dlungwana, MEC for Education, firstly acknowledging that work had not been done accordingly. They admitted to letting the people and especially the Church down. He went as far as saying the department has ditched Public Works and appointed ‘Coega’ as the new service delivery agents. The MEC went as far as promising us that an amount of R10m has been set aside for the work to commence in 2019 to finish in 2022. The sketches and plans for these renovations were made available to all. The MEC for Agriculture also made an input and showed interest in speaking to the Church and begin an

206

engagement on using the Church’s land in the development of the community around the school. The programme is called Operation Sukuma Sakhe. The Premier in his talk mentioned that ‘everyone has a role to play in restoring to its former glory.

ANNEXURE 3

Midrand, 2019 Welcome to the UPCSA Session Management course. This course is designed for a workshop format and is not suitable for one-on-one training, as the interaction within the small groups and the interaction between the small groups form an integral part of the learning process. The material is suitable for use by the Session of a single congregation or for groups of Elders from more than one congregation. The course is both a team builder and an enrichment module. Ideally the workshop can accommodate 20 to 25 people, with each small group limited to 5 participants. Timing for small group activity is based on a given amount of time per person so that, if a group exceeds 5, there will be insufficient time for each to contribute. In such an event, the Facilitator will need to adjust plenary feedback time, perhaps by limiting the number of groups who report back. Where possible groups should be seated around tables, but this is not essential if folk are prepared to work on their laps. Requirements:

1. Flipchart stand, pens and paper 2. Data projector (and laptop) or OHP. Where this equipment is not available, the slides can be printed

on large sheets of paper and stuck to the flipchart with Prestik. 3. Participants will need pens and paper/ notebooks. 4. A sufficient supply of the hand-outs referred to within the body of the course (templates in this pack). 5. An evaluation form, which should be collected before participants leave. These forms or a summary of

the evaluation should be submitted to the Education & Training Committee of the General Assembly for re-evaluation of the course material.

Timing is tight – the trainer will need to keep up the pace and be careful not to get too far off the subject. A suggested programme could be: 09h00 – 11h00 Understanding our role 11h00 – 11h30 Tea 11h30 – 13h00 Putting round pegs in round holes 13h00 – 14h00 Lunch 14h00 – 15h00 Fitting it together

In this pack the trainer should find everything s/he needs to prepare her/himself to facilitate this workshop. However, an understanding of the functioning of the UPCSA decision-making structures will be necessary and wider reading on the subject is strongly encouraged. MODULE 1 – UNDERSTANDING OUR ROLE (Approximately 2 hours)

SESSION MANAGEMENT (An Enrichment Course for Elders) Education & Training Committee

Revised format : 2019

UNITING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

207

5 Min INTRODUCTION • Welcome & introduce yourself. Name tags are useful. • Use OHP/ slide to explain course outline • Ask for evaluation forms to be returned at the close of the course. • Constitute in prayer • FORMS GROUPS

o No more than 5 to a table/ in a group o Explain roles of group leaders (to keep the group to the question & watch the time)

and scribes (to note what the group is saying and be ready to report back for no longer than 1 minute)

o Explain that leaders and scribes will be changed during the course of the program and that group members will be rotated from time to time.

5 Min “Ice breaker”

• Groups to elect a leader. No scribe required for this task. • Leader to ask group members to introduce themselves. • Group to discuss “What I enjoy about being an Elder” No report back on this.

10 Min • Groups to appoint a scribe • Groups to discuss “We see the role of an Elder as…”

10 Min After 10 Minutes, ask the groups to discuss “We see the role of Session as…”

While the groups are in discussion, divide the flipchart sheet into two columns. Head one “Elder” and the other “Session”. Distribute hand-out SM:1.1, face down on the tables. 10 Min Each group to have 1 minute to report back. Capture feedback into columns on flipchart paper.

(Looking for pastoral, setting an example, serving on Session, etc for Elders; leadership; oversight of congregation, planning, etc for Session.) If groups have muddled the roles, separate as you capture and explain the difference.

10 Min FACILITATOR INPUT (Note time: Keep input brief & to the point)

Invite participants to pick up the handout. Using Numbers 11:10-17, establish the Call to the eldership. For background see extracts from “Leading God’s People”

Highlight: • Elders are people who are raised by God from within the community/ congregation (whereas the

“Minister” is part of the eldership in that s/he is called into the position from outside). Recognised as leaders.

• Role of individual Elder vs Role of Session (Group responsibility; team orientation) Refer to the flipchart columns. No one Elder, working alone, could fulfil any of the Session’s responsibilities.

• Spirit-filled Eldership often referred to as “Spiritual leadership”

10 Min PLENARY

Brainstorm: What does the concept of “Spiritual leadership” mean to you and how would this be reflected by the Session? For background see : 10 Indicators of a Spirit-filled leader by Paul Chapel

Stress that both the Elder individually and the Session collectively are led by the Holy Spirit. All decisions, however practical, need to be made with spiritual issues in mind.

5 Min FACILIATATOR INPUT

Refer participates to “exploded atom” diagram. (See teaching note 1.1) Explain how the different activities might fit into that diagram. Suggest this diagram is only one possible illustration of the areas of a Session’s responsibility. Distribute SM1.2

10 Min Groups to peruse handout and to add or subtract from it as they feel appropriate 10 Min Scribes to share input from each group. Ask participants to update their own copies of the handout. 10 Min Groups to elect new leaders and scribes

Discuss: “What are the essentials any team must concentrate on to play as well as it can?” Distribute SM1.3

5 Min Scribes to feed back. See Teaching note SM1.2

10 Min FACILITATOR INPUT There is a “touchy feely” idea that effective teamwork relies on how each person is feeling – that

208

they feel loved and appreciated. While that is true for personal relationships, it is not necessarily true for teamwork. Teamwork means that people will try to cooperate with each other, despite any personal conflict between individuals, and will clearly defined roles within the team in order for everyone to have a clear purpose. For teamwork to take place in the Session, each person has to know and agree to the aims that the Session is trying to achieve. In order that this might happen more readily, there is a need for a new model and a better concept of Session Management.

End of module one. Break for tea. MODULE 2 : PUTTING ROUND PEGS IN ROUND HOLES (Approximately 1,5 hours) 20 min FACILITATOR INPUT:

One person from each group to move to a different group. You will remember that, this morning, I drew attention to the fact that the Session is a corporate body and needs to work as a team. Now, anyone who has played a team sport (like soccer, rugby or netball) will be able to confirm that one of the most important aspects of teamwork is “positional play”. A soccer team will not play its best if the strikers fall back and interfere with the goalkeeper; and if the goalkeeper moved out of the goalmouth and interfered with the defenders, he would leaving the goals open to the opposition. If you read the account of the Exodus, you will see that Moses assigned specific tasks to specific tribes/ groups of people. (See Numbers 10:11-28). So, when the cloud moved everybody knew what their role was. Without an established order, it would have been impossible for Moses to lead the Israelites across the wilderness to the Promised Land. So, the concept of “positional play” is important in itself. But there is also a point that particular positions require particular skills or abilities. Speed is an advantage to a soccer striker; agility is needed in the goalkeeper. Each one of us has different talents; different skills and abilities. But each one of us also has at least one particular, Spiritual gift, given to us by the Holy Spirit. It is quite clear from everything that is written about Spiritual gifts that ALL of ministry being restricted to just one person was never what God intended. Quite the opposite, in fact. It seems clear that God’s idea was that we should work together, be a team, inter-dependent upon each other and always dependent on Him.

Ephesians 4:11-13 Read the passage then highlight: • He gave SOME as apostles, and SOME as prophets etc. He did not give ONE to have all those

functions; different functions were to be performed by different people • The purpose was to equip his people (that’s us) for works of service and to build up the body of

Christ (which is the church – which, again, is us). So, if all had the same purpose, then clearly, whatever each was going to do, they would need to work together.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 Read the passage then highlight • There are varieties of gifts • There are varieties of ministries • Every Christian receives a gift – Paul writes “to each one” – not to the selected few; not only to

those who have earned it; to each one • The gifts are (again) given for the common good.

1 Peter 4:10 Read the passage then highlight: • As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of

the manifold grace of God.

And one last one, 1 Corinthians 12:11 Read the passage then highlight: • The gifts are given by the Spirit “just as he determines”. It is God’s decision who receives what

gift or gifts. Put up summary slide: To summarise these four passages, then, it is clear that: • We all have at least one gift • It is the Spirit who decides what gift we get • Our gifts differ from each other • But all gifts were given for the same purpose – the building up of the church

10 Min FACILITATOR INPUT

Pass out the “Discovering your gifts” handout while you talk.

It is extremely useful to know and understand the gift (or gifts) you have been given. This knowledge, plus an unbiased view of our natural talents and a recognition of what we are particularly interested in, informs the part we are best suited to play within the team that is the Session. The same information also informs your personal ministry and the part you play within the wider body of the Church. There are a number of exercises that have been designed to assist us in discovering our gifts – they range from really quite simple to hugely complicated. For our purposes today (and for you to use back in your own Sessions – if this is a multi-congregation workshop) we are using a

209

relatively simple tool. It consists of a questionnaire and a table into which you will need to capture the results of the questionnaire. They have been printed back-to-back to save paper. This tool is not designed to identify ALL the Spiritual Gifts. It will help you to discover those gifts best suited to the role you will play within your session. There are other, equally important gifts which relate more to the ministry of individuals. So, if you have an opportunity to do a similar exercise using one of the larger tools, please do so. What each person now needs to do is: • Read the first statement on the questionnaire. • On a scale of 1-5, decide how correct that statement is for you. So, the first statement says, “I

am good at listening”. If you know that you are REALLY good at listening, score yourself 5 points; if you know that you are too busy or too impatient or if your attention slides away if people talk too long, score yourself 0 points. If you are somewhere in the middle, rate yourself somewhere between 0 and 5.

• It is important that you rate yourself honestly; you need to rate yourself as you know yourself to be – not what you think all Christians should be or what you wish you could be.

• Turn the page over and write your rating into block number 1 (statement 1, block 1) • Then read the second statement and go through the same process. Turn the page over and write

your rating into block 2 (statement 2, block 2) • When you have filled in all the blocks from 1 to 36, then you need to add your scores together

across the table. So you will add your scores in blocks 1, 10, 19 and 28 and write the total into block A. Then you add together your scores in blocks 2, 11, 20 and 29 and write the total into block B and so on down the table. Draw a ring around the 2 highest scores.

When you have done all this, please wait until the others are finished. Let’s try to finish in 20 minutes. Please ask for help if you get stuck.

20 Min Participants work through questionnaire and complete the table.

20 Min Call groups back into plenary. Working from the top of the table, ask: • Who has “ringed” block A? Write “pastoral” next to that block. • Who has “ringed” block B? Write “teaching” next to that block. • And so on, down the table. Hand out SM2.1 and talk through it. Allow time for questions.

20 Min WRAP UP

• Remember that Spiritual gifts are given to build up the Body of Christ – not for the personal enhancement or status of the receiver. The fact that you might have discovered a gift for teaching does not mean you may take over the role of existing teachers in your congregation.

• It is the Spirit who decides who receives what gift – nobody is made more or less important depending on the gift they have received.

• ALL gifts are useful in their place. Some gifts are NOT more important than others. We need the helpers and administrators just as much as we need the pastors and evangelists.

• It is not only possible; it is important for each of us to practice using our gifts in order to develop them. A gift that lies dormant will fade away.

• Not having received a particular gift does not excuse you from involvement in any activity – you may NOT, for example, say I don’t have a gift for evangelism therefore I don’t have to bear witness to my faith. ALL Christians are called to bear witness, to help, to care for others.

• It is possible, as the handouts suggests, for us to mislead ourselves. Do consider asking others to complete the questionnaire about you in order to check the outcome.

Any more questions? Ask somebody to pray to say thank you for the food and break for lunch.

MODULE THREE : FITTING IT ALL TOGETHER (Approximately 1 hour) 10 min One person from each table to move to another table.

Each table to elect a new leader and a new scribe

FACILITATOR INPUT One of the surest ways to increase the effectiveness of a Session is to deliberately divide the labour – allocating certain responsibilities to specific people, rather than having everybody trying to keep an eye on everything. The work of the UPCSA General Assembly is undertaken by various committees, each of which carries on with its work independently, reporting to each GA meeting. While the work of a congregation differs from that of the General Assembly, this nevertheless suggests a practical working structure. A structure of this kind also allows individuals to concentrate on the areas of the work of the congregation that interest them most and where their gifts and skills can be most effectively used.

Refer the group back to the “exploded atom” and to handout SM1.2. Understanding that Elders, as individuals, have different interests, different talents and different Spiritual Gifts, how could you structure the Session to ensure that (a) everybody was involved and (b) all the areas of responsibility were receiving attention? Explain that some areas might logically be linked to other

210

areas and some activities overlap with others.

15 Min Groups to discuss. At 10-minute mark, pose the second question: “How could this structure be expanded to include additional members of the congregation?”

Remind at 14-minute mark to brief the scribes to report back

10 Min Plenary feedback. Allow time for questions to each group. (Take care that this does not become “nit-picky”.)

20 min FACILITATOR INPUT First of all, please be very clear that there might be any number of ways of doing this. Each Session needs to plan their own structure – the structure that will meet the needs of their own congregation. And every Session needs to be flexible enough to change that structure to meet changing circumstances to ensure that you continue to meet the needs of your own congregation. Sessions do not need to mirror the GA committee structure nor is it necessary to have a workgroup for each of the identified areas of responsibility. Hand out SM3.1 and SM3.2 while you speak. Let’s examine a couple of examples:

4-Workgroup structure

• Create 4 Workgroups, one each for Worship, Pastoral care, Mission and Education & communication

• Allocate specific tasks/ areas of responsibility to each Workgroup so that all aspects of work have been covered

• Allocate Elders to Workgroup taking into account personal interest and Spiritual Gifts. Elders are free to choose but EVERY Elder has to be a member of a Workgroup.

• Appoint/ elect 2 Elders to lead each Workgroup

Optional: o The 2 leaders, plus the minister, plus (say) the Session Clerk and Treasurer form the

Core Group o Core Group is an executive of Session; serves as a think-tank for the aims which the

individual Workgroups want to achieve; streamlines aims of different Workgroups to ensure compatibility with each other and overall congregation aims; oversees the work of the Workgroups; reports to Session.

Alternatively, workgroup leaders report to Session and Session oversees their activities.

• Workgroups meet once a month, in the week before the Session meeting • Once the aims have been agreed Workgroups can co-opt people from the membership in order

to implement their plans.

Advantages • All Elders are involved and held accountable • Time in Session meetings is reduced as only Workgroup decisions/ recommendations are

discussed • Opens space for involvement of members • Workgroups have clear area of operations

Reach up, Reach in, Reach out structure • Theoretically the same as the previous example except division is based on impact of activities

and Core group is excluded. • Workgroups to “unpack” their areas of responsibility to reflect the congregation’s actual

activities and have the authority to introduce new activities from time to time • Retains capacity to co-opt members of the congregation

Circular leadership structure • This is a very comprehensive diagram which, given in the light of what we have been

discussing, doesn’t really need any explanation. The diagram can be adapted to reflect any congregation’s actual activities.

• Membership of each sector can include “non-Elders” in order to draw the members of the congregation into the structure.

Allow time for questions if any. Remind that there is no “correct” way to do this. Sessions need to work out what will suit them and the needs of their congregation.

211

5 min WRAP UP To quickly summarise what we have achieved today…. • We have examined our roles as individual Elders and members of the Session • We have considered what makes a team function effectively and the importance of positional

play • We have learned a lot about Spiritual Gifts and discovered the gifts we ourselves have been

given • And we have considered how structuring the Session into Workgroups, consisting of the Elders

with the appropriate Spiritual Gifts, would smooth the functioning of the Session. Our task now is to go home and put what we have learned into practice – for the building up of the body of Christ and the greater glory of God’s kingdom. Let’s pray….

ANNEXURE 4

WHERE HAVE WE GONE WRONG? WHY DO WE FIND OURSELVES IN THIS BAD SPACE? This is a reflection of engagements held with a number of principals, teachers, parents and also students. The pressing issue is the kind of child or leaner or student that is found in our schools today. Children are not showing respect to the adults and adults are unable to change the situation. In the present school, there are few learners/ students who come from a home with a mother and father who support, love and discipline the child. There are more of those who are angry at life and society because nobody shows them love and support. These children resort to use drugs, alcohol and start participating in bad activities. They attack their teachers and fellow students; they carry various weapons to schools. The recent visits by police in schools within Queenstown area where they find all sorts of weapons and drugs shows how big the challenge is. When these children were asked why they carry these things to school their answer is; “to protect ourselves and also we use drugs to be cool and current”. These are children who stay with grandparents who are old, sickly and without the strength and energy to cope with the energetic young children who want to do as they like. These are children who are born out of wedlock and never experience the love of both parents, yes there few who come from homes where both parents are present but because of want to be relevant, they ended up following the group. Most of these children want to know who their fathers are, they are not told, if they are told they do not understand why the father is not there with him and vice versa. Girls also have a yearning for their mothers and fathers who are absent. Even if we agree or not, the truth is: THE FAMILY STRUCTURE HAS BROKEN DOWN. There is no certainty in our children, where food is going to come from or who will meet their needs. Meagre support from the grandparents and more negative influence from peers and the home. The word “RESPECT” is unknown, in society, at home, at church, at school, it is very scarce. In her address in our pre exams service, the provincial commissioner of the police (Lt. Gen. Liziwe Ntshinga) held on the 9th of September, 2018 said the other challenge face our children is that, they are being used to fuel tension among political leaders where they will be organised to protest against service delivery burning tyres and throwing stones, she said, the children need to be at school as they have no business in asking for houses and jobs. This observation of the commissioner shows how society has failed these children by not telling them what is right and wrong. The other question that is been asked is; where is the church what is the role of the church in addressing these challenges? If all of us parents, church and society we neglect to teach our children good values from an early age, what will they become when they are old? Exactly what we find today. Disrespectful children who do not listen, who do what they want, nobody reprimands them. Even at school, the parent will believe what the child tells him and not work with the teachers to resolve issues, because they are afraid of their children and grandchildren. We are at a crossroads. Children abuse drugs and liquor and end up fighting in taverns during weekends and those fights find their way into schools. Students, teachers and parents are affected negatively by this. Police are involved and the of the students becomes uncertain. Teachers and students are injured or killed and schools are disrupted and the rest of the school community traumatised. WHAT CAN WE DO? GO BACK TO BASICS. PUT GOD FIRST AND BRING BACK THE TOOLS THAT MADE A PERSON A PERSON. Rev X. Vatela

212

STEWARDSHIP Report to the 2019 Executive Commission 1. INTRODUCTION. The stewardship committee is once again privileged to once again serve the denomination this past year. Despite the fact that some members of Assembly Stewardship committee are inactive, stewardship work in the denomination is on a journey from bad to good. We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that at synod and presbytery levels, stewardship committees are established and, and furthermore financially sustained by their presbytery’s. On the path from bad to good, the committee strives to increase its capacity in areas of monitoring and evaluation, policy formulation and strategic focus and implementation, in order to critically assess the impact stewardship committee have at presbytery and congregational levels. The report covers the work done between the last General Assembly and 2019 executive commission. The committee had set for itself the following goals: 2. REPORT OUTLINE This report is sub-divided into the following sub-headings to enable the commissioners to the executive commission to capture the sequence of activities: Introduction, Committee goals, stewardship committee meetings, details on January 2019 stewardship circular, feedback on the draft training manual and stewardship guidebook for members, Notes on stewardship of creation, Training workshops and information sessions. 3. COMMITTEE GOALS The committee set for itself 8 particular goals for the period for 2018 General Assembly to 2019 executive commission in Port Elizabeth: 3.1 To develop stewardship action plan for stewardship month which is January of each year? 3.2. On quarterly provide congregations with updates on on-going stewardship work. 3.3. To submit the draft Stewardship Training Manuel to communications committee for proof reading, sp 3.4. To submit the Stewardship guidebook for members to Assembly Communications Committee for quality

assurance before being made available for printing. 3.5. To submit the draft Stewardship training manual to Assembly Communications Committee for quality

assurance before being made available for printing.

3.6. Contact stewardship training workshops as and when we get invitations from congregations. 3.7. Promote the sustainable use of the environment, and discourage approaches that are careless to it. 3.8. Encourage more responsible attitude towards assessment payments, and ministerial emoluments. 4. COMMITTEE GOALS The members of the committee as per the appointment of 2019 General Assembly in Benoni are as follows: The Rev MA.Thema (Convener),L.Ramokopu (Secretary),TG.Galela-Thema (Coordinator) Mrs PW.Ntlakana, Ms M.Tilo, Rev M.Jita, Rev I.Williams, Rev V.Zepe. The attendance is sometimes poor as members will submit their apologies at the eleventh hour. This has not been a serious challenge since four community members are based in Kroonstad where the convener lives. A total of five members had been attending the meetings on quarterly basis to monitor and evaluate progress. 5. STEWARDSHIP MONTH/JANUARY 2019. The committee met sometime in October to formulate and finalise the action plan for stewardship month in January 2019.Unfortunatly,a mistake had occurred because the convener had directed the brief to a wrong person instead of Assembly office. However, the mistake was rectified and the brief was sent to congregations in March this here. The committee strongly apologises for the huge inconvenience it has caused. The theme was “Equipping and releasing members of in various churches to be good stewards of all resources entrusted to them. The committee felt that the brief should form part of this report.

5.1. INTRODUCTION. Our focus this year is to encourage ministers and sessions to equip the whole body of Christ (children, youth’s, and adults)to do work of the ministry and to excel in every area of their gifting: accounting, data capturing, singing and dancing, giving motivation, counselling, bricklaying, plumbing, organising, and being teachers, lay-preachers, church development evangelists, prophets, Apostles, stewards etc. Equipping members of our churches and releasing them with genuine authority care and support to do what they are called to do is extremely imperative. There is nothing like one-gift church, where the teaching elder does everything. The reformation is not yet complete. Most congregations are still far from the form and character that they are called to be. Let’s get our members properly joint to the whole Body of Christ. Rick Joyner uses Ephesians 4:15-16 to clearly illustrate the fact that the body is build up by that which “every joint supplies.” He says that a joint is not a part, but is where two parts come together. He brilliantly says “we cannot form a joint with another part of the Body if we do not know what part we are. Each part has to be aligned to its joint for example the arm has to be joined to wrist,

213

and not to the knee. He maintains the fact that there are many instances where people join churches and shortly abscond because they are not properly joined to the church and its ministries.(Rick Joyner, High Calling:50 days to a soaring vision, Pg 132. 5.2. THE OBJECTIVES. 5.2.1. Promote stewardship as the mission prior of the denomination through preaching and teaching

(Sunday Services), Thursday (Women’s fellowship), Saturdays (Youth Groups) and Wednesday (Men Fellowships), and Sunday morning for (Sunday Schools).

5.2.2. Do skills/talents, gifts audit, develop an action plan on how to equip church members sufficiently and appoint ministry teams for the work of ministry and discipleship?

5.2.3. Encourage all members to exercise full and faithful participation in the annual “Pledge-a-thon “where each members is suppose to increase their pledge for the New Year. Once you feel ok and comfortable with your pledge, know that it is time to increase it.

5.2.4. Identify giving stalwarts in your church, arrange for a service in which their faithful giving is celebrated and honoured. As a token of appreciation give each of them a certificate of appreciation.

5.2.5. Each Sunday of January, those who have been faithful and consistent in giving (giving warrior) be allowed to give a motivational talk of not more than 10 minutes to the congregation.

5.3. ACTIVITIES FOR THE MONTH.

DATE ACTIVITIES 06 January 2019 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 4:7; 6:19-20. Everything we have is a trust

from God, to be used for his glory. • Goal: Reveal God’s beauty and goodness to the world, and sharing Christ’s

work. • Individual responsibility: Reflect be realistic on how much money,

gifts/skills and material resources they are going to give to the local church monthly.

• Pledge of Commitment: Here members will in writing indicate in the pledge register prepared for this purpose, activities each member has decided to be involved with in the New Year.

• Welfare Focus: Special offering has to be taken to help local ecumenical projects.

• 10 Minutes Motivational Talk : On sharing God’s work and our resources with the less fortunate.

13 January 2019 Scripture reading : God’s money plan is simple.”Give, and it will be given to

you”(Luke 6:38). • Goal: Stewarding your resources and giving to the Lords work. (Sacrificial

giving), and the reward of faithful giving. • Individual responsibility: Reflect and be realistic on how much money,

gifts/skills and material resources you have decided to give to your church monthly.

• Pledge of Commitment: Here members will in writing indicate in the pledge register prepared for this purpose, activities each member has decided to be involved with in the New Year.

• Welfare Focus: Special offering has to be taken to help local ecumenical projects.

• Stewardship Champions: Appoint five stewardship champions, equip them sufficiently and release them for stewardship work in your districts.

• 10 Minutes Motivational Talk : Money and Values 20 January 2019 Scripture Reading:”It is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy”

(1 Corinthians4:2). • Goal: Reflect on the most prized qualities of stewardship-faithfulness and

trustworthiness. • Individual responsibility: Look for specific evidence faithfulness in

themselves and in the Body of Christ. • Welfare Focus: Special offering has to be taken to help local ecumenical

projects. • Pledge Cards: Each member receives an empty pledge card at the end

of the service o be filled and returned next Sunday. • Pledge of commitment: Decide now how much money, your gifting and

material resources you are going to give to your church monthly. • 10 Minutes Motivational Talk: Sacrificial giving.

27 January 2019 Scripture Reading:”And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ”Whom shall I

send, and who will go for us? Then I said “Hear am I send me.” Isaiah 6:8.

214

Goal: Renewing of covenant relationship, ordination vows by ministers and elders, and induction vows by leaders and managers.

• Welfare Focus: Special offering has to be taken to help local ecumenical projects.

• Certificates of Honour & Special Lunch :For few outstanding stewardship stalwarts (warriors)

• Pledge-a-thon: Pledge cards have been submitted, and indeed members have decided how much money they are going to pledge on monthly basis.

• Communion :The service will close with Communion 6. CIRCULAR LETTER TO CONGREGATIONS. In pursuance of its work of promoting stewardship in the denomination, the committee had instructed the convener to write a circular letter on quarterly basis to be distributed to all ministers and congregations. We are confident that this kind of information will assist conveners at presbytery and congregational level to excel in promoting stewardship work. We have only included two circulars so that assembly has a clue of what this report is talking about. Allow me to extend a special word of appreciation to Limpopo presbytery in particular for responding positively by giving us feedback on the guidebook for members. 6.1. THE UNITING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

PHOMOLONG UNITING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

2380 Gelukwaarts, Maokeng, Kroonstad, 9500 P.O.BOX 5343, Lengau, Kroonstad, 9500

GIVE GOD YOUR BEST

ASSEMBLY STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE To: Ministers, Sessions & Congregations 25 November 2018 The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa Zimbabwe,Zambia,South Afroca, JOHANNESBURG 0001 BRIEF: STEWARDSHIP MONTH (JANUARY 2019). Dear Ministers, Session Clerks & Congregations. Fellow Presbyterians, if we just look back at the year that is galloping faintly to its end, I think we will be amazed at how quickly time has gone by. The question is where to from here? Well the answer is to a joyous celebration of the birth of the prince of peace. Then into the New Year and right at threshold is stewardship month. In case you did not know! Two years ago, we as a denomination have declared January as stewardship month. Below is an action plan for January month to be used by sessions and congregations. However, sessions are at liberty to make some adjustments and additions where necessary to make it user-friendly. The brief has the following: 2019 theme, introduction, objectives, and action plan. Hope you find this useful. We will appreciate if you give us feedback plus photos before the end of February 2019.This will be an integral part the executive commission report in September. We will also make this information available for publishing in the Presbyterian Link. May Christmas 2018 herald a new dawn of giving ourselves first to God, of sharing God’s work with others, and finally of releasing our material resources to God’s work in our congregations. It also heralds an era of hope to all humankind. During this period, we also celebrate the pinnacle of excellence. Excellence in the immaculate conception of the Messiah, the precision and accuracy of his humanity and divinity, his unsurpassed humility, and unostentatious appearance throughout his ministry. God wants us to be loyal people, and to be wholeheartedly committed to the local church and the community around us. I wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Shalom Warmest Regards Rev Malose Alpheus Thema

God Bless Africa, Guard her Children, Guide her Leaders, and give her peace. Amen

………………………………………………………………………………… The Rev M.A.Thema

073 263 3312 or 083 492 2647 2380 Gelukwaarts, Maokeng, Kroonstad, 9500

ntatethema@gmail.com

215

6.2. THE UNITING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

PHOMOLONG UNITING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

2380 Gelukwaarts, Maokeng, Kroonstad, 9500 P.O.BOX 5343, Lengau, Kroonstad, 9500

CALL OUT THE GOLD, BRONZE, SILVER AND PLATUNUM IN EACH OTHER. ASSEMBLY STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

30 OCTOBER 2018 To: Ministers, Sessions and congregations The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa Johannesburg, 0001 SOUTH AFRICA THE BLESSING OF GIVING AND TITHING Dear Brothers and Sister’s Special Greetings in the mighty name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I hope you are well blessed in the Lord, and that this letter finds you experiencing God’s richest blessings in every area of your Christian journey. I’ve had the privilege of attending several church fellowships revivals, Presbytery meetings, and conferences, and also had the privilege listening to plenty of motivational speakers. My usual regret is that in most instances, nothing is said about Biblical stewardship and giving throughout the gathering and wonder why because stewardship is the mission priority of the congregation and integral part of church administration and financial management. We have asked the communications committee to look into the possibility of creating a column specifically for stewardship news. We hope this approach will help presbyteries that have not gained sufficient traction in prioritising stewardship work in their presbyteries to ask for professional help and assistance from others. Let me also highlight the fact that January has been declared by General Assembly as stewardship month. I wish in January 2019 more sessions and congregations will plan activities in support of stewardship, and that more ministers and preaching during the covenant services would talk more about this truth, as it seems many Christians seem to know very little about the subject matter. In the first week of December, all congregations and presbytery stewardship committee will receive a detailed brief on the plan of action for January month. In essence the focus should be on individual stewardship, “calling out the gold, silver and platinum in each other. Reflecting on the attitude of our hearts in terms of stewardship and giving, and repositioning our hearts desires and priorities towards supporting church work fully, correctly and consistently. We have to smart and enable our members to release the spiritual gifts, and material resources at their disposal for Jesus Christ, church and nation. As much as much is said about prayer warriors, let us stage information sessions to appreciate giving warriors in our churches and communities. We need to have special services dedicated for highlighting giving stewards who have kept the candle burning in churches. Let us have these conversations on giving warriors going. My appeal to the Moderator’s of presbyteries help in the following things: 1. That they should make themselves available, 2. Support stewardship work, provide leadership, 3. Make reasonable budgets available for stewardship work, 4. Eliminate existing barriers, 5. Fill up leadership, planning and implementation gaps quickly. Jesus intends to use the church, even in its weakness and fragmentation as his primary valued tool to reach the inhabited world with the Gospel sharing God’s character and glory with all nations. However, sometimes is hard to attain because of deception, indecisiveness and lack of commitment by some people to make resources available. I have a strong conviction that something is fundamentally wrong with how sessions and presbyteries position stewardship in their strategic planning. Unfortunately, some still regard stewardship as the tail and not the head. I am trying to understand what went wrong. When something starts going fundamentally wrong, it means it is the result of a problem with the foundation. We need to re-examine the very foundation of our Gospel message on stewardship and giving, on strategic approaches and training, or lack of one, which are currently being used to disciple new members into the church, students at universities and those who are on probation. We need to go back to the basics. I just felt I need to say few things on Tithing. Our challenge is that we know about it and think it is Old Testament mambo jumbo, and therefore miss the truth. In fact it is worth noting that there are well researched arguments in favour and against tithing. I have no intention to explain each individual case, but the pattern these arguments seems to be clear on one thing that God is in control and is working out his purposes for our good and his glory. You see, the old Puritan, Thomas Watson was correct in saying that” Where reason cannot wade, their faith must swim” (Looking up when life gets you down, pg 85: Warren

216

W.Wiersbe. I think it will be a good idea if your session arranges for a one day seminar/talk show for the youth’s in your church to reflect on giving and tithing. Surely this will definitely help the church to re-evaluate some of its approaches and positions towards giving in the church. Now, the very suggestion that church members should consider tithing correctly and consistently strikes most of them as laughable. Sadly, circular financial commitments and obligations are handled exceedingly well, while the tithing system of the creator who owns everything in the universe is treated with scorn. Should tithing be treated scornfully? Is it a Passe? Or a financial imperative we must observe in our Christian walk? You see, one of the oblivious lessons from the Bible in Malachi 3:8-10, is that it makes a clear declarative statement pronouncing a prosperous life on those who observe tithing, and conversely, a curse is directed at those who are non-committed to it. Tithing is an act of faith because we are now carriers of God’s presence as his Spirit lives in us. He has blessed our workplace, families and churches from season to the next. His abiding presence has been with us throughout our Christian walk .He chooses to use ordinary, like you and me, to build his Kingdom, to change people’s life and to change the world. An authentic faith in action (in giving and tithing) is significant. Our faith has to vibrant and useful for church planting, planning and development. What has God placed in your heart for supporting his church? Does your personal faith and life impact on your church? Are you a thermometer or a thermostat? Some people in the church are like thermometer, they measure the atmosphere and if it not favourable for them they leave the church without giving reasons why they have lost interest. On the other hand, we have thermostats, unlike the “thermometers” they work relentlessly to change and impact the environment around in church and society until it is conducive for spiritual nourishment and growth. Time and time again, God preserves us through times of hardship, political and social instability and financial adversity for a simple reason that we be faithful thermometers in building his kingdom in the universe. It is imperative that we start shifting some of the focus from ourselves into prioritising God’s church and his kingdom. No matter what our philosophy of life may be, the fact of the matter is tithing is God’s financial system of responsibility, transparency and accountability. To tithe means to allocate one tenth of one’s income to Jesus Christ and his church. It has always been God’s financial system, and is still a binding obligation on us to whom blessings are promised. The only financial system which enjoys the support of the Old & New Testaments for the support of the church is tithing. It is a known fact that Abraham, the patriarch gave his tithe to the priest Melchizedek long before the Israelites were ever given the tithing law (Genesis 14:18-20). The prophets directly condemned those who would not tithe (Malachi 3:8-10).According to Matthew 23:23, tithing was the recognised system during Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry. Furthermore, Paul also stated that tithing contributions were important to support God’s work (Hebrews 7:4-14).Those who oppose tithing cannot turn to Scripture in supporting their arguments against tithing. It becomes increasingly clear that tithing is the system God has always used to finance his work. In conclusion, the principle of tithing remains what it has always been. By tithing we confirm our love to God by supporting his church, and also appreciating the fact that God loves us. Listen to this, ”How you are living is the sermon you are preaching to others.” John Gray. Finally, “God never asks us do what He Himself does not do. God Himself is the great Giver, even though he is the Lord and Owner of all things. He gives Himself, and all good things, to bless His creation. God the Father gave His son (John 3:16).The son so loved the church that He gave Himself for it (Ephesians 5:2).The Holy Spirit loves and gives gifts to the church (1 Corinthians 12:1-9) KJ.Conner, pg 13. I feel thrilled because the hand of God is at work in the denomination. It is still my absolute pleasure and privilege to dedicate myself to serve the denomination even though we still struggling in opening communication lines, and getting feedback reports from some presbyteries. Please tell us more about stewardship activities in your region. Let us re-prioritise stewardship, re-align our strategic approaches. We need to work together and pull together if we are to live our legacy. Once more I am making an appeal to all moderators in presbyteries to support stewardship work, and ensure that such structures exist at presbytery level. Enjoy serving Jesus Christ. As always May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you in all your ways Warmest Regards. Rev Malose Alpheus Thema Assembly Stewardship Convener.

. God Bless Africa, Guard her Children, Guide her Leaders, and give her peace.

Amen …………………………………………………………………………………

The Rev M.A.Thema :Contact Details 073 263 3312 or 083 492 2647 Email Address :ntatethema @gmail.com

P,O,BOX 5343,Lengau,9499 or 2380 Gelukwaarts, Maokeng, Kroonstad, 9500 ntatethema@gmail.com

217

7. CHURCH ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT. “The time came when a pastor had to move. A new pastor, equally concerned with spiritual matters as his predecessor, but at the same time appropriately concerned with administrative matters, took over the leadership of the congregation. A young elder who was in government employment by God’s plan got transferred into the area. He naturally joined the congregation. The new elder, who was a trained administrator in Government, had very good knowledge of accounts. The new pastor and the new elder straight away appreciated the problem. They quickly saw that the church’s problem was not so much spiritual as administrative. They tactfully put across to both congregation and leaders that God was as interested in the administrative side of the church as he was in the spiritual side” (Together in one place: The story of Pacla, pg 158). It is of greater value that sessions and the finance committee, as well as other structures at congregational should work hard to enable the spiritual and administrative streams to co-exist sufficiently for the betterment of church growth. Reporting and accounting principle and policies must be transparent enough. The question and answer we are seeking is whether Stewardship Boards in all congregations are doing enough in accountability and transparency, while on the other hand respecting general accounting and financial management principles. Financial management is a serious matter. It is a matter of life and death and presbytery records committees must expand their scope and quality assures both session minutes books, stewardship board minutes as well as income and expenditure records. As we conduct stewardship workshops, we have noticed that some congregations need capacity building workshops on church administration and financial management. In fact that is the scope of presbytery stewardship committee. Briefly let me tabulate some of the mistakes that should be corrected:

• Secretary has no minute book but record a few points in his/her personal note book • Records of Sunday collections and expenditure are not recorded correctly in the minute’s books. • Stewards collect, but neither they, nor the treasurer gave receipts for the money collected from the

congregation. • When a pressing personal need came, committee members would borrow the church money for their

personal use and refund it later. • There is also an instance where the treasure would keep the church money in his clothes-chest at

home. Sessions must work tirelessly, correctly and consistently to rectify this anomaly by formulating and implementing policies that will ensure the safeguarding of church finances. The danger of separating the administrative part of things from the spiritual terrain must be discouraged. Church finances must always be treated with extreme care. In everything we account to God, because he owns us and the natural environment. In fact for those charged with the stewardship of God’s money, there is great spiritual responsibility. All of us who serve on the finance committees; who keep the records and the books as stewards as material resources, are all accountable to God, because every area of our lives, as elders, leaders and teachers is to under God’s control. He is to be Lord of all our material resources. 8. LET US TAKE NATURE SERIOUS. This section serves to encourage and motivate members of our denomination in the three countries to take nature serious, and voluntarily be good stewards of God’s creation. We have to stand up and speak out with courage to defend and protect God’s property entrusted into our safe-keeping. It has to be restated that God has created the earth and natural environment for his pleasure and his Glory. Gen 1:1-3:24, and Psalm 24:102 serve as beautiful narratives about creation, stewardship, justice and equity, salvation, resurrection, sin, redemption, equity and community. These narratives also disclose God’s identity as holy, righteous, loving, compassionate healing and life-giving. This kind of background information about God’s ownership of creation should enable every member of the UPCSA to re-think and re-evaluate attitudes and everyday actions towards eco-justice, and care of natural environment. We must pay attention to the following critical areas:

• God’s pronouncement on completion of his creation of his creation that it was good, very good with reference to our responsibility of his amazing work cannot be taken for granted (Genesis 1:31).

• God has created beautiful laws of nature such the changing seasons of the year, and sabbatical year to give even the land and soil a time of rest. This simply means that care for the nature is a top priority and it pleases God.

• Justice and equity with regards to God’s abundant provision for all has to be managed accurately in order to reduce the gap between the rich and poor.

There is a huge task ahead of us with regards to this matter. Since we are on a journey from bad to good, we must re-state that the Christian life is far more than a struggle to survive. It is has to be an exciting daily personal encounter with the living God and his creation. Christian ethics should always hold us accountable for what we do with God’s creation. For example many rivers have become open sewers so that the homeless and people in the countryside who depend on this water are exposed to serious health hazards. Sometimes mines and industries spew out their filth carelessly and with impunity and unfortunately, these things happen and no tough action is taken on the culprits. The very air that God intended to keep us alive is becoming increasingly burdened and polluted, resulting in acid rain, and consequently the destruction of the ozone layer. We must remember that God had entrusted into our stewardship the only planet provided as a home for life on earth.

218

It is an open secret that most ministers neither do nor preach about these things and to touch action is taken. I trust that one day the denomination will be lead by the moderator of Assembly will be passionate about stewardship, and talk stewardship language throughout his term of office. 9. TRAINING WORKSHOP AND INFORMATION SESSIONS.

Date NAME OF CHURCH NO ACTIVITY 03.10.2018 Zamdela Presbyterian

Church (Trans-Xariep Presbytery & St Stephens Presbyterian Church (Lekoa Presbytery)

20 After a warm welcome and introductions of all leaders who attended, the convener unpacked the business for the day. The following topics were covered at the workshop.

• Church Administration and financial management. • How to handle God’s finances with integrity. • How to draw a budget, and to manage it. • Giving and money values • Why pay assessment payment and ministerial

emoluments. 04.10.2018 Zamdela Presbyterian

Church 15 After leading the opening service the Sunday school teacher

welcomed and introduced the convener. The convener asked young people to accept themselves as God made them, and further encouraged each one of them to use the spiritual gifts God has entrusted them with. He highlighted the importance of giving time, talents, spiritual gifts, creative thing, energy, money, and other material things to God. He also reminded them that God also gave his son to die for sinners. The convener used Eben de Jager children’s tale The Sparrow with Muscles to enable them understand the how part of giving their gifts to the church and their families. Sorry the space is not enough to narrate the story, but of critical importance was to illustrate to them that within the body of Christ, are various parts of the body which fit together to make a complete whole. Each member of the church has a unique and important role to play. Like the sparrow they must have confidence in themselves and compete with giants.

04.10.2018 Zamdela Presbyterian Church

85 Scripture reading: Jeremiah 29:8-11,w Corinthians 8:6-8,John 21:15-19. The information session addressed the following:

• To excel in the spiritual discipline of giving ( 2 Corinthians 8:7).

• Significance of Stewardship as the mission priority of the denomination.

• Assessments payments. • Spiritual Gift. • How to develop integrated purpose statements • Importance of vision and mission statements

206.01.2019 Moletsane Presbyterian Church

15 After an inspiring prayer, the Rev Tieho.Letsheleha welcomed the Convener and leaders who were present. The workshop was exciting as participants displayed maximum participation throughout the day. The scope of work covered the following topics:

• Unpacking stewardship mission and vision, strategic goals.

• Church Administration and Financial Management. • Unpacking models of giving. • How to develop Budgets, policies and reporting systems. • Giving : Assessments, emoluments, maintenance. • Stewardship committee at congregational level.

207.01.2019 Moletsane Presbyterian Church

It was covenant service, the church was full to capacity. the Rev Tieho Letsheleha lead devotions, covenant service, holy communion, introduced the convener and explained the purpose why the convener was present. In his preaching the convener spent ample time unpacking the following topics:

• To excel in the spiritual discipline of giving (2 Corinthians 8:7).

• Significance of Stewardship as the mission priority of the denomination.

• Assessments payments. • Spiritual Gift. • How to develop integrated purpose statements • Importance of vision and mission statements

219

10. TRAINING MANUAL AND GUIDEBOOKLET. As per the decision of 2018 General Assembly the draft training manual and guidebook for members were sent to presbytery’s stewardship committees for commends. We are proud to inform the executive commission that Assembly communications committee had worked tirelessly to quality assure the guidebook for members. The work is complete and once it is endorsed by the Executive commission or Assembly, it will be placed at the resource centre for distribution to individuals and congregation at a set price. As to the draft training manual, the committee felt that the communications committee need to be given ample time to go through it and once they are done, it will be presented to Assembly for endorsement and then copies will be placed at the resource centre for distribution. This we will do in consultation with the Priorities and Resource We are very proud to be associated with the communications committee. Soon this dream will be realised. Some comments made us aware that we have neglect the area pertaining to environmental affairs, eco-system, pollution, etc. Already the convener has tasked some committee members to look into this matter, and to start talks with Church and society to work together since it is also their scope of work.

11. CONCLUSION In conclusion, I would like to align myself with Rev Rully Z.Notshe that the gifts God has entrusted to us are there to be used when they are needed, not just when we choose. When we see a need, God asks us to meet it (A Biblical Guide to stewardship, pg 96).Furthermore, it has to be emphasised again and again that giving is an act of worship. In the centuries before Christ, when an Israelite offered a lamb, a pigeon, or some type of grain offering to God, it was an act of worship. It was a seen as a gift to God. The point of giving is that Go deserves the best. Giving is simply one of the purest and most direct ways we can honour and worship God. On the other hand, giving is a declaration of dependence on God. When you give your best and first to God, you’re stating that your hope and faith are in him, not in your resources. God has always been our source strength, power, achievements and successes of the UPCSA. When we give, we acknowledge that God is a giver of all gifts and that our eyes are on him for our daily provision. If God’s people, who were only under the Law and who knew nothing of the intimacy of God Spirit and the sacrifice of Jesus blood, gave a tenth of all they had to God, can we really do any less? Should we be comfortable giving less than what they did? Think about this. Shalom.

THE REV MALOSI ALPHEUS THEMA CONVENER PROPOSALS 1. The Executive Commission receives the report. 2. The Executive Commission commends communications committee for the good work done in supporting

stewardship committee in its work. 3. The Executive Commission reminds all presbyteries that stewardship is the mission priority of the denomination

instructs them to appoint presbytery stewardship committees and should support them finically. 4. The Executive Commission notes that the stewardship manual and guidebook for members will be presented in

the coming General Assembly for endorsement. 5. The Executive Commission encourages sessions and congregation to remember that January of each year is

stewardship month. . .

.

220

MISSION AND DISCIPLESHIP

Report to the 2019 Executive Commission

The Committee members are: Royden Blackwell, Zama Gebeda, Victor Letuka, Lita Madaka, Madoda Mfene, Richard Mkandawire, Diutloileng Monokoane, Jabu Ngwenya, Elias Simango, Eddie Stopforth, Wayne van Heerden and Theo Groeneveld (Convener). In addition to the committee we still draw on the experience of past committee members Christopher Judelsohn and Sheila Hunt, we’ve co-opted Ruth Armstrong and Johan Opperman who have shown interest in the work of the committee and George Marchinkowski plays a vital role with the work he is doing as leader of the Missional Congregations Project. Alan Webster has also assisted the committee in various ways. We also enjoy fantastic support from Bester Mahlangu and Philip Gohl who assist with our payment of grants from General Assembly Office and from Lungile Mpetsheni our General Secretary. A very big “thank you” is expressed to all of these faithful people.

Since General Assembly 2018, the committee met on 21-22 Aug 2018, held an Inspire Conference and Convener’s Training at Emseni from 9-12 October 2018, and met on 19-20 Feb 2019.

Introduction: Understanding our Work.

As a number of committee members were newly appointed from GA 2018, part of the first meeting was used to tighten up our vision, values and focus.

Our Vision Statement

The Mission and Discipleship sees its work as:

• Inspiring and mobilizing the UPCSA to become more Missional and holistically assisting Presbyteries in planting, developing and maintaining congregations within the UPCSA.

• Providing opportunities and resources for our members to grow in faith and service. Dreams and Values

• Inspire the broader church with timely and relevant input. • Earn credibility through consistent excellent work (under-promise and over-deliver). • Paradigm shift from maintenance to mission. From protecting status quo to pioneering. • To awaken, gather and equip the pioneers, builders, dreamers and planners. • Give gifts to the Denomination – resources, ideas and opportunities.

Areas of Focus

• INSPIRE: To promote and encourage a mindset around Mission, Discipleship and Church Growth. • MOBILSE: Providing practical support and guidelines to mobilize and unleash people and congregations

in missional service. • RESOURCING: To provide resources on our website that will assist congregations in the areas of

discipleship, leadership, and the practical aspects. • INVESTING: Financial assistance is offered to congregations for church planting, building and ministry. • REACHING: Working to stimulate members, congregations and Presbyteries to respond to God’s call to

Mission. The rest of the report will deal with these Areas of Focus.

1. Inspire

1.1. The Missional Congregations Project

This project was started in 2015 for an initial three years and was extended to Dec 2020. The project is spearheaded by George Marchinkowski and aims to:

1. Facilitate the UPCSA’s involvement in Fresh Expressions (now Fresh Africa) which equips and trains people in Missional Church. Fresh Africa is taking the core concepts of the Mission Shaped Ministry project and applying them to our African setting. A lot of work is being done to roll the courses out in Zimbabwe and Zambia.

2. Research the latest trends and thoughts in Missional Thinking. To this end George has been connecting to work done in the USA, Scotland and CWM with regard to Missional Church.

3. Produces resources around the idea of Missional Church to help members understand the shifts taking place in society and how it impacts the church. George has written four extremely valuable articles and a “PowerPoint” that highlight the major shifts in society and the key concepts of Missional Church. This powerpoint and a number of other resources have been put on USB sticks and given to every Presbytery MaD Convener. These resources are also downloadable from our website.

221

4. Provide Input in the form of presentations and workshops at Presbyteries and Congregations. In October George was in the Central Cape at St Francis Congregation in Sedgefield where he did two workshops that were attended by representatives from congregations in the area.

5. Run a pilot Pioneering Incubator. This is being done in the Egoli Presbytery. Six congregations are participating and are being exposed to the MSI (Mission Shaped Introduction) and are being coached to start New Worshipping Communities. This project entered its final year in April and reports on the outcomes learnings will be brought to Assembly.

1.2. Continuing the Work of the Models of Ministry Report of 2016.

This report was the work of Joint Task Team (Ministry and Mission & Discipleship) and was received by General Assembly 2016 with acclaim. Arising from this report a joint sub-committee was formed to continue the work arising from this report. This will be covered in the Ministry Committee’s report, but the Mission and Discipleship Committee members on this task-team would like to express thanks to Glynis Goyns for her sterling convenership of the team and its vital work of transforming the way we consider ministry in our changing world.

1.3. UPCSA Missional Church Definition:

The UPCSA Strategic Plan calls for a clear definition of Missional Church that can be used by Presbyteries and congregations in their own strategic thinking and planning. In the latter half of 2016 the committee produced a definition that has been distributed widely within the UPCSA and shared with other ecumenical partners and the Council for World Mission. The definition is reproduced here once again and the committee calls on the Assembly to encourage all members of the UPCSA to study it and embrace it.

What is a Missional Church?

A Missional Church is a sent Church, which understands its primary work

as witnessing to Christ and serving God in the world.

A Missional Church is shaped by God for the community into which God has placed it.

A Missional Church is focused on those who don’t yet know Jesus.

A Missional Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is focused on working with God in bringing fullness of life

(involving justice, healing, wholeness and reconciliation) to all the people of the world.

1.4 Congregation definition and categories

The 2017 Assembly Executive Commission adopted the following definition of the local congregation:

A congregation (or worshipping community) is a group of people who gather regularly to meet Christ in Word and sacrament, practice mutual care and make disciples in our changing culture. They do so while seeking to participate with God in the transformation of the world. As communities, they move toward sustainability in leadership and ministry.

This new definition has obvious consequences for how we categorise congregations in the UPCSA and how we determine which are to be constituted and which are not, which are to pay assessments and which are not, and which are able to commission members to Presbytery and which are not. Attached to this report, as Appendix B, is a tabular presentation of the various categories of congregations in the UPCSA based on the definition of a congregation stated above. Presbyteries are asked to begin working with these definitions.

1.5 Contact with and Support of Presbyteries.

Over the years the committee has conducted various visitations to Presbyteries. While this has been helpful, up to a point, the committee is focussing on strengthening relationships with Presbytery Conveners. To this end, the committee brought all Presbytery Mission and Discipleship Conveners to the Inspire Conference in October and spent additional time in equipping these conveners. In addition to this the committee has formed a small task team that is connecting with conveners.

The committee is still exploring ways to support the Lekoa Presbytery which has 20 congregations and only 3 ministers.

1.6. Inspire Conference 2018.

The Fourth Inspire Conference was held at Emseni from the 9th- 11th of October 2018. The conference was well attended and well received. The programme and Workshop Themes are shown below:

222

Tues 9 October Wed 10 Thu 11

9h00-10h30 Paul Siaki – Gospel and Culture

9h00- 10h30 Peter Langerman – The Missional Mod

11h00-13h00 Royden and Alan about Kairos L10T etc

11h30-13h00 Dreaming about Missional Church

12h00-14h00 Registration 13h00-14h00 Lunch 13h00-14h00 Lunch and Close

14h00-15h30 Chris Harrison – Church Planting case study

14h00-15h30 Workshops 2

16h00-17h30 Workshops 1 16h00-17h30 Workshops 3

Workshops:

1. A Masterclass on Missional Leadership: (George Marchinkowski) 2. Strategising for the Future: (Lungile Mpetsheni) 3. Missional Values: (Theo Groeneveld) 4. Discipleship: (Armando Sontange) 5. The Order of Lay Ministries: (Eddie Stopforth) 6. Church Plants in your Presbytery – The Pioneering Incubator: (Chris Judelsohn) 7. What’s Your Story? Heartlines: (Brian Helsby)

1.7. Inspire Conference 2020.

The Committee will hold the fifth Inspire Conference and the Presbytery Conveners’ Consultation at Emseni, on 8, 9 and 10 September 2020.

1.8. Month of Mission 2018. The Month of Mission for 2018 was entitled “Wherever I am”. It was well received by over 300 email correspondents and received a lot of positive attention on our social media platforms.

A very big THANK YOU to our team of Dev Writers: George Marchinkowski, Christopher Judelsohn, Lungile Mpetsheni, Peter Langerman, Sipho Mtetwa, Richard Mkandawire, Andries Combrink, Royden Blackwell, Diutloileng Monokoane, Lita Madaka, Madoda Mfene, Elias Simango, Wayne van Heerden, Ruth Armstrong, Jackie Barker, Tatenda Garande, James Lungu, James Gray, Biggie Mususa, Kennedy M’hone, Fundiswa Kobo, Gleness Magovere, Allan Mchulu, Glynis Goyns, Faresy Sakala, Zaccheaus Chilembo, Shona v/d Lingen, Susan Mumba, Jane Moyo Nyirengo, and Pat Baxter

1.9. Month of Mission 2019.

The Committee is proposing that October be designated as the Month of Mission.

The proposed theme is “He gave gifts…” (Exploring the Mission of the Church in Eph 4:(7-)11-16)

The Sunday Sermon Series would be as follows: Sunday 6th: The One who descended and ascended… Sunday 13th: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastor-Teachers Sunday 20th: What is the Church for? Sunday 27th: What does a Healthy Church look like?

You can subscribe to the October Month of Mission at: https://bit.ly/2Lc0Ae2

(The readings and sermon outlines are in the Appendices)

2. Mobilise

2.1. Church Development Evangelists (CDE)

There has been some confusion about the position of the CDE in relation to other forms of ministry. The table in the Appendices will hopefully clarify this.

The committee has been requested to consider assisting with a conference for CDE’s in Zambia. At the time of writing this report, it is uncertain whether this will be possible in the light of the financial constraints the UPCSA was experiencing at the time. We are hopeful that by the time Executive Commission meets, this conference will have taken place.

2.2. The Order of Lay Ministries (OLM)

Given that one of the four cardinal points for the UPCSA for 2019 is leadership development, we are excited to report on the progress of the OLM. The idea behind this order is to uplift, train and inspire those who serve in local congregations. If you are a Lay Preacher, a Youth Worker, a Pastoral Visitor, a Local Evangelist, Children’s

223

Ministry Convener or a Worship Leader you can apply to your Presbytery to be recognised as such and be inducted to the Order of Lay Ministries after you have gone through a process of training that will help you take your leadership to the next level.

Currently we have 16 candidates who have completed the process of Foundations Training; of these, 8 have been evaluated by their respective Presbyteries and set aside (all as Lay Preachers). 3 of these Lay Preachers have been appointed as Stated Supply within their Presbyteries. The remaining 8 are still being processed by their respective Presbyteries.

We have 89 current candidates who are in the process of completing an interactive correspondence course and being evaluated by their Presbyteries. This means we are equipping our leaders in the UPCSA!

We are also very excited to include the “Local Evangelist” as one of the types of ministries that fits into the “quiver” of OLM Ministries. For those who are unfamiliar with this ministry, which is found mainly in rural settings, it is a ministry where a person is appointed by a local congregation to preach and build up the church in a certain area – they are accountable to the local session and are often identified by a “reverse clerical collar.” Those who serve in this way can now become Evangelists in the Order of Lay Ministries – the relevant ministry description and process are now included on our website under the OLM. In parts of our church, this is a vibrant part of our ministry and we are excited to support and help further equip these dedicated people.

2.3. Fresh Africa – an exciting new chapter

As mentioned earlier, Fresh Expressions is changing to Fresh Africa and working hard to “indiginise” the material to an African Context. One of the first things they have done is to update the MSI (Mission Shaped Introduction Course) which is a short series of videos and powerpoints which are ideal for introducing members to the key ideas in Missional Church. This course is available and ready to use on and you can obtain the course on memory stick for R600. Please contact George Marchinkowski if you are interested. We are excited to report that the MaD committee of Tshwane Presbytery is using Presbytery devotions to take their Presbytery through the MSI.

2.4. Two Very Exciting Training Tools.

Those who were at the Inspire Conference will remember the presentation offered by Royden Blackwell and Alan Webster. They presented the Kairos Course (different from the Prison Ministry that is also called Kairos) and the Luke_10_Transformation. The former is a course that helps transform people’s worldview for Mission and the latter is a great hands-on model for personal evangelism.

The committee has adopted both of these courses as tools that can be used to shape hearts and minds, but also provide very practical skills for Mission and also Evangelism as a lifestyle. We will be rolling these out to the Denomination in the next few months.

In the meantime, we sent two representatives from our two Youth Associations to attend the Kairos Conference in Nairobi. It is hoped that they will take their shared experiences into the united Association.

We are also hoping to roll out some Luke 10 Transformation training for Evangelists from the Men’s Associations who are coming to ExComm to do Evangelism. What better way to celebrate our twenty years than by doing outreach!?

2.5. Discipleship Role

While a lot has been done in the area of Missional Church, the committee feels that is time to concentrate on Discipling. The committee did an exercise around the value of and need for Discipleship Development in the UPCSA. In our August meeting we will explore how this might be promoted within the Denomination. Watch this space!

The committee will also endeavour to provide a list of trusted Discipleship Tools that are available. (For example, the Youth Alpha Course is a great resource and can be downloaded at no cost if you register with Alpha – also at no cost)

3. Resource.

3.1. Staffing the UPCSA to be more Missional.

In the report to General Assembly 2018, our report suggested the creation of two positions:

• A Discipleship Enabler: A shared position between MaD, Stewardship and Education and Training. This position and job description was accepted by General Assembly and it instructed the Church Office Committee to have this done by 1 July 2019. In view of the financial situation the UPCSA has found itself in, this was put on hold. The Church Office Committee is also in the process of consulting with an HR expert to bring all staff appointments in line and so this appointment will be brought into that process.

• A Mission Enabler: Assembly asked the Committee to come up with a job description for this proposed position. This work is still in progress.

3.2. Our Website

At the Inspire Conference the Convener demonstrated how easy it was to visit the MaD website and to download and use some of the very useful material there. Everyone present was enthralled and excited about what they saw and then admitted that although they’d been hearing about the website for years, they had

224

never been to look. You are, therefore, humbly, but urgently invited to take a good look at our website.

You can find it at www.upcsa-mad.org.za Have a look at the Resources menu where you will find a huge variety of resources.

3.3. Ecumenical Participation.

We have been invited to send two members to the CWM Missional Church Consultation in the Netherlands in November. The costs for this will be borne by the CWM.

4. Invest

4.1. Grants

The committee gets income from three sources: the UPCSA (Assessments), the Robert Niven Trust and CWM. The money from CWM is for specific projects, the money from the Niven Trust is used to cover admin, meeting costs, missional consultations and part of the Inspire Conference. If we look at our budget for 2019-2020, the vast majority of Assessment money (89%) is paid out in grants. The remaining 11% will be used for Evangelism Training and our Discipleship Focus.

There are four kinds of grants available from our committee:

• Stipend/Ministry Grants – to assist congregations who are struggling to pay their minister or stated supply.

• CDE Grants – to assist congregations being served by a CDE – reduces over four years • Building Grants – a maximum of R15,000 to assist congregations with the building (or in exceptional

circumstances repair e.g. in the case of fire or storm damage) of sanctuaries • Initialise Grants – to help a congregation or presbytery start a new work. This is a once-off amount of

R20,000. All these grants are applied for via the presbytery and applicants should look at the website to be sure to comply with the requirements.

4.2. Minimum Stipends and Travel

The committee is of the opinion that the setting of minimum stipend is actually a task more appropriate for the Ministry Committee. A proposal in this regard will follow.

There has been a suggestion that the number of outstations should have an impact on travel allowance. It would be very difficult for the committee to assess this, because it is not only the number of outstations, but the distances that need to be travelled that have bearing on this matter. What is true of minimum stipend is true of minimum travel allowances. These are minimums and congregations are urged to consider their minister’s unique circumstances and the congregation’s unique requirements and set either stipend or travel above the minimums and particularly where there are multiple or distant outstations.

The setting of minimum stipends is always difficult. We listen to those on our committee who are most familiar with the contexts and take their advice seriously. It must be emphasised that these are NOT recommended stipends, these are minimums. All congregations are urged and challenged to remunerate their ministers as generously as possible. The committee is proposing an increase of around 7% for Zambia, 5.5% for South Africa and no change for Zimbabwe. The distressing lack of increase for Zimbabwe is in line with the recommendations of those on the ground. It is distressing but reflects the dire financial situation. The currencies are Zambia Kwatsha, US$ and ZAR.

Zambia Zimbabwe S.A.0-5 3790 840 8880

6-15 4100 907 960016-25 4420 980 1037026-35 4770 1060 11200

35- 5200 1140 12150

Travel 400 150 7000

Pulpit 350 50 500

5. Reach

5.1 Support for a Mission Organisation

It has become customary for our committee to showcase the work of a Mission Organisation every second year. From 2018 to 2020 we are showcasing the Leprosy Mission as the focus mission organisation. Mr Theo De Villiers (Deputy Director of the Leprosy Mission SA) attended the committee’s March 2018 meeting made a presentation that was very informative and well received.

225

Leprosy is a bacterium that attacks the peripheral nerves in the body, causing disfiguration and sometimes blindness. The disease can be cured (takes between 3 months to 3 years) but the disability suffered is permanent. Sufferers are highly stigmatised in society. The Leprosy Mission provides treatment and care for people with leprosy as well as education for the communities in which it is most prevalent so as to challenge the myths and misinformation around the disease of leprosy.

The Assembly is asked to encourage all Presbyterians to support the Leprosy Mission. For further information visit: www.leprosymission.co.za

CONCLUSION:

Our gratitude to all who serve on and assist the Mission and Discipleship Committee has already been expressed at the start of the report. What remains is to reaffirm our core-business:

We want the UPCSA to be a missional church and our committee feels that there has been great progress:

• A Successful Inspire Conference attended by over 100 people who voluntarily took time off work and away from families to be equipped and inspired in the areas of Evangelism and Mission.

• There are 105 leaders in the OLM who are growing in service and leadership.

• Our month of Mission is a beautiful expression of a Missional Heart and is being well-received.

• Our Missional Congregations Project led by George Marchinkowski is stimulating us with important information on the trends and directions of Missional Church.

• We have great resources and programmes we are connected with. Fresh Africa, Kairos and Luke_10_Transformation provide great ways for people to grow.

• We have paid out a number of grants that have enabled ministry, built sanctuaries and started new work.

We give thanks to God for His guidance and inspiration.

THE REV THEO GROENEVELD

CONVENER

PROPOSALS

1. The Executive Commission receives the report. 2. The Executive Commission urges presbyteries to familiarise themselves with the new designations of

congregations (in Appendix 2). 3. The Executive Commission notes that the fifth Inspire Conference and the Presbytery Conveners’ Consultation

will be at Emseni, on 8, 9 and 10 September 2020. 4. The Executive Commission encourages Presbyteries and Congregations to identify candidates to develop

through the OLM. 5. The Executive Commission urges Presbyteries to maintain continuity in the appointment of Mission and

Discipleship Conveners in order to maximise the value of the training the committee gives to conveners. 6. The Executive Commission adopts the preaching programme and readings for the month of Mission and sets

October as the Month of Mission. 7. The Executive Commission urges all UPCSA members to visit www.upcsa-mad.org.za 8. The Executive Commission assigns the task of determining Minimum Stipends, Travel Allowances and Pulpit

Supply to the Ministry Committee. 9. The Executive Commission adopts the recommended Minimum Stipends, Pulpit Supply and Travel Allowances

for 1 Jan – 31 Dec 2020 as reflected in section 4.2 of the report. 10. The Executive Commission encourages UPCSA members and congregations to support the work of the

Leprosy Mission.

226

APPENDIX A

227

APPENDIX B:

Designation of Congregations

Outstation New Worshipping Community

Developing Congregation

Calling Congregation

Focus Can become a developing congregation, but does not have to

A brand new work that can become a developing congregation

Works towards sustainability in leadership and ministry.

Sustainable in terms of leadership and ministry and is working toward planting new communities.

Is it an entity in its own right? Who has

oversight?

No, it's under a Session of a congregation who appoint elder(s) to be responsible

No, it's under a session or a Presbytery committee

Yes. It can have a session and stewardship body

Yes. It has a session and stewardship body.

Who can serve this congregation? Does it

have a right to call?

The minister, probationer or Interim Moderator (I.M.) of the parent congregation. Often a local elder who is a lay preacher helps. No right to call.

A CDE or the minister, probationer or Interim Moderator (I.M.) of the parent congregation or Pby Committee. No right to call.

An appointed Minister or I.M. Also a CDE or Stated Supply (both under oversight of IM). No right to call.

An appointed or called minister. Has the right to call. (Can have Stated Supply or CDE appointed by Presbytery)

Can this congregation receive financial

assistance?

Yes Yes Yes No. If it needs financial assistance it must be Developing.

Who represents it at Presbytery? Can it

send commissioners who vote?

Represented by parent congregation. Can't send commissioners.

Represented by parent congregation or Committee. Can't send commissioners.

When it has a Session it’s represented by its commissioners. Otherwise by its IM.

It's represented by its commissioners

Does it have a session, elders and stewardship

body of its own?

No, the parent congregation handles this.

No, the parent congregation / Pby Comm handles this.

Yes. Often it’s a work in progress ( leaders are being trained)

Yes

How are finances handled?

Thru the stewardship body of the parent congregation who appoint local helpers

Thru the Pby Comm or stewardship body of the parent congregation who appoint local helpers

By the stewardship body.

By the stewardship body.

What documents does it sign at

commencement?

None Statement of Intent Appendix A(2)

Statement of Intent Appendix A(2)

The Constitution of the UPCSA.

Minimum Requirements

A place to meet A core group of worshippers

A place to meet, A core group of worshippers, The potential to become a viable congregation

A place to meet. Min 25 members. A group of leaders who could become elders and managers. Presbytery deems it viable.

A place to meet. Min 25 members. A Session & Stewardship body. Able to pay the costs of a ministry, assessments, etc. to the satisfaction of the Presbytery

Pays Assessments? No No Yes Yes

How would It lose its status?

Presbytery or the parent deems the work to be stagnant and not viable.

Presbytery or the parent deems the work to be stagnant and not viable.

If membership dwindles below 25, or its venue is not viable or it is unable to afford its costs and/or assessments.

If membership dwindles below 25, or its venue is not viable or it is unable to afford a minister and/or assessments.

228

APPENDIX C Month of Mission 2019 – He gave Gifts...

Introduction The theme for the Month of Mission 2019 is “He gave gifts…” (Exploring the Mission of the Church in Eph 4:(7-)11-16). In particular, we are exploring the idea that the Holy Spirit gives specific gifts for the planting, building, sustaining and nurturing of the Church. Some people call these the APEST or APEPT gifts i.e. Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor/Shepherd and Teacher.

Some would argue that the Pastor/Shepherd and Teacher gifts are combined. All would agree that these gifts are not an end in themselves and but are about a bigger picture: The flourishing of a vibrant fellowship and body of believers we call the Church.

The sermon series will follow the Ephesians 4 passage looking at the One who formed the Church, the Gifts He gave, the purpose of the Church and what Healthy Church looks like.

Sermon Outlines

Sunday 6th: The One who descended and ascended… Texts: Eph4:7-10(-16) & Phil.2:5-11

• In this passage, Paul is quoting from Ps.68:18, but instead of receiving gifts from people, Paul emphasizes that Christ gave gifts to people. This is an unexpected turn of events. Normally a conquering king receives gifts – he doesn’t usually give them.

• But Paul makes another unexpected point: If Christ “ascended” then it must mean that He “descended” too. What Paul is saying is: “There could not have been an ascension without an incarnation (a descending).” Christ could not return to heaven if He had not left heaven to come to earth.

• When we speak of earthly rulers, they don’t give gifts, they receive them. When we speak of earthly rulers, they ascend to power, they don’t give it all away. But this is what the passage in Philippians describes. Some have called this kenosis – self-emptying love. Look at the steps downward: Didn’t grasp for equality, made Himself nothing, took the form of a human servant and humbled Himself even to death.

• This is what God’s Grace is : God gives us what we don’t deserve (gifts) and God doing more than we could expect Him to (descending and ascending) and He does this to redeem us!

• He gives us gifts in His ascension – to prepare His bride the Church. That we become like Him. Eph 4:15 - “we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”

Sunday 13th: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastor-Teachers Texts: Eph4:11-12 (1Cor12:4-11)

• (Start off with this analogy.) There’s a work party at the church. At the door there is a tool box with tools and on each tool is a list of jobs that need to be done with this tool. People walk in and are given a tool by the toolmaster and head off to do the job. Some people come and ask for specific tool – sometimes the toolmaster says: “Yes you can have that one and here’s where I want you to work.” At other times the toolmaster says: “I don’t have a job for the tool you want, here’s another” or he says “I have a better idea, I think this tool will serve you better.” There are a variety of jobs that are needing to be done. Some jobs need a saw, a measuring tape and some glue. Other jobs need hammer, nails and pliers. Others need screwdrivers and duct tape. Imagine if the tool box had only hammers. Imagine if all the people of the work party only had pliers. Imagine having a bunch of nails and loose boards and no hammer in sight….

• Unpack the key teachings of 1Cor12: - Maybe the Gifts of the Spirit are the tools in God’s toolbox. - They are not our gifts but His and He gives the gifts as He sees fit. - Ultimately the gifts are given as the Body has need. - It is therefore feasible that --- I may be given a different gift when I move from one congregation to another --- I may be given a different gift if the season in the congregation changes. (Sometimes our spiritual gifts are extensions of our natural talents and abilities, but even so, I should never be dogmatic or too fixated on what is “my” gift, because it may change!

• There are at least 24 distinct gifts/outworkings of the Spirit mentioned in Scripure. They range from the dramatic (healing, miracles, tongues and interpretation) to the pragmatic (leadership, administration, generosity and even hospitality)

• There are five gifts listed in Ephesians 4. (Some combine the last two because the Greek Text has a clear “some to be” prefix to four of the gifts and an “and” before the fifth connecting it to the fourth “some to be”) ◦ Apostle: Entrepreneur/ChurchPlanter/Pioneer (Starts new work)

229

◦ Prophet: Questioner – Disrupter/Disturber of the Status Quo. (Brings God’s comment on current affairs) (This can have a future aspect, but needs to be grounded in the present.)

◦ Evangelist: Recruiter – The person who easily has spiritual conversations with others and they respond – either in big groups (e.g. Billy Graham) or individuals won one by one. Shepherd/Pastor: Listener, Carer, Nurturer, Team builder, the Builder of Community, the “Curator of Souls” (Nurtures healthy caring communities – can’t do this without being a Teacher too.) Teacher: Articulator / Explainer / Interpreter / Coach. People who are really good at helping understand, be excited about and apply Biblical Truth to our lives. (Good Teachers are Shepherds too – If you think back to your schooling – who were your favourite teachers? - The ones who cared!) (These are often abbreviated APEST or APEPT)

• We should treasure those who have these gifts. We should not neglect these gifts in ourselves The church needs all of them.

• We should remember the purpose: “to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Not for ourselves but to build the body…)

Sunday 20th: So what is the Church for? Text: Eph 4:12-13

• Paul gives a clear idea of what the Church needs to be doing: 1. Prepare God's people for works of service, 2. so that the body of Christ may be built up 3. until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God 4. and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Let’s see these in more detail:

• Preparing God’s people for service: This means that if the ministers and paid staff are doing everything, something is wrong. It means people should be growing in confidence, faith, knowledge and love. They need to be participating in meaningful ways We need to be empowering people, but also allowing them to fail.

• That the Body of Christ is built up: Some people build their own kingdoms, this is always dangerous Our service and the service of others should bring about growth in people. People’s involvement should equip them. Christ should remain the focus.

• The goals are Unity in Faith and the Knowledge of God’s Son. Unity can be based on tradition, culture or loyalty, but it should be our faith that unites us Sometimes churches have good fellowship, or even serve very well, but are not growing in knowing Christ. How do we meet these two goals? - No real recipe, but maybe two priorities: → Vibrant Faithful Preaching of the Word → A deep commitment to becoming a caring community (both inward and outward)

Sunday 27th: What does a Healthy Church look like? Text: Eph 4:14-16 & Rev.2:1-7

• We’ve heard about unhealthy churches - The “frozen chosen” - the exclusive club that doesn’t like outsiders - The “frothy trend followers” - they just copy whatever is “cool” - The “good old days gang” - they just want everything to stay the same - The “grass-eaters” - the ones who will follow persuasive leader unquestioningly - The “legalists” - it’s all about the rules – written and unwritten - (Can you add others?)

• What do healthy churches look like? ◦ They’re not infantile (in terms of teaching and in terms of people’s schemes).

Explore the image of being blown and tossed. ◦ They use words well. Gossip and arguments are the opposite of Truth in Love. When we learn to

speak kindly and truthfully to and about one another, we are healthy. ◦ They’re growing toward Christ: He is our Head and task is to imitate Him. ◦ They’re growing together: The picture Paul paints is of a body building itself up. We need each

other, help each other and build up. • How do we get there? The church in Ephesus (Rev.2:1-7) was unhealthy.

(Their love had become cold legalism and empty effort)

230

Jesus urged them to do three things: -Remember the height from which you have fallen -Repent – come to the Lord with a broken and contrite heart -Re-do the things you did at first (when you were a new and devoted believer)

The Daily Readings Each weekly theme will culminate in the Sunday Sermon that pulls it together.

Tues 1st to Sunday 6th: The One who descended and ascended… In this week we consider the incredible implications of Christ’s incarnation and remind ourselves, that we should also be willing to incarnate His love in our world...

• Tue 1st : Joh 1:14-18 The Word became flesh and pitched His tent in our neighbourhood… • Wed 2nd : Joh 3:13-17 God’s Gift: One who came from heaven… • Thu 3rd : Mar 10:43-45 Unexpected advice… and an unexpected example. • Fri 4th : Joh 14:8-9 How can we see the Father? • Sat 6th : Phil 2:5-11 Kenotic love (kenosis) is self-emptying love. Jesus did it… • Sun 7th : Eph 4:7-10(-16) An unexpected descent.

Monday 7th - Sunday 13th: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastor-Teachers • Mon 7th : 1Cor 3:6 Before we start on the gifts, remember we are just co-workers with God. • Tue 8th : Act 11:22-24 An Apostle or Pioneer often joins up with what God is already doing and just

helps to give it shape. Look at the qualities of Barnabas the Encourager. • Wed 9th : Act 13:1-3 Look at how the Prophets discern the need for Pioneers. Note the importance of

Prayer and Fasting and how the operate as a group and not loners. • Thu 10th : Act 8:26-40 Look at Philip the Evangelist. He listens to God’s prompting, acts, speaks and

it leads to action. • Fri 11th : 2Cor 11:28-29 Look at how Paul cares for the church as a Pastor/Shepherd. • Sat 12th : Act 11:25-26 While Barnabas was a good Apostle/Pioneer, he knew that the church needed

a good Teacher... • Sun 13th : Eph 4:11-12 A special bouquet of flowers (gifts) to build the church.

Monday 14th - Sunday 20th: So what is the Church for? • Mon 14th : Col 4:10-15 Paul listed names and the things they did. He was interested in people and

how they served the Lord. • Tue 15th : 2Tim 2:1-2 Paul didn’t see himself as a loner runner, but a relay runner. The baton of faith

needed to be passed on to the next runners. • Wed 16th : 2Cor13:9-10 After boasting in his weaknesses, Paul emphasises his role as one who builds

up the Body of Christ. • Thu 17th : 1Thes 3:6-8 Paul is relieved to hear that the Thessalonians are standing firm in Faith and

Love. • Fri 18th : Phil 3:12-15 None of us have “arrived” on the journey of faith. We have to forget what is

behind, strain toward what is ahead and persevere. This is Christian Maturity. • Sat 19th : Col 4:12 Prayer plays a vital part in maturity – both for the ones being prayed for and the

one who prays. • Sun 20th : Eph 4:12-13 The Church is about people growing to serve, building the body of Christ,

finding unity in love and becoming mature.

Monday 21st to Sunday 27th: What does a Healthy Church look like? • Mon 21st : Acts 20:28-31 Paul urges the Ephesian elders to take care of the flock because there are

those who would destroy it through false teaching. • Tue 22nd : 2Cor 12:19-21 Paul’s greatest nightmare was a church where there was no unity, where

people argued and gossiped and where people didn’t care about sin. • Wed 23rd : Heb 5:11-14 The author of Hebrews is worried that their faith has stagnated – that they

are stuck at the basics. • Thu 24th : Jam 1:2-8 The road to maturity often goes through the valley of trials and suffering. • Fri 25th : 1Cor 13:1-8 Sandwiched in between ch.12 (on spiritual gifts) and ch.14 (on how tongues

and prophecy work in the church) is Paul’s famous chapter on love. Love truly is the “bottom line.” A church may be many things, but without love, it is nothing.

• Sat 26th : Rev 2:1-7 The Church in Ephesus looked good on the surface, but it had become legalistic and cold in its love for the Lord. They needed to Remember the height from which they had fallen, Repent and Re-do the things they did at first (when they were a new and devoted believers)

231

• Sun 27th : Eph 4:14-16 Concentrate on Building itself up in Love. Picture a church where we build each other up as we build the Lord’s work together.

Monday 28th to Thu 31st – Concluding Thoughts • Mon 28th : Mat 16:18-20 It is Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Messiah that is the rock on which

the church is built. The church is God’s plan for the world. The keys of the Kingdom are the proclamation of the Gospel. The “secret” that the disciples had to keep can now be proclaimed to the world.

• Tue 29th : 1Cor 12:14-20 We are all part of the body and we are all valued and needed. In Healthy Churches members value each other very highly.

• Wed 30th : 1Cor4:17 Timothy embodies the journey of the church: Faith being passed on from one generation to the next through nurture, example, love and care.

• Thu 31st : 1Thes 1:4-10 The Thessalonian church is a picture of a healthy and vibrant church. Faithful, loving, welcoming, hard-working and broadcasting a message. May we be the same!

Soli Deo Gloria

232

ECUMENICAL RELATIONSHIPS (ERC)

Report to the 2019 Executive Commission

1. Since the last General Assembly, the ERC has been hard at work, building and maintaining relationships with the ecumenical partners and forums. The following members worked collaboratively to ensure that the UPCSA features prominently in the ecumenical milieu: Rt Rev Dr Peter Langerman (Moderator), Rev Dr Fundiswa Kobo, Rev Mautji Pataki, Sandisele Xhinti, Rev Lydia Neshangwe, Rev Hein Barnard, Rev Zwai Mtyhobile, Rev Vusi Mkhungo, Rev Lungile Mpetsheni, and Ms Karabo Mamabolo. The ERC held two meetings on 4-5 September 2018 and 13 June 2019, respectively. It can be confirmed that the UPCSA is a prominent player in the ecumenical space, nationally in Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, and in the global ecumenical sphere. 2. This is a due diligence report on the work that has been covered by the ERC, since the 2018 General Assembly. It is arranged in accordance with five key deliverable goals, as follows: 2.1 Promote local ecumenism. 2.2 Promote healthy dialogue on ecumenism at all levels. 2.3 Participate meaningfully in ecumenical forums. 2.4 Manage relationships, partnerships, cooperation, and unity talks. 2.5 Management of affiliations and participation in the ecumenical councils/ bodies. PROMOTE LOCAL ECUMENISM 3. The congregations and church associations play a pivotal role in promoting local ecumenism. Some of our congregations have worked closely with the equivalent structures of other denominations to hold joint services at the beginning of the year and on some of the important Christian events. The associations also do meet with their corresponding structures to uphold this. Church leadership is commended for this and is encouraged to do more in the spirit of Jesus’s prayer that we may be one. PROMOTE HEALTHY DIALOGUE ON ECUMENISM AT ALL LEVELS AND PARTICIPATE MEANINGFULLY IN ECUMENICAL FORUMS WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES 4. The WCC General Assembly will be held in Karlsruhe, Germany on 7-17 September 2021. At the time of writing the report, the instruction regarding the composition and size of the delegations was still awaited. The ERC will put together a delegation that will represent the UPCSA at the Assembly. 5. The term of the current General Secretary, the Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit is coming to end soon. The search committee in process of getting a candidate to succeed the outgoing General Secretary. It is envisaged that the appointment will be made in time for the incoming General Secretary to prepare for the coming General Assembly. 6. The UPCSA participated in a joint CWM-WCC Evangelism Consultation that was held in Toronto Canada on 22-28 June 2019. WORLD COMMUNION OF REFORMED CHURCHES 7. Executive Committee meeting was hosted in Switzerland in May 2019 under the theme: “Let your Light Shine Forth: Seeking Shalom in the midst of Empire.” The next Executive Committee meeting will be hosted in South Africa in May 2020. The WCRC member churches that have offices in South Africa will co-host the meeting. 8. The WCRC is deliberate in its endeavours to address issues of justice and witness. It has called for “radical reforms to address not only the causes of migration but the way in which migrants are treated on their journey.” The WCRC General Secretary, Dr Chris Ferguson made a call, “As Christians, we should be committed to dismantling unjust structures that separate people. We cannot ignore those in need.” 9. The WCRC family lamented the death of the Rev Robina Winbush, the Director of Ecumenical Relations for the Presbyterian Church (USA) who was played a critical role in the life and work of the WCRC. COUNCIL FOR WORLD MISSION 10. The CWM has been consistent in its work of accompanying the churches to build missional congregations, in academic accompaniment and in assisting member churches towards their missional zeal. The UPCSA has participated/benefited in many ways from the CWM initiatives which, from the last General Assembly, included the following: 10.1 Academic Accompaniment (Four UPCSA members are currently furthering studies through this

233

accompaniment). 10.2 Training in Ministry. 10.3 Face to Face Programme. 10.4 Young Women’s Enabling Transformation. 10.5 Support through Member Church Initiative fund. 11. The Global Assembly will be held in Birchwood Hotel, Boksburg, South Africa in June 2020. The UCCSA and the UPCSA will co-host the Assembly. They have already set up the Local Organising Committee. 12. The UPCSA was represented in an Annual Members’ Meeting that was held in Samoa in June 2019. CWM calls its members to pay attention to the issues of Women in Leadership and ordination of women; Legacies of slavery; and Violence against women and children. The UPCSA is also participating in the writing of the devotional for 2020. The CWM is engaged in a process of developing a strategic plan for 2019 to 2024. 13. The CWM Africa Regional Meeting was held in Malawi and the UPCSA participated. The region is organising the Seeing Empire Seminar to be held in South Africa in July 2019. ALL AFRICA CONFERENCE OF CHURCHES 14. The Conference of the AACC was held in Kigali, Rwanda in July 2018. The newly elected President is the Rev Arnold C Temple. The Deputy President for Southern Africa is the Rev Prof Edwin Zulu of the Reformed Church of Zambia. The new General Secretary, Rev Dr Fidon Mwombeki is settling well. A five year strategic plan has just been completed. AFRICA COMMUNION OF REFORMED CHURCHES 15. The ACRC Conference was held in Kalonji, Rwanda in June/July 2018. The following were elected to lead the ACRC until the next Conference in 2023: 15.1 President: Rev Dr, Uma Agwu ONWUNTA 15.2 Vice President: Rev Pauline Kanuthu MWAURA 15.3 General Secretary: Rev Lungile MPETSHENI 15.4 Treasurer: Mr M. Koku Mawulikplimi AMEGA 15.5 Coordinator West Africa: Mrs Paulina AFFUL- ARTHUR 15.6 Coordinator East Africa: Rev Martin M. WANJALA 15.7 Coordinator Central Africa: Rev Mukendi Isaac KALONJI 15.8 Coordinator Southern Africa: Rev Dr Gustav CLAASSEN 16. Youth Capacity Development Workshop was held at eMseni Christian Centre, Benoni, South Africa in February 2019. The focus of the workshop was on gender justice and ecological justice. 17. Seminar on Theologies in Africa is being organised to be held in Nairobi in November 2019. This will be held on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Accra Confession. The member churches, including the UPCSA are encouraged to give the Accra Confession more attention, especially in light of the injustices that keep on occurring in the world. MANAGE RELATIONSHIPS, PARTNERSHIPS AND COOPERATION 18. The ERC is consistent with maintaining relationships and partnerships. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA) 19. The UPCSA/PC (USA) partnership remains strong. The UPCSA was represented in a Triennial Churchwide Gathering of the Presbyterian Women in Louisville, Kentucky on 2-5 August 2018. The theme is: Arise, shine, your light has come. The PC (USA) convened a Consultation African Partners Conference and the meeting was held in Nairobi from the 28th to 30th November 2018. The UPCSA participated in that consultation. The PC (USA) will be represented at the UPCSA 20th anniversary celebrations. 20. The partnership between Presbytery of Zimbabwe (POZ) and the Presbytery of Denver (POD) is serviced very well, with reciprocal visits taking place. The following activities took place during the period under review: 20.1 Two Way Visits 2018. The Presbytery’s Business Investment Unit Chairperson and the Presbytery Administrator will travel to Denver on the Face-to-Face visit from 22 October - 12 November 2018. This visit will be exploring and making decisions about various aspects of the partnership. A delegation from the Presbytery of Denver visited the POZ from the 21st August to the 4th September 2018 on an exposure visit. They visited various congregations, attended the Presbytery’s Revival Conference and engaged in POZ meetings. 20.2 Annual Face-To-Face Visits - Zimbabwe and Denver. Four Presbytery of Denver (POD) delegates will visit the POZ in June 2019 on the annual face-to-face visit program. There will be a joint meeting between the U.S. Embassy, the POD representatives and POZ representatives to discuss some difficulties that have

234

been faced with getting American visas. In addition, the delegates will visit congregations, and engage in Presbytery events and committees relating to the partnership. Four POZ delegates will visit the POD on the annual Face-to-Face visit program in October 2019. 22.3 Long Leave Initiative. The annual Long Leave Program enables ministers and their spouses who are due for long leave to spend their long leave in Denver. In September/Ocober 2018, Rev and Mrs Makunda spent their Long-Leave Program for two months and Rev and Mrs Simba Agushito are due to go for September to October 2019. 22.4 Short-term Service. The Short-term Service program welcomes individual members from the POD to come and serve in the POZ for a short period of up to one month in a designated area of the Presbytery’s life and work. In September 2018, Rev Kim and Mr Karl Graber did a short-term service in the POZ focusing on the Nakai Task Team, a new task team in the POZ that focuses on health issues surrounding women and girls, and especially cancer. This year, there are two short-term service participants, one who is a minister and one who is a lay person. 22.4.1 Rev Barb Lyons is currently supporting the mission of our Presbytery in the South Central District

and especially at St Andrew’s congregation during the times when the minister will be away on Presbytery Clerk’s duties.

22.4.2 Ms Sandy Safford is a lay pastor who will come and support the mission of our Presbytery in the ministry of Christian Education and Counselling in collaboration with presbytery committees in September 2019.

23. ZimKidz Mission Partnership. Through the ZimKidz Partnership of the POD solar-driven boreholes are continuing to be drilled and installed in selected POZ schools and congregations. In 2017 and 2018 two ZimKidz delegates visited the POZ seeing the communities where boreholes have been drilled so far. With the Church in Society the ERC took them to other communities that need boreholes. 24. The Synod of Zambia also enjoys cordial relations with the PC (USA). The Synod Moderator and Clerk visited Ms. Nancy Collins the PC (USA) Regional liaison officer for East Central Africa on 26th October 2018 at JMU. Nancy Collins’s contract came to an end on 27th February 2019. She was replaced by the Rev Paula Cooper at a colourful induction service at Chawama CCAP church on Sunday 2nd June 2019. The Synod Moderator, the Rev Sauros Phaika gave the charge. Nancy will be moving to Chasefu Theological College of the CCAP in September 2019 to teach Church History for two years. 25. Next year the PC (USA) has a full scholarship slot for one UPCSA student to study theology at JMU. This is coordinated through the General Assembly Ministry Committee. UNITED CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA (UCCSA) 26. The UCCSA and the UPCSA continue to enjoy good partnership and to collaborate on issues of common interest. The two denominations will co-host the Assembly of the Council for Word Mission in 2020. The Local Organising Committee has been set up. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND (COS) 27. The CoS showed benevolence through their contribution to the victims of Cyclone Idai. This money was used by the Presbytery to re-build a school which the government has subsequently asked the Presbytery to adopt. The CoS promised to send a representative to the UPCSA 20th anniversary celebrations. UNITED CHURCH OF ZAMBIA (UCZ) 28. A meeting is to be arranged between the UCZ and the UPCSA Synod of Zambia to activate the MoU. A team of UPCSA ministers’ spouses paid a reciprocal visit to the UCZ Ministers and Church Workers’ Spouses’ Forum at a gathering that was held in Livingstone. The Rev Georgina Mukupa of UCZ has been placed at Mahwelereng Congregation, Limpopo Presbytery, as arranged between the UCZ and the UPCSA. The UCZ is responsible for her stipend and welfare. LESOTHO EVANGELICAL CHURCH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA (LECSA) 29. A UPCSA team participated in the Pilgrimage for Justice and Peace which is hosted by the LECSA every year in October. There is a growing interest and a bigger number may participate in 2019. CHURCH OF CENTRAL AFRICA PRESBYTERIAN (CCAP) 30. The POZ continues to do joint evangelist training with the CCAP Synod of Harare and continues to relate closely to this and other sister denominations, particularly through co-ownership and ongoing running of the United Theological College with five other denominations. The two engage and collaborate in ministry activities. Every year they do combined training of evangelists. 32 CCAP and UPCSA Evangelists were in a combined 4-month residential training at Lovemore House in Harare and graduated on 8 June 2019

235

31. The Synod of Zambia also works well with the CCAP Synod of Zambia. This is an old relationship between the two churches. Leading to the induction service of the Rev Paula Cooper of the PC/USA, the working relationship rekindled and saw the two churches co-hosting the induction service and plans are now under way for further collaboration. 32. Mid July 2019, Synod officials from both churches together with the Rev Cooper will be visiting CCAP projects in Eastern Province of Zambia. CCAP is into agriculture, bole hole drilling for villagers, Village banking, and provision of health to rural communities, community schools and Theological training at Diploma level at Chasefu School of Theology in Lundazi. They have also built a Synod office block in Lusaka where their General Secretary is housed. UNITED REFORMED CHURCH (URC) (ENGLAND) 33. Reciprocal Visits URC/Presbytery of Zimbabwe. The United Reformed Church’s Eastern Synod (England) sent 5 members of that Synod coming for a visit to the POZ in December 2017. During their 10 day visit they visited a number of congregations and ministries in all the 3 districts of our presbytery, attended our Presbytery Meeting, and engaged with the ERC on partnership issues. The two agreed on the mutual goal to strengthen this presbytery-to-synod partnership. Five members of the POZ will visit the URC from 5-15 October 2018 with the objective of continuing the partnership review that began in December 2017 when the URC was in the POZ. The URC-Eastern Synod has also welcomed the idea of hosting their first POZ couple on the new URC Long-Leave Program for two months from around September – November 2018. Flowing from this, a UPCSA minister will go there for a long leave over September – October 2019. 34. URC Internship in the Presbytery of Zimbabwe. The first internship of the partnership took place from 26 July - 5 September 2018 with a student, Sarah, coming to do a 6 week internship in a POZ Congregation. She was exposed to the congregation and to other aspects of ministry in the presbytery and the country. MANAGEMENT OF AFFILIATIONS AND PARTICIPATION IN THE ECUMENICAL COUNCILS/ BODIES ECUMENISM IN SOUTH AFRICA SACC 35. The SACC continues with its activities to provide witness to the South African Society and abroad. Over the period, the SACC was involved in the elections processes. It organised and trained observers for the recent national and provincial elections. Other highlights are as follows: 35.1 An announcement for contributions towards the victims of Cyclone Idai. 35.2 Condemnation of the Sri Lanka shootings killing a number of people. 35.3 Commendation of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa on the election of a woman as a Presiding

Bishop elect. 35.4 Condemnation of incidents of xenophobia. 35.5 Condemnation of derogatory remarks on women in the ministry. 35.6 National Convention of South Africa which was addressed by former President Kgalema Motlhante on

19 March 2019 based on the four cardinal pillars: Anchoring democracy Economic transformation Comprehensive quality education Healing and reconciliation

NATIONAL CHURCH LEADERS CONSULTATION 36. The Consultation held in October 2018, Johannesburg. Another Consultation will be on 23-24 October 2019. CHURCH UNITY COMMISION 37. The report of the Church Unity Commission is attached as Appendix A to this report. This report should be shared with all the congregations and presbyteries in South Africa for edification. In the case of the UPCSA, the introduction of the NGK SA will be done during the celebrations. JOINT DECLARATION ON THE DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION 38. Participating churches continue to come together to discuss areas where the churches should collaborate. Ministers of the UPCSA are encouraged to follow the developments in the ecumenical aspect, as it will have an impact in being and doing church. BIBLE SOCIETY 39. The report of the Bible Society is attached as Appendix B. This report should, as well, be

236

disseminated to the congregations in South Africa. ZAMBIA 40. The UPCSA, through the Synod of Zambia affiliates to the Council of Churches in Zambia, Theological Education by Extension Zambia, Bible Society & Justo Mwale University. 41. Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ). 41.1 The CCZ general conference was held from 21st to 25th September 2018 at Fatmols Guest House in Ndola under the theme “The quest for a more sustainable, relevant and mission – oriented CCZ”. Topics covered included water and sanitation, Taxation, Church and environment, land rights, national dialogue and increasing national debt. 41.2 The conference agreed on a number of resolutions and top on the list are: a) that the CCZ constitution be revised to eliminate lacunas at a special general conference to be called within 2019, b) that CCZ is still committed to the national dialogue process and reconciliation, c) elections for new board members took place and the Rev. Sichilima, UCZ Synod Bishop was elected CCZ President. Among others our Synod Moderator, the Rev Sauros Phaika and Mr. Aubrey Zgambo were also elected into the CCZ board. They will serve in the board for the next three years. 41.3 In the light of this the Synod shall overture the 2020 General Assembly to consider amending the close that states that the Synod Moderator’s term of office shall be two years’ renewable once (Manual of Faith and Order 10.13) to a four-year term, if we are to participate fully and be relevant in the ecumenical bodies in Zambia. 41.4 The UPCSA Synod of Zambia was represented by the Rev. Sauros Phaika (Moderator), Rev Thomson Mkandawire (Clerk), Mr. Isaac Mbambo (MCG proxy), Ms. Judith Phiri (WF Synod President), Mr. Aubrey Zgambo (YF Synod President) and Rev Jane Nyirongo (CCZ outgoing Board member). 41.5 At its first board meeting the Rev Phaika was elected convener for Education, a subcommittee of the CCZ Board. This is a committee responsible for training at David Livingstone College of Education and Malcom Moffat College of Education. Both colleges are projects of CCZ. 41.6 The press release by the three Church mother bodies (Catholic Council of Bishops, Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia and Council of Churches in Zambia) condemning Government’s license suspension of an independent and private media house called Prime Television Station, saw the resignation of the CCZ President, Bishop Sichilima of UCZ. The Council engaged him on the matter hoping he would rescind that decision but all was in vain. The membership of UCZ to the Council is equally hanging on a balance. 42. Justo Mwale University. The UPCSA participates in the Booth Centre programme. This is a fully funded mission work of Mr. Booth’s estate and the Outreach Foundation of PC/USA based at JMU specialized in training evangelists and ministers in mission and tent making ministry for RCZ, CCAP and UPCSA. 43. Theological Education by Extension Zambia (TEEZ). The Rev. Jane Nyirongo is the vice Chairperson of the TEEZ. The Synod of Zambia was privileged to host the said Course on behalf of TEEZ at Kabwata from the 28th to 30th JUNE 2018. TEEZ will be celebrating her 40th anniversary in October 2019 at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross. The guest of honour will be Her Honour the Vice President, Madam Inonge Wina. Member churches are encouraged to participate effectively. A committee has since been constituted chaired by UCZ. ZIMBABWE 44. The UPCSA through the Presbytery of Zimbabwe continues to engage actively in partnership and membership with the following national organizations: 44.1 The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) and in its various mission-oriented programs. 44.2 United Theological College (UTC); detailed reports are under the Ministry Committee. 44.3 The Bible Society (Zimbabwe Branch). The membership with the Bible Society in Zimbabwe continues to be strong although the society has undergone some deep financial challenges which have threatened the breadth and scope of its work. 44.4 TMG, an agro-business training organization that partnered with the Central Fund Committee of Presbytery to train 78 UPCSA members on 20-22 May 2019. 44.5 KBA (Kukura Business Accelerator) which has partnered with the Business Investment Unit (BIU) of the Presbytery to train church members in running Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in pre-incubation, incubation and post-incubation of their businesses. The training dates are 6 July and 13 July beginning with the women members of the presbytery. 44.6 KEPP (Kids Entrepreneurship Promotion Program) which has partnered with the Presbytery to train children in having a positive worldview of money and entrepreneurship in the difficult economic context of Zimbabwe. Training date was 1 June 2019.

CONCLUSION

237

45. The midterm report has been about due diligence, since the last General Assembly. It has covered the basics of the work of the ERC as guided by the set deliverable goals. The ERC is still on course and the UPCSA still enjoys its rightful position in the ecumenical milieu. As such, there are no major proposals or recommendations to the Executive Commission. THE REV LUNGILE MPETSHENI CONVENER PROPOSALS 1. The Executive Commission receives the report. 2. The Executive Commission notes that the ERC is still on course in the management of the ecumenical

relationships. 3. The Executive Commission adopts the reports of the Church Unity Commission and the Bible Society and

agrees that the reports should be shared with the presbyteries and congregations in South Africa for edification.

4. The Executive Commission encourages the UPCSA ministers, leadership and membership to follow and share

the developments on the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification. 5. The Executive Commission continues to encourage ministers, congregations, and presbyteries to comprehend

and, as far as it may be possible, teach apply the tenets of the Church Unity Commission covenant. 6. The Executive Commission notes that the Dutch Reformed Church has been admitted to the membership of

the Church Unity Commission. 7. The Executive Commission notes that the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) Executive

Committee meeting will be held in South Africa in May 2020 and that the UPCSA and other WCRC member churches that have offices in South Africa will co-host the meeting.

8. The Executive Commission notes that the global Assembly of the Council for World Mission will be held in

South Africa in June 2020 and that the UCCSA and the UPCSA will co-host the Assembly. 9. The Executive Commission continues to encourage the denomination to support the work of the Bible

Societies in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia. 10. The Executive Commission encourages the structures of the UPCSA to join the Bible Society in observing 2020

as the “Year of the Bible” and actively participate with the Bible Society in all its planned activities to celebrate 200 years of Bible distribution in South Africa.

11. The Executive Commission agrees to urge all the denomination to celebrate Bible Sunday on 27 October

2019. 12. The Executive Commission receives sincere gratitude from the Bible Societies for the support and continues to

encourage congregations to support the Bible Societies financially on an annual basis. 13. The Executive Commission encourages every member to commit him-/herself to the cost of one Bible per

annum.

238

APPENDIX A

CHURCH UNITY COMMISSION REPORT TO MEMBER CHURCHES – FEBRUARY 2019

1. Introduction

Once again we take this opportunity to review the past year and chart a way forward for the year to come. The objective of this report is to ensure that it is prepared and available to be included in the papers for the governing meetings of the member and observer churches.

2. The Executive 2018 began with the induction of Rev Sikawu Makubalo as Secretary General on 8 March 2018. We also enjoy the continuing leadership of Rev Peter Langerman (UPCSA) as Chairman, Thulani Ndlazi (UCCSA) as Vice Chairman and Mrs Liz Barnes as Treasurer. Member churches representatives to the executive are Bishop Charles May (ACSA), Rev Thabiso Mcinga (MCSA) and Rev Paul Verryn as Additional Member. As we receive the Nederduitse Gereformeede Kerk SA in full membership, a rep to the executive is yet to be appointed by the church.

3. 50th Celebration Conference 2018 On the 11 to the 13 September 2018 Member and Observer Churches of the CUC gathered at St Wilfrid’s Anglican Church to celebrate 50 years of the commission’s existence and search for Church Unity in Southern Africa. There was considerable support with 65 delegates attending from both Member and Observer Churches. It was encouraging to see young people as part of the delegation representing their denominations. With the contextual disparities from whence the CUC began and the new emerging existential challenges, the involvement of youth is of great importance in the search for unity. The Celebration Conference looked back on the journey travelled since 1968, with the view of shaping a meaningful pilgrimage towards a lived expression of church unity. The first day was dedicated in inspiring such pilgrimage through the retelling of the story that brought the CUC into existence. It was a privilege to hear from Rev Prof de Gruchy and Rev Dr Cragg who were there from the outset. An apt critical analysis of the story was delivered by Rev Mzwandile Molo of the MCSA, who is also active in ecumenism through the SACC. The first day concluded with two workshops on Liturgy: Leading Towards Visible Unity, led by Rev K Griffiths & Rev Dr Bruce Theron and a workshop on the work on the development of the Centres of Hope, led by Rev Dr Paul Verryn. Rev Heidi Petersen concluded day one by preaching at the Service of Celebrations held at Universiteitsoord NGK. Significant to our continued search for unity the URCSA leaders joined the service having taken time away from their unity talks with the DRC. The second day focused on the current challenges and opportunities on ecumenical unity. Rev Prof Barney Pityana introduced the subject on Ecumenical Unity; Dr Nontando Hadebe delivered a paper on the African Understanding of Unity; Dr Ishmael Noko who gave an address on the Joint Declaration of the Doctrine of Justification. The Question and Challenges of Identity was presented by Rev Prof Jerry Pillay. The 2nd part of day two focused on Conversation on Theological Education & Training. Rev Dr Paul Verryn guided the process that culminated to ideas and challenges that can enhance our cooperation in the training of ministers. A gala dinner was held to conclude the day, where past leaders and contributors to work of the CUC were honoured. The third day was facilitated by Rev Dr Peter Langerman leading the inspired and challenged disciples to share ideas on the way forward for the CUC. The conference ended with a Service of Renewal of the covenant of mutual acceptance of ministries. The prevailing challenges from all representations are: The conference affirmed the relevance of work of the CUC in the search for unity and the

positive benefits of such unity talks would have towards a cohesive SA Strengthening the 5 Trajectories and use them to advance CUC work There cannot be unity talks without dealing with the past, continued divisions from the past

are still prevalent in all denominations; particularly racial divisions. African understanding of unity as the foundation of the envisaged unity Publicity and education Youth Involvement Cooperation in the formation and training of ministers

239

4. Communication

The CUC website was created http://churchunitycommission.org/ and went live toward the end of 2018. The objective was to make the site as current, user friendly and informative as possible. With the Secretary General relocating to Cape Town, the new contact details are as follows: Tel: 021 712 8609 and email: sg@churchunitycommission.org.za To advance communication and implementation the Secretary General meets with Secretaries of the Member churches. A meeting of this nature was held on 23 January 2019 at the MCO offices in Bruma. This is not a decision making meeting, but rather a coming together and sharing ideas on implementation of the Central Committee decisions.

5. United Churches As we all draw alongside and support United Churches, we set our sights on streamlining & documenting processes to ease transitions / handovers between incoming and outgoing ministers. It is in handling these transitions that United Churches experience difficulties. To this end it was proposed that:

• The secretary should develop a database of United Churches inclusive of current serving ministers, the number of years they are serving at the church, the denomination from which they come and the sequence of rotation. This database be updated annually.

• A directory of ministers in United Churches be shared within denominations and be included in denominational directories

• Denominations communicate changes and details of change of leadership in regions (i.e. Diocese, Presbyteries, Districts)

• There be a Transition Committee that will assist facilitate change of agency in United Churches. This committee should not have any executive authority but a facilitator role.

6. Dutch Reformed Church Membership

It is with joy that we welcomed the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk SA (NGK-SA) as a Member Church to the Church Unity Commission in November 2018. Receiving the church brought challenges to the Central Committee as it was the first time since 1968 that the CUC received a new member. Challenging questions regarding denominational relationships especially influenced by the past, commitment to the CUC covenant, requirements and processes of receiving members surfaced as the Central Committee considered the application by the NGK-SA. Resulting from this discussion, is the need for a recommitment to the covenant, an agreed process for receiving members which begin with an application emphasising the applicants view/response to the covenant, tabling at the Central Committee, tabling at the denominational authoritative meetings and ratification at the Central Committee based on responses from the denominational meetings. An application form is formulated and available from the website. With all the above in mind and the joy of welcoming the NGK-SA the following reception steps will be taken – A formulation of a liturgy to recognise the reception of the NGK-SA to full membership and denominational recommitment to the CUC covenant, A small ceremony to be held at the 2018 Synods, Assemblies and Conferences using the formulated liturgy.

7. Focus and Direction Much focus will be placed on the 5 Trajectories, with the intension of making them a focal point of CUC work. For 2019 Regional consultations are planned for March in the Western Cape and August in the Eastern Cape as well as an Ecumenical Symposium for Students, whereby students will be introduced to the works of the CUC and social interaction between students will be explored. To this end there will be two Central Committee meetings happening over a two-day period. The first day will focus on the 5 Trajectories and the second day on the administrative work. The calendar of the CUC will follow a cycle that includes two Central Committee Meetings in March and November, two Regional Consultations, and an Ecumenical Symposium for Students / Ministers in Training and triennially a National Consultation.

8. Projects Under The Auspice of CUC Theological Education & Training In this regard, the CUC leaned over backwards, with Rev Paul Verryn facilitating conversations around cooperation, basic and on-going theological education (pre & post ordination), training that enhances theological intelligence and relevance producing quality ministers whose preaching and leadership will shape and transform society. The following are guiding questions to give shape to the conversation going forward:

a) How do we train for ecumenical ministry? b) What implications for training, are presented in the acceptance of the Joint Declaration on the

Doctrine of Justification by Faith?

240

c) What education needs to accompany our various practices and interpretations of the sacraments and ministry

d) How do we train responsibly in an African context? What important insights do we bring to the global theological discourse?

e) How does Christianity relate, with integrity, to a multi faith context? f) How do we equip our priests and ministers to engage with the prosperity cult biblically and

theologically, in contexts of desperate poverty and marginalisation? g) How do we enable our clergy to manage finances and systems with integrity? h) How do we train in the skills of mediation and negotiation for a context that is consistently

dealing with conflict? i) How do we enable clergy to understand the implication of a culture of human rights, so they

can empower congregants to know their human dignity before the law? j) How do we train clergy to operate in a context of refugees and migrants? How do we equip

them to anticipate the full range of issues inherent in communities on the move? k) How do we train counsellors to deal with an avalanche of ‘post traumatic stress’ and all the

associated sequelae? l) How do we equip clergy in a spirituality appropriate for the challenges of this century?

Hearings for Healing South Africa continues to be riddled with unemployment, abuse of workers’ rights, violence, poverty, racial conflicts and other societal challenges. The work of the Hearing for Healing, championed by Rev Paul Verryn, seeks to provide mediation and facilitate a process of healing towards justice, peace and revived hope for people and communities affected. Working with a number of NGO’s and legal bodies, the aim is to confront substantial trauma arising from the abuse of vulnerable people in both the present and the past. Since the introduction of this work to the Central Committee in 2015, there is a continued support to the Hearings for Healing championed by Rev Paul Verryn under the trajectory of the Development of Centres of Hope. A detailed report on this work is attached. Overview of Various Engagements in 2018 attached JDDJ Discussions The focus of the Working Group has been discussions on Ministry, Apostolicity, Power and Authority. These four are viewed differently by the representatives from the participating Churches and steps are being taken to find the common ground on which all can build as well as the specific issues that might need bilateral discussions.

Word and Worship / Word en Fees “Word and Worship” has found an excellent partner in CLF and there is a wonderful opportunity for this product to be developed further, however a number of matters need to be clarified and important changes need to be made to maximise the use of this publication across the churches. These include: A sub-editor in each of the denominations supplying writers for Sermon and Liturgical material and to follow up with writers from their denomination. At least ten writers from each of the denominations participating in the project, much closer co-operation with regard to the dates for material to be submitted for editing and the writers need to have a clear understanding of the format of the material provided. Too much time and effort is lost in having to format material received, without any reference to the templates that have been developed for ease of editing and publishing as well as support in marketing and distribution.

1. Future Plans 2019 - 2021 Regional Consultations West Coast Region March 2019 in Cape Town

Buffalo Region August 2019 in East London Mpumalanga Region March 2020 in Pietermaritzburg Igqili Region August 2020 in Welkom Limpopo Region March 2021 in Johannesburg

National Consultation 27 – 29 July 2021 in Johannesburg Theological Education & Training Colloquium (TBA) Symposium for Students / Ministers in Training In the week of prayer for church unity Worship Conference (TBA) Proposals: The member churches Assembly/Synod/Conference receives the report and the budget

aligned with strengthening the work of the 5 Trajectories. The member churches support the focused work of the CUC to the 5 Trajectories particularly by sending relevant representation to the work of these trajectories.

241

APPENDIX B

REPORT OF THE BIBLE SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA

9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts 16:9 – 10 (NIV)

If we are completely honest about South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia, we would realise that we are in need. We need help and we need to be sensitive to discern amongst all the cries for help when God speaks to us. We need to remember that God has called every believer – and every member of the UPCSA – to bring the Gospel to these countries in need. One of the ways to alleviate the need is for the Church to take hands with all the 3 Bible Societies as their partners to make the difference. The Bible Society will celebrate in 2020 the 200th year of service to the believers in South Africa. The theme for this celebration is “The Bible: Hope for all”. This hope will be celebrated in the following different ways:

• Celebrations in the Northern Region (Kempton Park) over the weekend of 23 August 2019; • Launch of the English Bible for the Deaf on Sunday 24 November 2019 at the St George’s Cathedral:

Cape Town • Launch of the 2020 isiZulu Translation in the Eastern Region (Durban) on Sunday 26 July 2020 in the

Eastern Region • Songs of Celebration Choir Festival on Sunday 2 August 2020 in the South-eastern Region in Port

Elizabeth’s Feather Market Hall • Weekend Celebration in the Western Region in Cape Town from 21 – 23 August 2020. • Launch of “Die Bybel (2020)” on Sunday 29 November 2020 in the Central Region (Bloemfontein)

We have also changed the way of celebrating. We hope to bless the people of South Africa with 2 000 000 Bibles and the Gr 1 learners with 2 000 000 sets of Bible Literacy books. The only way to make this a reality is when 2 000 000 believers donate R100 each – and we trust the different Churches in South Africa to help us so that there could be a Bible in every household and that the Bible Society would be a household name. Our core functions include the following 1. Translate the Bible.

The Bible Society facilitates the process of translating the Bible upon a specific request from the various denominations. The revision of current translations in Tshivenda, Sepedi, Sesotho and isiXhosa has started. The video Bible in the South African Sign Language in in process We have also started with the translation of the Bible in !Xun for the Bushmen in the northern Cape near Kimberley. The commencement of the translation in Khwedam will have already started when the meeting of the Executive Commission

2. Publish the Bible. This is still done by Amity Printing Company in Nanjing in China, having the capacity to print more than 25 million hardbound Bibles per annum. They would have printed the 200 millionth Bible before the end of 2019.

3. Distribute the Bible. i. This is done in various ways through the various 6 Bible Centres in South Africa, as well as

through various outlets in the rural areas. This is by means of printed, as well as electronic/digital formats. The Audibible would soon be available in all the 11 languages in South Africa.

ii. Various projects that focus also on the Grade 7 learners, Bibles for the Poorest of the Poor, for prisoners and the National Defence Force as well as neighbouring countries.

iii. We have Bibles also available in French, Portuguese, Shona and Chichewa and in Mandarin for the Chinese believers

4. Empower people through Bible literacy • Bible–based Literacy Project – for Grade 1’s that can be used also for ABET. Books are available

in all the 11 spoken languages in South Africa. There is also a third book that would soon be available.

• Pamphlets for Bible literacy o E100 (a Bible reading plan that covers 100 essential Bible portions from Genesis to

Revelation. There is currently a Facebook page (E100-Reading plan) where comments are posted 5 times a week. Anybody can join anytime as we will start again when we are through the 100 portions.

o “Where to look in the Bible” to give guidance where to find certain themes, etc. in the Bible

• All these material is available on our website (www.biblesociety.co.za) at no cost, except data

242

5. Engage with the Church and the various communities. • It is imperative that the Church reach out to the immediate and wider communities. The Bible

Societies in the 3 countries want to take hands with the local Church to address the needs – also for Bibles – in the various neighbourhoods. It is necessary that the Church share the needs with the different Societies so that we can make a difference.

• It is also important that the various minsters employed by the Bible Society, be given the opportunity to visit various congregations and Presbyteries to inform the Church about the work of the Bible Society. The more the Church is informed with regards to the various activities of the Bible Societies, the more the Church would realise what an important role both can play to grow the Kingdom of God.

• We have various Active for Bible(A4B) projects, local as well as national, like Run for Bibles (Comrades marathon), Cycle for Bibles (Cape Town Cycle Tour, 94.7 Cycle Tour), Walk for Bibles in local congregations and communities.

Some of the highlights for the recent financial year have been:

• In South Africa, the English Bible was the best seller, followed by isiZulu, Afrikaans and isiXhosa • 809 124 Complete Bibles, 169 163 Digital Bibles and 3 642 Audio Bibles had been distributed

during the past financial year. • We have launched the BibleSA app on the Google Play platform as well as the App Store

platform. • The Alive Resource Bible App is in the test phase that will enable the users access to a lot of extra

information and resources. Financial support

Our main source of income is dependent on the freewill of individual donors by means of debit orders and donations. There are individuals that bequeath the Bible Society in their wills. The challenge remains to increase our donors as the cost of Bibles increases annually. This information is only with regards to South Africa:

Category 2015/2016 2016/2017 2017/2018 Incr % Individuals 168 279,35 169 226,93 167 110,00 -1,25% Congregations 116 219,44 89 181,53 121 610,26 36,36% Organisations 2 850,00 2 750,00 2710,17 -1,45% Businesses 500,00 30 753,10 25 000,00 -18,71% Legacies & Trusts 25 000,00 00,00 00,00 00,00% TOTAL 312 848,79 291 911,56 318 730,43 9,19%

Bible Society Sunday – 27 October 2019 There are various ways to celebrate this Sunday in your congregation, bearing in mind that it is also Reformation Sunday:

• You can invite the Bible Society Ministers to share with the congregation what we are doing and share a message from the Word of God. This can be organised for this Sunday or any other Sunday of the year. There are no travelling or possible accommodation costs for any congregation to host any minister of the Bible Society;

• You may take a special offering for the work of the Bible Society on this Sunday or any other Sunday. Some Sessions had decided to donate their Christmas Day offering(s) to the work of the Bible Society;

• You may have an exhibition of various Bibles in the foyer of the church building to stimulate Bible awareness and engagement;

• Each member is asked to the support the Bible Society each year to an amount equivalent to the subsidised cost of one Outreach Bible, thereby helping the Bible Societies of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia to continue making the Bible available, accessible and affordable to all people. That amounts to R 5,00 per month.

• We have also introduced the concept of filling pill boxes with R2,00 or R5,00 coins to subsidise a Bible.

• Congregations may also make donations to specific missional projects. The following Bible Society ministers are responsible for the various Presbyteries in South Africa:

Rev Ruth Jonas (021 910 8777) for the Western Cape Presbytery Rev Hein Barnard (041 364 1138) for the Central Cape, Mthatha, Transkei and Amathole

Presbyteries. He will also visit congregations in the Western Cape Presbytery Rev Clive van Rooyen (031 207 4933) for Drakensberg, East Griqualand, eThekwini and Thukela

Presbyteries Rev Shane Fraser (011 970 4010) for the eGoli, Free State, Highveld, Lekoa, Limpopo and Tshwane

Presbyteries. He is supported by Rev Awedzani Nemaukhwe in the Limpopo Presbytery The contact details for our neighbouring countries are:

• Zimbabwe Address: Mbuya Nehanda St, Harare, Tel: +(263)-4724583 / 4759627 Fax: +(263)-4703910

243

E-mail: admin@biblesociety-zimbabwe.org

• Zambia Address: Plot No.1566, Freedomway, North End, Lusaka Tel: +(260)-211 229 586 Fax: +(260)-211 226 705 E-mail: bsz@biblesocietyzambia.co.zm

Thank you for your continuous loyal support for the Bible cause!

244

HEALTH AND WELLNESS (HWC)

Report to Executive Commission 2019 1. INTRODUCTION In 2018, the General Assembly adopted a revised NAME, Vision, and Mission and Values the

Committee. This has guided the committee’s work ever since that time. The first did was to create awareness of the new name, its vision, mission and values abroad the

denomination and request the Presbyteries to appoint convenors. Not only that have given us focus but the exploring of these NEW areas have provided hours of exciting and joyous work on behalf of the Assembly. The Committee wishes to give thanks to the God Almighty for the progress thus far, being giving the opportunity to serve Him and His Church through this Committee. It has been an enriching encounter for most of us who have been appointed to this committee for the first time. Thus far the Lord has helped us, “Ebenezer.” We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to the General Secretary who has always been available to assist and give guidance.

2. COMPOSITION The following are the members of the HWC: Rev. Z. Maqoko, Rev Dr B. Mpofu, Rev Susan Mumba,

Messrs T.Z. Magogo, Mses C.N. Pona (Convener), N.F. Mkosana, P. H. Lusaseni (Secretary), N.E. Mlatsheni, Y.F. Bomela and T. Khumalo. The committee has a dedicated and committed team who are always available when duty calls. Due to short numbers and certain expertise needed we co-opted Mr Victor Letuka into the committee.

3. ACTIVITIES The critical strategic priority/areas of the committee are as follows:-

a) HIV and AIDS b) TB Management c) Cancer Awareness d) Wellness Management

The key objective of the committee is to implement the strategic framework which provides an

integrated needs driven and holistic approach to health and wellness within the UPCSA. The Committee has met twice a year. In the past year, the committee met on 21 -21 September 2018

and 15 February 2019

3.1. HEALTH AND WELLNESS CONSULTATION The session was held at eMseni Christian Conference Centre-Benoni on the 15-17 February 2019. The

following Presbyteries attended: Amathole, Drakensberg, Egoli, Highveld, Mthatha, Tiyo Soga, Tshwane, Western Cape, and Synod of Zambia. The UPWW, UPWF, JBWW, Church in Society, Mission & Discipleship, Communications Committee, Old Mutual Finance, Council For AIDS Bureau of South Africa (CABSA) and the UPCSA General Secretary.

THE PURPOSE AMONGST OTHERS WAS TO:

a) Introduce the new committee b) Initiate a contact session with Presbytery conveners as corresponding members c) Orientate Presbyteries on the work of the committee - Terms of Reference, vision, mission

objectives and critical priority areas d) Encourage Presbyteries to establish HWC at Presbytery level and in their congregations e) Roll out of HWC Strategy/Operational Plan to Presbyteries and encouraged to customise HWC

operational plan in line with their programmes to suit their respective plans and areas of work. f) Reporting Cycle g) Reporting Template

3.2. PRESENTATIONS

The committee invited Old Mutual to deal amongst other things BUDGETING AND PLANNING ON

FINANCILA ISSUES, DEPRESSION, and BEING A MISSIONAL CHURCH (M&D) COMMITTEE AND CHURCH AND SOCIETY. The Committee is happy to report that ALL were present, following is the snap short of the Presentations:-

3.2.1 FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT The presentation was done by Mrs Kgomotso Baloyi, a Corporate Sales Manager from Old Mutual

Finance as wellness management initiative.

245

a) To empower members by helping them realise how easy it is to start new habits and break old approaches that get in the way of financial stability to prevent stress and other depressive disorders that could lead to ill-health

b) Creating clear specific visions that are realistic, achievable and inspiring. c) How to charge one’s debts as fast as possible. d) Ability to protect assets and growing wealth through wise investments. e) Managing /dealing with debts

3.2.2 UPCSA GENERAL SECRETARY

a) The HWC was humbled by the presence of the Rev. L. Mpetsheni who delivered an opening message.

b) He also presented the vision, mission and strategic plan of the UPCSA and encouraged the committee to align its work to the Nine (9) point plan as listed in the UPCSA Strategic document for collaboration and implementation.

c) He encouraged the all attendees making them realize that the church is in a process of giving life through HWC. This could be achieved by utilizing available skills and expertise within the Presbyteries and congregations for example, dieticians, doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers etc.

d) He reminded all that,”we are all called to serve.” 3.2.3 PRESENTATION ON DEPRESSION The presentation was done by Ms Yolisa Bomela a Psychologist, who also serves as member of the

Committee. The presentation was timed to coincide with Teen Suicide Prevention Week (11-18 February 2019); also to define health as a dynamic process of change and growth, a state physical, social, emotional, occupational, spiritual, financial, and intellectual wellbeing of individuals.

3.2.4 MISSIONAL CHURCH The presentation was done by Mr Victor S Letuka sent by the Convener M& D and also coopted to serve

as member of the Committee. The information of being a missional church in the context of health was unpacked and possible linkages or work relations of the two Committees.

3.2.5 CHURCH IN SOCIETY (CIS) The presentation was done by the Rev R. Daka the Convener CIS. The presentation on the relationship and lines of demarcation between the two committees. He further

expressed the confusion between the CIS and HWC where some Presbyteries reported that they have not yet established HWC. The significance of these two committees working together was overemphasized and might clear the confusion as most of injustice issues e.g. rape impacts on health in various ways but also Social issues.

3.2.6 CHRISTIAN AIDS BEREAU OF SOUTH AFRICA (CABSA)-CHURCHES CHANNELS OF HOPE

(CCoH) The presentation was done by Mrs Aneleh Fourie, from Cape Town, sent by the organization (CABSA).

She make emphasis on the following points:- a. Despite major progress in some area of HIV care and treatment, HIV infection remain on the

increase in South Africa. The goal is to establish empowerment and motivated faith leaders that will work towards reducing new infections and HIV stigma. The HWC is taking the objective seriously as first on the list of their critical priority areas.

b. The organisation offers a subsidized training for CCoH facilitator training to equip leaders with appropriate attitudes, knowledge and skills to be channels of hope.

c. The training for church organisation on the subject will take place at Koinonia Johannesburg on the 21-27 July 2019, therefore UPCSA is invited.

3.3. HEALTH SERVICES This was a single window solution for all the health related issues during the consultation. With our

door step services the HWC ensured that attendees and management and staff of eMseni is in proper shape and to bring up-to-date, trusted and user-friendly services. The HWC brought Medical Equipment and emergency treatment. Thirty four (34) people were screened (17 blood pressure and 17 blood glucose). Out of 17 blood pressure checks three (3) for eMseni staff members were elevated, given immediate treatment and advised to rest.

4. HWC BANNER AND SLOGAN Just as we communicate our feelings to our Heavenly Father through prayer, we can also express our

heart to Him through worship banners. A picture is said to be worth a thousand words to express ideas that would otherwise take many words to convey. A waiving banner repeats the message it is proclaiming as long as it is being waved. A banner can represent God’s love, mercy, truth and healing.

246

It is also a powerful weapon against the enemy. The committee has designed a banner that bears UPCSA colours with a slogan that is self-explanatory,

“Health Today, Wellness Forever.” 5. PARTICIPATION IN 20th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

a) HWC has initiated working relations with the hosting Presbytery on logistics. b) Ensure availability of health services for the duration of the event and to prioritise activities to be

done. c) To forge partnership with local service providers, health practitioners etc. d) To arrange 5km walk to mark the event

6. PROGRESS REPORTS 6.1. LIMPOPO PRESBYTERY Reports were received from the Limpopo and Zimbabwe Presbyteries’ HWC Conveners highlighting the

following: a) Two meetings were held on 30 March and 25 May 2019 respectively. The meeting on 25 May 2019

was to give orientation on work of the committee work and distribute GA HWC strategy/operational plan

b) Setting up of the Presbytery HWC Structure c) Awareness on Hypertension and Diabetes.

6.2. ZIMBABWE PRESBYTERY

a) Two meetings were held on 06 February 2019 and 29 May respectively. b) Awareness campaign in congregations on Women issues as a way of celebrating International

Women’s Day. c) Distribution of information/pamphlets to all congregations on the importance of maintaining a

Healthy Diet to mark the International Health Day. d) To hold Awareness campaign on the 28 July 2019 targeting youth to celebrate Youth Day and

International Day against drug abuse. e) A workshop to provide more information on HIV and AIDS to HIV pregnant mothers with the help

and guidance of local health personnel in rural Mhondoro area will be held. 7. CONCLUSION The Convener wishes to express thanks to the committee for their hard work and commitment in the work of the Committee. The Committee wishes to further say there is a plan to visit Central Cape in June thank Mr Geoff Jooste and his staff for the way in which to be in touch with what is going to take place and work towards finalising logistics for September 2019. The committee is new, it is a joy to convene this committee. The Convener and one/two members of the Committee will be identified to attend the CABSA training. MRS C.N. PONA CONVENER-HEALTH AND WELLNESS COMMITTEE

PROPOSALS 1. The Executive Commission receives the report. 2. The Executive Commission notes the HWC consultation held on the 15-17 February 2019. 3. The Executive Commission commends the attendance by Presbytery representatives, Church

Associations, CIS, M&D and Communications Committees. 4. The Executive Commission commends HWC for health services provided during the consultation. 5. The Executive Commission notes the presentations concerning Depression marked as Annexures A. 6. The Executive Commission encourages Presbyteries and Congregations to establish HWC. 7. The Executive Commission approves the HWC slogan, “Health Today, Wellness Forever” as that of the

UPCSA Health and Wellbeing. 8. The Executive Commission notes the HWC banner. 9. The Executive Commission encourages the attendance of CCoH Leader’s Training on 21-27 July 2019 in

Koinonia, Johannesburg. 10. The Executive Commission notes the participation of the HWC in the UPCSA 20th celebrations.

247

11. The Executive Commission commends the Limpopo and Zimbabwe Presbyteries HWC Conveners for the progress made and reported.

ANNEXURE A DEPRESSION: A PRESENTATION TO THE UPCSA HWC CONSULTATION MEETING HELD AT EMSENI ON 15 FEBRUARY 2019 The Convener of the GA HWC and the Committee Presbytery Delegates and everyone present here today, I greet you all in the mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. My task today is quite straight forward – to share with this audience salient fact about the Cannibal called Depression. The metaphor I have chosen for this presentation is “The Black Dog” – aptly labelled after the short video about depression, written, illustrated and narrated by William Johnstone. I will share the video with you immediately after this presentation. The rationale for the Presentation on Depression The strategic direction taken by the Church to go beyond preaching the Word to taking a keen and active interest in the health and wellness of the Congregants necessitates that the Church Leaders and congregants alike understand the pertinent wellness challenges affecting the congregants. Such an understanding facilitates interventions that seek to address or help alleviate identified challenges. The committee has decided on Depression because of the rising statistics of deaths by depression including suicide deaths. It is important that as congregants we should be able to pick up the signs in ourselves first, among other fellow congregants, the members of our families and communities so that we are able to nip the seed of depression in the bud and save lives. This Presentation seeks to give delegates a functional understanding of Depression, its manifestation, causes and treatment options. The presentation is perfectly timed to coincide with Teen Suicide Prevention Week (11-18 February.) Some Disturbing Statistics Research conducted in South Africa reveals the following stats regarding death by suicide and depression:-

• At least 23 people commit suicide a day in South Africa. A staggering 31.5% of teen suicide attempts require medical treatment and 17.6% of teens have

considered attempting suicide. One in four university students having been diagnosed with depression.

(Young adults battling to settle into the tertiary environment after leaving school) According to World Health Organization (WHO), over 20% of 18-year-olds have had one or more

suicide attempts, Half of all mental health conditions started at the age of 14 and they simply went undetected and

untreated. - South African (SA) suicide stats 10% of all unnatural deaths in adults - And 9.5% in youth are because of suicide. - one in four South African teens have attempted suicide - and one in three hospital admissions for suicide involve youth - There are about 23 a day, virtually one every hour. - Nearly two-thirds of all suicide victims are aged between 20 and 39. - Nearly one-third of recorded suicides in South Africa are in Gauteng - And there has been a 1.5 x increase in suicidal deaths in the Eastern Cape over the past five years. - There are 5 male suicides for every one female suicide.

What is Depression? Depression is a treatable, medical illness marked by changes in mood, thought and behavior. It is more intense than a simple "bad mood." A bad mood is usually gone in a few days, but depression lasts for two weeks or longer. It can keep one from doing normal enjoyable things and may even make it difficult to get out of bed. Depression is a “whole-body” illness, involving your body, mood and thoughts. It affects the way you eat and sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and the way you think about things. Depression is not the same as a temporary blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with depression cannot merely “pull themselves together” and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from Depression.

248

Types of Depression Major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder are two of the most common types of depression that people experience. Major Depressive Disorder People who have major depressive disorder have had at least one major depressive episode (five or more symptoms for at least a two-week period). For some people, this disorder is recurrent, which means they may experience episodes once a month, once a year or several times throughout their lives. Persistent Depressive Disorder (formerly dysthymia) Persistent depressive disorder is a low-level state of depressed mood that lasts a long time. The depressed state of persistent depressive disorder is not as severe as with major depression, but can be just as disabling. Depressed of Just Sad? There is a fundamental difference between feeling sad and suffering from depression? This answer is a very big yes despite the fact that the two terms are often used carelessly and interchangeably. We find ourselves talking about a person who is just healthily responding to a normal life event like “death in the family” as having depression. Sadness Depression o Sadness is a normal human emotion. o “We’ve all experienced it and we all will again o is usually triggered by a difficult, hurtful,

challenging, or disappointing event, experience, or situation.

o We tend to feel sad about something. o When that something changes, when our

emotional hurt fades, when we’ve adjusted or gotten over the loss or disappointment, our sadness remits.” (Guy Winch)

o Sadness is “a healthy response to any kind of loss, disappointing outcome, or hurtful comment”. (Marwa Azab)

o Is an abnormal emotional state. o It is a mental illness that affects the way we

think, feel and behave. o “When we’re depressed we feel sad

about everything. o Depression does not necessarily require a

difficult event or situation, a loss, or a change of circumstance as a trigger.

o In fact, it often occurs in the absence of any such triggers.

o People’s lives on paper might be totally fine – they would even admit this is true – and yet they still feel horrible.”

o When you are depressed it affects every part of your life –

o things you once enjoyed are no longer enjoyable,

o it saps your energy and motivation, o it makes you impatient, irritable, angry and

feel like a failure Sources: Guy Winch, a psychologist and author, Psychology Today Marwa Azab, an adjunct professor of psychology at California State University, Long Beach Symptoms of Depression Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom listed. Some people experience a few symptoms, some people experience many. Also, the severity of symptoms varies between individuals. Symptoms of Depression include:

• Persistent sad, or “empty” mood

• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex

• Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness and self-reproach

• Insomnia or hypersomnia, early morning awakening, or oversleeping

• Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain

• Decreased energy, fatigue and feeling run down

• Increased use of alcohol and drugs, may be associated but not a criterion for diagnosis

249

• Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts

• Restlessness, irritability, hostility

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain

• Deterioration of social relationships If a person has the above symptoms for a period of two weeks or more, and it has affected their social activities or relations with others, or their occupational functioning or school/varsity functioning, then that person has Major Depression/Depression. In some instances a person with depression may feel generally miserable or unhappy without insights as to why it is so. When Depression affects children or teenagers, the symptoms may be slightly different to those of adults. Young children may present with being:

• Sad;

• Irritable;

• Clingy;

• Worried most times;

• Aches and pains;

• Refusal to go to school;

• Low appetite and being underweight. Teens may present with being:

• Sad;

• Irritable;

• Feeling negative and worthless;

• Anger outbursts;

• Attendance or performance issues at school;

• Extreme sensitivity;

• Feelings of being misunderstood;

• Sudden use of alcohol or illicit drugs;

• Eating or sleeping too much;

• Avoidance of social interactions (isolation in own room);

• Self-harm;

• Lack of interest in normal pleasurable activities. What causes Depression? The exact cause of Depression is unknown; there are a variety of factors that may be involved, for example:

Biological differences: There are certain physical changes within the brains of people with depression. Significance of these are still under research.

Brain Chemistry: Often there are changes on the amounts of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that play a role in the neural circuits of the brain responsible for maintaining mood stability.

Hormones:

250

Changes in body hormones may be involved in causing or triggering depression. These may happen during pregnancy, after delivery (baby blues), and when people suffer from thyroid problems, menopause or are on treatment with oral steroids (asthmatics or chronic arthritis or disease like Lupus). Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems - including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.

Inherited Traits: There is a higher risk of Depression amongst those whose family members have the clinical condition. Who is at risk? Depression often begins in the teens, 20s or 30s; however it can start at any age. More women than men are diagnosed with depression largely due to the fact that men often take long to seek professional help and treatment (cowboys don't cry destructive mentality or disclosing depression makes one a sissie/weakling). The following factors seem to increase the risk of developing or triggering depression:

Certain personality traits (e.g. low self-esteem, dependent personality, self-critical personality, pessimist personality);

Traumatic or stressful life events (e.g. physical or sexual abuse, death or loss of a loved one, a

difficult romantic or even business relationship, financial problems;

Blood relatives with a history of depression, bipolar mood disorder, alcoholism, or suicide.

People living with LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Quee, Intersex or Asexuality) in an unsupportive social or family environment;

History of other mental disorders (e.g. Anxiety Disorders including PTSD, Eating Disorders, and

Schizoaffective Disorders etc.

Substance Abusers/ addicts of alcohol or illicit drugs

People living with chronic or life-threatening illnesses like Lupus, Cancer, Stroke, Chronic Pain or Heart Disease

People taking certain medications (Some high blood pressure drugs, some sleeping pills, those taking

steroid tablets over a long period of time, etc.; Is Depression Preventable? There's no sure way to prevent depression. However, these strategies may help.

Take steps to control stress, to increase your resilience and boost your self-esteem.

Reach out to family and friends, especially in times of crisis, to help you weather rough spells.

Get treatment at the earliest sign of a problem to help prevent depression from worsening.

Consider getting long-term maintenance treatment to help prevent a relapse of symptoms. Consider strengthening of your spiritual or religious belief system with God in order to ensure

resilience building and to have hope that you are not alone in battling through the condition, higher powers at going to help your survive the condition.

Treatment options for Depression Up until recently, Pharmacotherapy (Prescription medications) and Psychotherapy (Talking Therapy) have been the most effective combination treatment for people who are battling Depression. The pharmacotherapy (prescription treatment) to relieve Depression symptoms is usually prescribed by one's family doctor or specialist psychiatrist; whilst psychotherapy (specialized psychological counseling) is often provided by an appropriately qualified psychologist. Recently, an increasing number of researchers from both East Asia (India, China and Japan) as well as some in the Western World (US and Europe) are advocating for inclusion of individualized Spiritual Therapy as part of a truly holistic intervention package to treat Depression and other mental illnesses. The scientific evidence from studies by people like Fukuyama, and Indian psychiatrist Prof Abraham Verghese has shown that by strengthening one's core belief system in relation to the higher power, sufferers tend to develop hope and resilience, that helps them to believe that a higher power is with them, and will help

251

them deal better with the mental condition, hence quicker recovery and prolonged periods of remission from those who have received spiritual interventions. Last but not least, the role of Social Health interventions dealing with value of attending to improving relations with loved ones and self goes a long way to help sufferers to get much needed social support that helps them feel needed and valued, which in turn makes them to better comply with prescribed medications and psychology sessions. Talk to your medical doctor, psychiatrist and counselor on how best you can optimize psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, spiritual therapy and social health interventions as part of an individualized holistic health treatment package. What to Do If One presents signs and symptoms of Depression - A call to action

Seek professional help; Make an appointment to see your medical doctor or counseling professional ( psychologist or social

worker); Talk to a friend or loved one; Talk to your faith leader (Priest/Pastor/Spiritual leader etc.); Most workplaces now have an Employee Health and Wellness Programme (EHWP)- visit that center.

They work under strict confidentiality. Some workplaces have outsourced the EAP component of the EHWP – to companies like PHS, ICAS,

and Careways etc. who provide employees with counselling services. Normally they give employees with a toll free number. Call that number.

If your company or organization has no EAP programme, Call Lifeline, ChildLine or South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) 24/7/365 Call Line.

Some Useful Numbers

• Lifeline call Centre: 0861 322 322

• SADAG call line:

• Suicide Alert line: 0800 567 567

• 24hr Helpline: 0800 12 13 14

• Child line: 08000 55555

252

WORSHIP

Report to Executive Commission 2019

The Worship Committee

The Committee meets every month and consists at present of the following: Local members: Kim Brown (convener), Douglas Bax, Douglas Bower, Seth Buttle, Bradley

Croucher, Hendry Fortuin, Eleanor Gaunt, Bonisile Mdyesha and Keith Griffiths (consultant).

Corresponding members: Natalie Barnard, Andries Combrink, Mike Craig, James Elias, Zephney Kennedy, Lita Madaka, Mzwamadoda Mfene, Godfrey Msiska, Mike Muller, Warren Muller, and Knowledge Zinduru.

Licensing and Appointment of a Probationer

Currently the rubric for the licensing of a Probationer reads: “The licensing and appointment takes place preferably during an otherwise ordinary Lord’s Day

service in the congregation in which the Probationer will serve.” It has come to our attention that it is not always possible for ministers to take off during their normal services to attend such a licensing service, especially when more than one Probationer needs to be licensed in a Presbytery. We propose that the rubric be changed to read:

The licensing and appointment can take place at a service on Sunday or at some other time in the church in which the Probationer will serve or else during a service at a meeting of Presbytery. If the Licensing takes place at a Presbytery service, the Presbytery should if possible be meeting at the church that the Probationer will serve or, if more than one Probationer is to be licensed, at the church at which one of the Probationers will serve.

Directions and Guidelines for Conducting a Marriage

Last year we submitted the document Direction for conducting a Marriage which the General Assembly then renamed Guidelines for Conducting a Marriage. However the document contains legal requirements for marriages which have to be followed. We therefore are re-submitting the document with the legal requirements separated and now entitled Directions and Guidelines for Conducting a Marriage (Appendix A). At the Assembly last year we also asked the Presbyteries of Zimbabwe and Zambia to send us their legal requirements for marriages which we have not yet received.

Statement on Inter-Faith

We submitted to the General Assembly in 2018 a document entitled Statement on Inter-Faith it was referred to Presbyteries for their comments, at this stage we have not received any comments.

Ecumenical services and Prosperity Gospel Statements

The Committee was tasked by the General Assembly to work along with the Doctrine Committee on a statements for the UPCSA on our involvement at Ecumenical Services and on the Prosperity Gospel and have forwarded our work to the Doctrine Committee.

Current Work

We are currently working on: • a Leaflet on Leading in Prayer, • a document on the Structure of Sunday Services, • alternative Orders for Easter week services (for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter), and • an Order for Marriage( including the statement to be included when one or both of the bridal couple

are divorcees)

Thanks

I would like to thank all those who diligently work on this committee.

KIM BROWN CONVENER Email: utterly.unique.me@gmail.com PROPOSALS:

1. The Executive Commission receives the Report. 2. The Executive Commission adopts the change to the rubric for the Licensing and Appointment of a Probationer

as set out in the report.

253

3. The Executive Commission agrees to replace the document Guidelines for conducting a Marriage with the

document Directions and Guidelines for conducting a Marriage (Appendix A). 4. The Executive Commission instructs the Presbyteries of Zimbabwe and Zambia to submit their legal

requirements for conducting marriages to the Worship Committee by February 2020.

APPENDIX A

DIRECTIONS AND GUIDELINES FOR CONDUCTING A MARRIAGE

Legal Requirements

South Africa

The Minister should ensure beforehand that no legal impediment impedes the marriage and enquire whether the couple know of anyone who may think of raising any objection to the marriage, so that if possible this can be sorted out before the wedding. At least a month before any marriage the Minister is legally required to check with Home Affairs that in its records the status of both parties planning to marry permits the marriage. If either the Bride or the Bridegroom or both are not South Africans, some Home Affairs offices require the Marriage Officer to get a printout of what is known as a Hanis Online Verification of the marital status of both parties, stamped by Home Affairs, and to submit this with the marriage documents. Otherwise the documents will just be returned to the Marriage Officer.

For a marriage to be legal the Vows must be said in the presence of a Marriage Officer duly appointed by the State, who must also see that the Marriage Register is properly completed and signed.

At the legal ceremony the Marriage Officer has to call on all those present and specifically on the couple to confess any such impediments—and must do so in the wording laid down in the Manual for Marriage Officers or wording approved by the denomination and the Department of Home Affairs.

The vows normally conform to the officially approved vows of a denomination. If a couple insist on drafting their own vows, the Minister must then ensure that they include the brief legal formula in the Manual for Marriage Officers and are otherwise appropriately worded. Without this inclusion the legality of the marriage is placed in question.

The normal place for marriages is in the parish church; exceptions should not be encouraged. The legal part of the ceremony has in any case to be conducted in a place designated by the law: a building regularly used for public worship (such as a church or synagogue), a magistrate’s office or a “domicile” (a place of permanent residence). This excludes restaurants, beaches, open air venues etc. If the ceremony is conducted anywhere else, the vows must be repeated and the marriage register properly signed in such a legally approved place, with the witnesses present and the doors open to allow access to any possible objector.

A Marriage Officer is not permitted to charge any fee for the marriage. This does not exclude requesting the couple, if they can afford it, to make a donation to a charity in exchange for the marriage preparation, however.

Zambia

[To be supplied.]

Zimbabwe

[To be supplied.]

Church Rules or Requirements

Every Minister of the UPCSA who conducts marriages is required to be thoroughly familiar with Chapter 5 on Marriage, Divorce and the Marriage of Divorcees in the Manual of Faith and Order, especially para 5.1-16,24-42. The rules there prescribed must be observed.

Marriage Preparation

The Minister is responsible for seeing that every couple seeking to be married receives proper marriage preparation. He/She should insist that the date of the wedding allow enough time for this and make it generally known in the congregation that this is a condition. If the couple will be arriving from far away shortly before the wedding, they should be required to receive proper preparation where they live and to bring a letter signed by the Minister or counsellor who prepares them certifying that they have received the preparation.

Ministers can help one another run joint preparation courses or train lay people to help them. A Minister who is unable him/herself to prepare all the couples seeking marriage, for instance in scattered rural

254

congregations, must see to it that Elders or lay counsellors are properly trained for this task and exercise it conscientiously under his/her oversight.

(See further “Marriage Preparation” under the Guidelines below.)

Divorce and the Marriage of Divorcees

It is the responsibility of Ministers to counsel and support any couples in their congregations who are considering divorce and any in the process of divorce.

In any marriage of a divorcee a Minister is strictly required to observe the rules in Chapter 5 of the Manual concerning such marriages, particularly para 5.6-42. This includes the rule that before agreeing to marry any divorced person, the Minister must interview him/her and, if possible, also his/her previous spouse, to ascertain their views of what led to the break-up. The Minister also needs to ascertain whether any other Minister has declined to solemnise the proposed marriage, and if so why. If any Minister has declined, it is advisable to contact him/her forhis/her reasons.

The Minister must ensure that all divorcees seeking marriage have been appropriately and adequately counselled before the marriage. He/she must ensure that any person wishing to remarry: • sincerely repents for all of his/her own responsibility for the breakup; • retains no unresolved hostility from the previous marriage; • has received or receives whatever psychological and/or spiritual counselling he/she needs to help him/her

avoid repeating past mistakes; • has fulfilled, and will continue to fulfil, all legal and moral obligations to his/her previous spouse and any

children they have.

In all such counselling it is essential that Ministers display a strictly non-judgemental approach. But any Minister who deems that for any serious reason any particular marriage would be wrong or inappropriate should not let him/herself be pressured into conducting the wedding.

The marriage of any divorcee whose former spouse is still living requires an additional section to be inserted into the Order, as indicated in the Manual, Chap 5, para 5.39, and in the Order itself.

Guidelines

The Engagement

Ministers are encouraged to offer a short liturgical ceremony to bless engagements in their congregations. This may accompany or follow an engagement or any celebration of it and can include: • a short prayer of praise; • a lection from Scripture, e.g. Ps. 144:17f., Hos 2:21-16, I Thess.3:12f.; • a prayer of thanksgiving and intercession such as:

O God, our Creator, we thank you for the love that (name) and (name) have for each other, the trust they have come to put in each other and the joy they share in their engagement. We pray that you will deepen their love and their trust and that they may grow in mutual understanding and respect. Through their faith in you and their commitment to each other may their hopes and dreams come true and their marriage be one of true companionship, selfless sharing, mutual tenderness, peace and lasting joy. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Announcement

It is good pastoral practice to announce any forthcoming marriage to the congregation, especially when one or both of the couple are members of it. The couple can be informed of the Sunday on which the announcement is to be made, be invited to attend church that day and be invited to stand for, or after, the announcement. The Prayers of Intercession should include prayer for the couple (and can include the laying on of hands).

Marriage Preparation

FAMSA offers Ministers very good training courses in marriage preparation and material for use in the preparation. The 5-week Alpha Marriage Preparation Course and the 7-week Alpha Marriage Course (available from Scripture Union or the Alpha website) also provide valuable preparation for couples getting married. The video Laugh your way to a better marriage by Mark Gungor (from CUM bookshops) is a very good additional aid.

Adequate marriage preparation needs at least three sessions. The preparation itself should take the form of discussion, not prescriptive pronouncements. The Minister/counsellor should, among other things

255

• advise the couple that they must see a lawyer well before the wedding to make an informed decision between an antenuptial contract, an accrual contract and community of property;

• advise the couple that it is wise to draw up new wills, preferably even before the marriage; • encourage them to see a doctor for medical examination—including tests for any STDs and HIV infection (a

legal requirement in the USA)—and for advice about the means of ‘family planning’; • discuss in what ways their parents’ ways of relating to each other may have shaped their expectations of

each other; • discuss what each partner hopes, and should be able to expect, from the other in shared decision-making,

handling conflict, financial obligations, financial management, communication, behaviour in social situations, child rearing and the disciplining of children;

• discuss how each other’s family members relate to them; • emphasize that marriage is based on commitment to be faithful to each other and trust in each other, not

on mere sexual attraction or romantic love, both of which may fluctuate. • make clear that marriage will not provide all their relational and social needs, so that friendships outside

the marriage remain important and should not be neglected or resented; • help the couple to discuss and agree on how many children they plan to have and when; and • at some point towards the end of the marriage preparation meet separately with each party to ensure

whether each still regards the other as the partner they would choose.

It is also helpful to commend books on marriage and on parenthood to the couple, e.g. • Douglas Rosenau: Celebration of Marriage, • Harville Hendrix: Keeping the Love You Find and • Harville Hendrix and Helen Hunt: Making Marriage Simple.

The couple needs to be informed well beforehand (and the congregation may need to be informed at the service) whether the congregation may throw confetti (or petals) on the bridal couple after the service.

Cohabitation

People who cohabit before marriage do so for different reasons. Often one reason is financial. For instance, they may feel that they need to have an expensive wedding celebration, delay marriage while they save up for that and begin cohabiting meanwhile. (This is one reason why expensive weddings should be discouraged.) Should a Minister require such a couple to live separately for a period before the wedding? Some people who acknowledge the biblical demand for chastity actually welcome a suggestion that they separate or at least abstain from sexual relations until they are married, but most will react negatively to it. The Minister should in any case discuss the matter with them openly, not just ignore it, and help them to understand that they can silently include their failure to be chaste in the Prayer of Confession, so that it is included for them in what the Assurance of Grace covers.

(Note: A common belief is that if a couple cohabitate for long enough, their relationship becomes “a common law marriage” with legal rights. This is untrue. South African law accords no rights, duties or legal protection to such cohabitation, no matter how long they may have lived together. When one of the partners dies without leaving a will, for instance, the surviving partner has no automatic legal claim of any kind on the deceased partner’s estate.

The Rehearsal

If at all possible, all the members of the bridal party, including the parents, should attend the rehearsal, to practise the parts they will play. If the couple wish to choose who will read the lections, the Readers) should attend as well.

The bridal couple should check the details of the unsigned but otherwise completed marriage register at the rehearsal. (Otherwise they, or the bridegroom alone, can check it in the vestry just before the wedding, but must then arrive early enough to do so.)

At the rehearsal the couple should be told exactly how they are to enter, where they are to stand and how they are to turn and lead the bridal party out. The Minister should coach them in saying their vows and ensure that both will say their vows loudly enough for everyone in the congregation to hear every word.

It is essential that the lections be read well. The Minister should coach any Reader(s) on how to use the microphone and to read audibly and with proper expression.

If the parents are to signify their support for the marriage either verbally or by jointly lighting a candle on the Holy Table, they need to be coached in this. (If a candle is to be used, it needs to be placed on the Table before the service.)

Photographers/Videographers

The bridal couple will naturally want a video or photographic record of the wedding, but the Minister needs to impress on them that no photographers or videographers will be allowed to intrude on the service in any way. They must be as discreet and invisible as possible and either sit in the congregation or stand right against the walls on the side(s). No special floodlights or camera flashes should be allowed. One official photographer may be allowed to step forward during the signing of the register in church to record it. (If the bride has a bouquet, it can be placed on the table for this.) Photographs can also be taken after the actual service.

256

It may also be necessary, either before or at the start of the service, to request the congregation to switch off their cellphones and not to disturb the service by standing to take photographs. A notice to that effect can be shown on an overhead screen before the service.

The Entry

The couple should decide beforehand with the Minister how they wish to enter the church and whether they want their families involved in the service, and if so how. The old tradition that the bride enters on the arm of her father, who “gives her away”, is derived from the patriarchal notion that a daughter belonged to her father until she married (and ultimately from the practice of arranged marriages in which the father chose the husband-to-be). Some modern couples therefore no longer wish to observe the practice.

The options for a procession are: • The bridegroom and groomsmen meet with the Minister in the vestry beforehand. After prayer they enter

the church with the Minister and sit to one side in the front pew, while the Minister goes to meet and welcome the bridal party at the main door. The Minister prays briefly with the bridal party in the vestibule and returns to the Holy Table. When the tune for the wedding march or processional hymn strikes up, the procession enters the nave. The Reader, or if there is no Reader, someone else suitable, may lead the procession carrying the pulpit Bible and place it on the lectern or pulpit. The bride enters on her father's arm, with the bridesmaid(s) and flower girls (preceding or) following her. At the front of the church the father may lift the bride’s veil and kiss her. The bridegroom meets the bride at the end of the aisle. She takes his arm, and they move to where they will stand.

• The bridegroom and bride meet with the Minister in the vestry before the service, and they pray together. The Minister then goes to the sanctuary. The Reader, or if there is no Reader someone else suitable, may lead the procession carrying the pulpit Bible and place it on the lectern or pulpit. The couple enter together and proceed through the nave, either together or else down separate aisles to meet at the front. (Such entry emphasizes that it is the couple’s day, not just the bride’s.) It then needs to be decided beforehand whether, and how, the parents, the (matron and) bridesmaids, the flower girls and the bestman (and groomsmen) take part in the entry.

If the bride and/or the bridegroom has/have any children, they could be bridesmaids and/or pageboys.

The Singing

A solo or choir item can be sung while the congregation gathers and/or during the signing of the register. The other hymns/songs and melodies should be well known and express praise and joy. Some suitable hymns and songs are listed in the Order itself.

The Prayers

The opening prayer should be one of praise. Thanksgiving should follow the marriage rite, and the final prayers should be intercession.

The intercessions (which can be prepared in consultation with the bridal couple) should include prayer for: • the bridal couple, and all married and single people present, • the couple’s parents and, if the couple wishes, other people who have been important in their lives; and • the unity of the Church, if the couple are from different denominations. A family member or friend of the couple can offer these prayers.

The Lections

Any Reader(s) should be chosen carefully. A Reader needs to understand Scripture and read audibly and with expression.

Suitable lections are listed in the Order itself. If the bridal couple want any poem read, it should not be, or appear to be, read in place of any lection or as if it had the same status as the lections from Scripture.

The Vows

The couple should be given an outline of the Order of the service containing the full marriage vows well before the wedding.

The Minister can ask the couple to learn the vows so as to internalize them and say them by heart at the rehearsal and at the wedding. In that case the Minister should assure them that he/she will be standing by to prompt immediately, if either of them hesitates at any point. Alternatively they can repeat the vows line by line after the Minister.

Other Matters

Although the Marriage Order allows for the signing of the vows in the church or in the vestry, it is more in keeping with the public nature of marriage for the marriage register to be signed in the face of the congregation than in the vestry during the service. Either way a choir may sing or music may be played during the signing. If the signing is in church, the music should be soft.

If the congregation is to say any responses, the versicles and responses need to be printed and distributed

257

beforehand or else be projected onto a screen in front at the appropriate times.

If Holy Communion is celebrated, this follows the rite of marriage. The invitation to receive the elements should then be to all believers present (not only the bridal couple)..

Pastoral Follow-Up

After the wedding the Minister should visit the couple pastorally and: • pray with them and for them as they set up home together; • read from the Bible, perhaps adding a short comment (possible passages are Rom. 12:9-18+13:8-10,

Heb. 13:1-6, I Pet. 4:8-11); • encourage them to read the Bible and pray together; • encourage them to be faithful in attending church, not least for the sake of their marriage and any children

they may have; and • encourage them to attend any marriage enrichment courses on offer.

If they relocate, the Minister should notify the Minister of the congregation nearest to their new home and request him/her to care for them pastorally.

A year (or every year) after the wedding a special invitation can be sent to the couple to attend church to mark the anniversary of their wedding. If they do attend, the Minister should specially welcome them, mention the anniversary to the congregation and include prayer for the couple in the Prayer of Intercession.

Especially to any couple he/she has counselled through any marital problems, the Minister may suggest a short service (either in church or at home) in which they renew their marriage vows and conduct this for them. When appropriate, this can be adapted from the Order for Marriage. It should include a prayer of confession of sin for all that has been amiss in the marriage, an assurance of grace, an adapted form of their vows and prayer for healing.

Ministers should in any case preach regularly on chastity and on marriage (including what marriage entails, marital breakdown and the healing of marriage). They should regularly promote and run marriage courses for married couples as well. Marriage Encounter is an organization that helps with such courses. A marriage course is also available from Holy Trinity Church, Brompton Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW7 1JA, UK (http://themarriagecourses.org/run/the-marriage-course/).

258

DOCTRINE COMMITTEE Report to the Executive Commission 2019

Members: Rev Prof. V Vellem (Convener) Rev. Dr F Kobo Rev. D Bower Rev. L, Mshumpela Rev Dr M. Njeza Rev A George Rev Gaborone Rev Dr R Comninos Mr Herman Booysen Introduction Moderator and the Executive Commission: The Doctrine Committee is presenting this Report to share some of the progress we have made in the period under review. We still are in the process of establishing what our task is and more importantly, how we could frame this task because faith is at the core of our existence as a denomination. We currently view our task as the Doctrine Committee to be frighteningly huge and for this reason, we are grappling with how we could streamline and demarcate our focus on faith matters so as to add value to the life and work of the denomination. We share a bit of these questions in our Report, our approach, priorities for now and the Survey on Baptism that is in progress. Establishing What our Task Is In our very first meeting, we attempted to establish what the basis of the existence of the Doctrine Committee would be in the UPCSA. We struggled with the purpose of this Committee, especially its boundaries or demarcation as we felt that other Committees might be doing what could be the function of the Doctrine Committee itself. The Committee reflected on the confessional basis of our denomination and attempted rather to distinguish confession from confessionalism, the latter being a problem related to the struggle of the embodiment of what a denomination might claim as her confessions. For example, we asked ourselves questions such as these:

• If we were to study our confessions in relation to the current structure of the UPCSA what would the outcome be?

• If we were to study our confessions in relation to racial challenges of the UPCSA what would the outcome be?

• What do these confessions offer for inequalities in the UPCSA? • How can our confessional base help us with the challenges of women ministry and patriarchy?

All these questions sought to sharply critique the existence of confessions as mere writings that sometimes find no meaningful expression and embodiment in the life and work of a denomination. We touched on the name of the Committee too. What is doctrine? Whose doctrine and so forth, but generally agreed that there would be no urgency for us to focus on the name and change it. We shall operate within the limits of the name as we continuously engage on what our understanding of faith questions might be from time to time. We then attempted to establish key principles that could help us frame the work of the Committee. We felt that the work of the Committee is lock stock and barrel focused on faith and the following might help guide in framing our work:

• The Ecumenical Dimension of Faith We felt that our faith as a denomination is incomplete without continuous dialogue with ecumenical discussions on faith matters.

• The Embodiment of Confessions We felt that it might be our task to continuously assess how our confessional base is relevant and embodied in the life and work of our denomination. We particularly asked ourselves these questions in relation to our general membership and our self-understanding of faith matters as suggested by our confessions. Our immediate assumption is that most of our members simply do not know anything about our confessions let alone the implications of these confessions for our faith expression as a denomination.

• Encouragement: Understanding faith as core to our existence as the denomination, we then thought that our task among others might be a continuous encouragement of the embodiment of our confessions in the life and work of the denomination. We chose courage as a virtue even though at some instances as we did our own evaluation of the gap between our confessions and our current state as a denomination, a prophetic stance might be a way to go.

• Faith and Mission The relationship between faith and Mission suggests among others, to constantly grapple with defining our mission praxis as a denomination. As a Committee we felt that we might have to constantly grapple with the mission of our denomination as it related to faith issues and what we might regard as the foundations of our

259

faith as a denomination. But how Can we do our Work? Our conversation then proceeded to the ‘how’ of our work as a Committee. We asked ourselves:

• What differences can we bring to the denomination on matters of faith as the Doctrine Committee? • Who is the UPCSA? • Whose faith are we about in the UPCSA? • Whose faith foundations shape our ecumenicity? • Whose faith foundations shape our mission orientation? • Whose business of faith is likely to be ‘usual’ in the UPCSA? • How are we giving expression to our faith in the UPCSA?

Identifying priorities In order to begin our work, we then tacitly discussed what our priorities could be as the Committee. We attempted to discern the signs of the times and spoke broadly about the following questions:

• We live at a time when faith fundamentals are at stake. • We have to grapple with the accessibility of our faith foundations to our members as the UPCSA. • We have to develop some formula in our work as we identify challenges, 4E’s: Ecumenical dimensions

of faith, Expression of faith in our denomination, Encouragement to embody our teachings on faith and our Expansion in quality and witness based on our faith teachings.

• We cannot proceed with any teachings on faith without the urgent need to focus on gender, patriarchy and young people.

• We need to dispel the myth that doctrine is inaccessible to non-theologians and find ways to learn from those believers who are not theologians in our denomination.

The Committee at Work Baptism Survey Where do we start? That was the basic question in our next meeting of the Committee. We as the UPCSA have only two sacraments and this is basic to our teaching of faith. Do we really have the same understanding of what these sacraments mean for us as the UPCSA? This discussion was fascinating as we delved deeper into the meaning of baptism for the denomination today. Suddenly we began to tacitly realize that in fact, a basic survey of the understanding of baptism might unravel a number of questions about our current status of faith understanding in the denomination. Our Manual of Faith and Order has an elaborate section on this teaching, yet there are many signs as we discussed, of discrepancies in our understanding of the meaning of this sacrament. We have attached the questionnaire for this survey as an Appendix to this Report. We encourage ministers as teaching elders to help us reach as far as possible in our denomination in undertaking this preliminary test on our faith in relation to sacraments. Members of the Committee are currently conducting these surveys and the results will be shared in our next Report. We request those who are willing to assist to contact the convener who is tasked to co-ordinate the survey. Membership of the Committee Some members who have been nominated to this Committee have not been able to attend our meetings. The Rev Dr Comninos asked to be removed from our email list and the Convener kindly requested him to explicitly state what he meant, otherwise a resignation from the Committee would have to be reported to the Clerk of Assembly so that we have names of interested members nominated to the Committee. We have not heard from other members and the Convener is tasked to encourage and engage with them, the Revds. Gaborone and George. Conclusion It appears that our work for the denomination is fascinating and all members who have been in our meetings have shown considerable excitement and dedication for the work of this Committee as it is begin to find some shape. We have a number of matters that were sent to this Committee but there is still some lack of clarity as the existence of Committees that do work on faith matters presents a challenge to the demarcation of the work of the Doctrine Committee. This Report sought to focus on how we first attempt to understand our scope of work, and indeed some priorities we have identified for the work of the Committee. CONVENER VS VELLEM PROPOSALS 1. That the Executive Commission receives the report. 2. That the Executive Commission appreciates the unfolding terms of references as our guide for the

Doctrine Committee. 3. That the Executive Committee accepts the priority of gender, patriarchy and young people in our work

as the Doctrine Committee. 4. That the Executive Commission encourages pastors to and our congregants to participate in the

Baptism Survey.

260

5. That the Executive Commission requests those pastors who are willing to assist the Committee to contact the Convener who is tasked to coordinate the Survey on Baptism.

APPENDIX A

QUESTIONNAIRE

SURVEYING THE UNDERSTANDING OF BAPTISM WITHIN THE UPCSA

1. Baptism is a UPCSA practice and not sanctioned by the Bible.

2. Baptism is important but not critical in the life and work of UPCSA.

3. Baptism expires and is renewed/ replaced at Confirmation.

4. Confirmation is more important than Baptism.

5. Baptised members are half members and Confirmed members are full members.

6. UPCSA baptism is better than those of other churches.

7. Baptisms are not equal; some are more worthy than others.

8. The efficacy of Baptism depends on the administering Minister.

9. It does matter who baptises you.

10. You must choose carefully the right Minister for your baptism.

11. The character and person of the administering Minister do affect the value of Baptism.

I agree I disagree I am not sure

I agree I disagree I am not sure

I agree I disagree I am not sure

I agree I disagree I am not sure

I agree I disagree I am not sure

I agree I disagree I am not sure

I agree I disagree I am not sure

I agree I disagree I am not sure

I agree I disagree I am not sure

I agree I disagree I am not sure

I agree I disagree I am not sure

261

12. It does matter if the administering Minister is Zambian, Zimbabwean, South African.

13. It does matter if the administering Minister is a woman.

14. It does matter if the administering Minister is white.

15. It does matter if the administering Minister is black.

16. It does matter if the administering Minister is newly ordained Minister.

17. It does matter if the administering Minister has many years in the ministry.

18. Baptism is a guarantee of entry to heaven if a child/ person dies.

19. Baptism by a wrong person may deprive the person entry into heaven.

20. Baptism by a wrong person may lead to stunted spiritual growth for the baptised person.

21. Baptism by the right person leads to a better social acceptance.

22. Baptism is a more important sacrament than the Holy Communion.

23. I can receive the Holy Communion from any Minister, but not Baptism.

24. Baptism is personal and should be administered preferably by the Minister of my choice.

I agree I disagree I am not sure

I agree I disagree I am not sure

I agree I disagree I am not sure

I agree I disagree I am not sure

I agree I disagree I am not sure

I agree I disagree I am not sure

I agree I disagree I am not sure

I agree I disagree I am not sure

I agree I disagree I am not sure

I agree I disagree I am not sure

I agree I disagree I am not sure

I agree I disagree I am not sure

262

25. Which of the following categories describes your Age

18 – 24

25 – 39

40 – 59

60 – 80

Prefer not to answer

26. Which of the following categories describes your Gender

Female

Male

Prefer not to answer

27. Which of the following categories describes your Race

Black

White

Coloured

Indian

Prefer not to answer

28. Which of the following categories describes your home Language

Afrikaans

English

Vernacular

Prefer not to answer

29. Which of the following categories describes your Geographic place of residence

Rural

Urban

Sub-urban

Prefer not to answer

I agree I disagree I am not sure

263

NOMINATIONS Report to the 2019 Executive Commission INTRODUCTION Greetings to the Moderator and Commissioners in the name of our Lord and Savor Jesus Christ. It gives me great pleasure to present the draft report on the Nominations Committee to the Executive Commission. The Nominations Committee would normally not have a report at the Executive Commission as reports of the Committee are submitted to the General Assembly. The General Assembly instructed the Nominations Committee to present a policy on the Nomination of Assembly Committees. The report attached herewith contains guidelines on the nomination of Committees of Assembly. BACKGRUND AND REASONING For several years now, there has been some dis-ease about the way in which Committee Conveners and Committee members have been nominated and appointed by the Nominations Committee. Largely the work of nominating committee conveners and members of committees was handled in an ad-hoc manner with the Committee appointed during the sitting of the Assembly and expected to sift through the list of commissioners to propose conveners and members of committees. Over the last while, there have been discussions and suggestions about how this might be addressed. The Priorities and Resources Committee has done some work in developing guidelines for the Nominations of Committees of Assembly which is hereby acknowledged with appreciation. REV. B. Z. MKENTANE CONVENER PROPOSALS 1. The Executive Commission receives the report. 2. The Executive Commission adopts the Policy on the Nomination and Appointment of Committees and

Commissions of Assembly.

ANNEXURE 1 Draft Nominations policy and procedure for General Assembly Committees Proposed by the Nominations Committee in consultation with the Priorities and Resources Committee 1. Purpose The Purpose of the Policy is to guide the General Assembly on the process and procedures for the nominations and appointment of persons to serve in Committees and Commissions of General Assembly Structures: 2. Statutory/Legal Basis The Manual of Faith and Order provides a legal basis for the establishment of committees, commissions and other structures of Assembly. 3. Guiding Principles: The General Assembly operates with Committees and Commissions which do most of the work of the Church while the Assembly is not in session. In all organizations, structures drive the vision and the strategy ensuring translation of policy proposals into implementable programs. Committees of Assembly are therefore an important pillar in the functioning of the denomination and the population of the structures of Assembly must be done in a manner that ensures that the denomination is provided with a combination of skills and experience with the requisite visionary insight to take the denomination forward. The establishment of Committees of Assembly must be undergirded by principle of Transparency, Participation, Consultation, Respect and Care. 4. Application of the Policy The Policy and Procedure applies mainly to the Nomination of Conveners and members of General Assembly Committees and Commissions (where applicable). Synods and Presbyteries may develop their own nomination policies and procedure or adapt this policy taking into account the peculiarity of their circumstances.

264

5. Introduction/ Background For several years now, there has been some dis-ease about the way in which Committee Conveners and Committee members have been nominated and appointed by the Nominations Committee. Largely the work of nominating committee conveners and members of committees was handled in an ad-hoc manner with the Committee appointed during the sitting of the Assembly and expected to sift through the list of commissioners to propose conveners and members of committees. Over the last while, there have been discussions and suggestions about how this might be addressed. The Priorities and Resources Committee has done some work in developing guidelines for the Nominations of Committees of Assembly which is hereby acknowledged with appreciation. The work of the Priorities and Resources Committee under the guidance of the current Moderator, Rev. Dr. Peter Langerman, provides a framework for a better managed, more efficient and more effective procedure for the nomination of Committee Conveners. While looking the nominations of Committees of Assembly, the document focusses more on Committee Conveners since there is an Assembly policy that Committee members should, as far as possible, be concentrated around the geographic location of the Convener of that Committee. Once the Convener has been nominated and appointed, then the work of the Nomination Committee to populate the Committee can take place.

6. Guiding Provisions of the Manual 6.1 Currently all Presbyteries have the right to nominate a Moderator Designate and members of the Court of General Assembly (See paras 12.10ff and 18.31ff). This process starts at Presbyteries and is completed with voting of Commissioners at General Assembly. 6.2 The Nominations Committee has two components: a Standing Committee nominated by the General Assembly and an ad-hoc Committee which meets during the sitting of the General Assembly (see para 13.59). In this policy document these two components are distinguishes by calling one the (Standing) Nominations Committee and the other the (Ad-Hoc) Nominations Committee. The Standing Nominations Committee is composed of members appointed at the General Assembly which are within a geographic proximity to the Convener. The (Ad Hoc ) Nominations Committees is made of names submitted by Presbyteries ( see par. 12.10) to the Clerk of Assembly and functions during the sitting of General Assembly. 6.3 The Nominations Committee is specifically empowered to consult with Presbyteries as to the appointment of conveners (see para 13.64 (c)). 6.4 The normal tenure for the convenership of a Committee is four years (see para 13.67). Conveners will step down after four years and any extension must be motivated by the Committee and agreed to by the Assembly. 6.5 The Assembly can give direction to the Nominations Committee as to the criteria for appointment of particular conveners or members (see para 13.68).

6.6 The Clerk of Assembly regularly reminds Presbyteries and Committees that they need to furnish the Clerk of the Assembly with their completed reports at least three months prior to the Assembly (See SO 3.2).

7. Policy Proposals and Provisions: Chapter 13 of the Manual of Faith and Order provides for the establishment of Assembly Structures in the form of Committees and Commissions and further provides the processes to be followed in the nominating persons to serve in Committees and Commissions of General Assembly. In the light of the above the following proposal are put forward for further guidance on the implementation of the provisions of the Manual. : 7.1 Not less than six months prior to the Assembly the (Standing) Nominations Committee shall write to the Committees of the General Assembly indicating the process to be followed in the nomination and appointment of committee and their conveners. The Communication to conveners must contain:

(a) A reminder of the term of office of conveners and members of committees. (b) An indication that since the Convener of that Committee has served one term, he / she is able to

serve a second term if available to do so; or

(c) Since the Convener of that Committee has served two terms, he / she is not able to serve a further term unless that Committee requests an extension of the Convener’s tenure and this is motivated by the Committee and agreed to by the Assembly in terms of (new) para 13.78 (below).

(d) If the Convener is going to end his / her tenure as Convener of that Committee, the Committee itself is invited to make a nomination of a person to succeed the Convener in the prescribed form as described below.

7.2 Each Committee shall indicate to the (Standing) Nominations Committee whether the Convener is / is not going to end his / her tenure as Convener of that Committee. If the Convener has served two terms, and that

265

Committee wishes the Convener to serve another term, that Committee shall make a motivation to the Nominations Committee for such an extended tenure. 7.3. The (Standing) Nominations Committee shall inform the Clerk of Assembly which Committees will have Conveners that will be serving a second term and which will have vacancies that will need to be filled at the up-coming Assembly. The (Standing) Nominations Committee shall inform the Clerk of Assembly which Committees were requesting an extended tenure of the Convener and the motivation for such an extension. 7.4 In nominating persons as Conveners, the (Standing) Nominations Committee seeks to propose the most suitable person in the UPCSA for the position irrespective of race, gender, status (Minister, Elder, etc.), age or geographical location ( par. 13.63 of MOFO). 7.5. The (Standing) Nominations Committee also seeks to spread the convenerships as widely through the Church as possible. Accordingly, irrespective of the nominations received from Presbyteries and Committees, the (Standing) or the (Ad Hoc) Nominations Committee may make additional nominations to take this into account. In addition, if no nominations are received from Presbyteries or Committees, the (Standing) or (Ad Hoc) Nominations Committee must nominate people to ensure that every Committee has a Convener and sufficient number of members 7.6 At the time when the Clerk of Assembly notifies the Clerks of Presbytery of the appointments Presbyteries are to make to the Assembly, he / she also notifies them, and those Committees whose Conveners are ending their tenure, of the right of Presbyteries, and of those Committees, to nominate Conveners for those Committees that will have vacancies. The Clerk also notifies Presbyteries of those Committees that have applied for an extended tenure of a Convener together with the Committee’s motivation and invites Presbyteries to propose nominations for Convener of those Committees as well. The Presbyteries may nominate Conveners for every Committee that has a vacancy and every Committee where the Committee is applying for the extension of the tenure of the Convener. The Committees may only nominate a convener of their own Committee. Neither Presbyteries nor Committees are bound to make such nomination. 7.7 Nominations for Conveners of Committees must be sent by Clerks of Presbytery and Committees to reach the Clerk of Assembly not later than 30th June in the year in which the Assembly sits. The nominee's written consent must be submitted to the Clerk of Presbytery or Secretary of the Committee, before his / her name is proposed in the Presbytery or Committee meeting. Where the Presbytery is not able to provide written consent of the nominee, it must provide assurance that the person has been consulted and consented to his/her name being used. 7.8 Each Presbytery or Committee which nominates a person as a Committee Convener submits the name to the Clerk, together with the nominee's acceptance, a brief biographical statement about the nominee and a brief motivation. Copies of the nomination documents are circulated to members of the Assembly by the Clerk along with the other papers for the meeting at which the election is to take place. 7.9 The Clerk of Assembly must forward the names proposed with any motivation of continuance of Conveners or nomination of persons as conveners, to the Convener of the Nominations Committee. 7. 10 The Convener of the Nominations Committee must work with the Standing Committee on Nominations to propose conveners and members of Committees and develop a Drat Nominations Report for submission to the Clerk of Assembly within the prescribed period. In nominating Conveners and members to serve in Committees the Nominations Committee must consider:

(a) Continuity of the Work of the Committee. (b) Balance of gender, age, geographic spread (where necessary).

8. At the General Assembly 8.1 During the first day of the General Assembly the Convener of the Nominations Committee presents the draft Nominations Report and moves that the report be noted. 8.2 The Convener works with members appointed by Presbyteries to constitute an Ad Hoc Nominations Committee which will refine the draft Nominations report and present a final report for adoption by the Assembly. 8.3 The process of nominations of conveners and members of Committee shall take place giving due regard to the consultations processes necessary before and during the Assembly. 8.4 The Nominations Committee may be asked/instructed during the sitting of the Assembly to nominate members of any Commissions or Ad Hoc Committees , that the Assembly establishes during the Assembly. 8.5 The Clerk of General Assembly informs each Convener by letter of his / her appointment and of the members elected to serve with him/her on the Committee. 8.6 If a vacancy occurs on a Committee, the Committee may co-opt another member of the Church to fill it until the General Assembly next meets. A members so co-opted serves for the remainder of the term of the person they replace. The Committee must inform the Clerk of Assembly and Convener of Nominations

266

Committee of the co-option. 8.7 Only a person in full standing as an enrolled member of this Church, or of a United Congregation in which this Church is a constituent participant, may be appointed as a member on a Committee of General Assembly. 8.8 In nominating persons as members of Committees that do not conduct their business by correspondence the (Standing) and (Ad Hoc) Nominations Committee:

(a) attempts to find enough persons within a reasonably small geographic area to keep the costs of travel as low as possible. It should nominate persons who will need to travel long distances only if they have special expertise that makes their contribution to the Committee’s work essential or at least highly desirable. Otherwise persons with special skills residing a long way away from where the Committee will meet should rather be appointed as “corresponding members”, who do not attend but contribute to the work of the Committee by e-mail or correspondence;

(b) as far as possible includes persons of different races, ages and genders, considering at all times the need for women and young people to be included in the Committee structures of the Church;

(c) may consult Presbyteries and Congregations about whether they have suitably gifted and informed persons to nominate to specific Committees.

8.9 Committees should normally have no more than 10 to 12 members. (par. 13.65) 8.10 In the nominating of Conveners and Committee members care should be taken that no persons are proposed to be included on more than two Committees at a time. Appointment onto more than two Committees shall be made only where specific knowledge and expertise is required. 9. Tenure of the Convener of Assembly Committee The normal period of tenure of the Convener of an Assembly Committee shall be four years, with the possibility of this tenure being extended for a further four years. Should the Committee desire to extend its life beyond the first four years, it should motivate this to the Convener of the Nominations Committee, who presents the motivation to the General Assembly. If a Committee can show that it has specific tasks which will be completed through the extension of its appointment for a further period, it should bring this specifically to the attention of the General Assembly in its written Report.(par. 13.67) 10. Implementation of Assembly decisions Where the General Assembly has determined the criteria for the appointment of persons to serve on specific Committees, and/or to be selected for specific expertise, or serve in bodies in which the Denomination is involved, the Nominations Committee implements the Assembly decision in recommending names to the Assembly. 11. Amendment of the Policy The Policy shall remain in force until such time that it is amended by the General Assembly

267

AD HOC CONFESSIONS OF FAITH

Report to the Executive Commission 2019

The Confessions Task Team This Task Team operates by email and at present consists of the following: Local members: Douglas Bax (convener), Heinrich Asch, Douglas Bower, Eleanor Gaunt, Cornelis

Jongeleen and Dave Smit (temporarily inactive). Corresponding members: Andries Combrink, Glynis Goyns, James Elias, Bonisile Mdyesha, Godfrey Msiska,

Lita Madaka, Knowledge Zinduru.

The Subordinate Standards and Admission to the Ministry of the UPCSA The unhappy fact that a Minister had come into the ministry of the UPCSA from another denomination and later propagated views that some members of the Church judged to be blatantly heretical raised two questions in principle for the UPCSA in 2017: • How consciously and consistently does the UPCSA understand itself to be a confessional Church? and• How does the UPCSA therefore in practice provide for, and insist on, the proper assessment of the

doctrinal views of candidates for the ministry and Ministers from other denominations when they apply tobe accepted, or are seconded or appointed, into the ministry of the UPCSA or to work within it, in order toavoid such situations.

A confessional Church is one that • recognizes the Word of God in the Bible as the supreme standard of faith; and• has a creed, or creeds, and/or a confession, or confessions, of faith and takes these seriously as

subordinate standards of faith to which it requires in particular those whom it admits to its ministry todeclare and give allegiance.

Confessions are subordinate standards in confessional Churches in the sense that they are subject to the supreme authority of the Word of God in Scripture and so subject to correction in the light of Scripture; they should represent what Scripture says and always point to Scripture, not away from it. The Reformed maxim ecclesia reformata et semper reformanda ex verbum Dei (“the Church reformed, and always being reformed, according to the Word of God”) always applies. Confessions are subordinate standards in that they summarize the key doctrines of Scripture and so serve as keys, or guides, to the interpretation of Scripture and set doctrinal standards, or norms of belief, for their Churches. The Churches of the Reformation, in particular the Lutheran (“Evangelical”) and Reformed Churches, have traditionally been confessional Churches in this sense ever since the time of Luther and Calvin. What originally prompted this was a historical situation of theological and political conflict and turmoil in which these Churches needed to define what they believed vis-à-vis the Roman Catholic Church and to a lesser extent also vis-à-vis other Christian movements or denominations. The confessions have historically continued to shape the faith and practice of their Churches. But in our modern, or post-modern, western culture people have tended to allow reason or personal experience or just cultural values to serve as the criteria of truth; a maze of Christian denominations, worldviews, and religions also confronts us with competing truth claims. This has led some to regard traditional statements of faith, or doctrine, as under a cloud, and many people are confused about what to believe or whether to believe at all. This makes confessions not less but all the more relevant, however. In a sea of conflicting values a confession is a doctrinal anchor, an anchor of faith, that keeps the ship of faith from shipwreck. This was dramatically illustrated in the 20th century by the Barmen Theological Declaration (1934) against the attempt of the Deutsche Christen to fuse National Socialism with Christianity and by the Belhar Confession (1982), and indeed our own Declaration of Faith for Southern Africa (1973/1994), against the attempt to fuse the ideology of apartheid with Christianity. The UPCSA has four subordinate standards: the Nicene Creed, the Apostles’ Creed, the Confession of Faith of the UPCSA and the Declaration of Faith.1 Formally the UPCSA does therefore understand itself to be a confessional Church. But the question remains: how diligently, consistently and strictly does the UPCSA apply this self-understanding in practice? 1. The Manual of Faith and Order, Chapter 17 (Replacement Pages 2017), Section 1, para 17.1-44, lays down“the Normal Route of Admission to the Ministry” of the UPCSA, as one in which candidates join the Fellowship of Vocation, become Students for the Ministry and then are licensed as Probationers. In being licensed as Probationers they are required to take Vows declaring that they:

1 The “Accra Confession” is a statement on the economic and ecological injustices of today’s global economy that was first proposed at, and adopted by, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches meeting in Accra, Ghana, in 2004. Following up on this, some years later, the General Assembly of the UPCSA “adopted” this document. In view of this it may need to be made clear that, despite its title and its relevance, the Accra Confession is strictly speaking a tract for the times, not a confession of faith in the sense of a subordinate standard. The General Secretary of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, and subsequently of the World Communion of Reformed Churches, which succeeded the WARC, Dr. Setri Nyomi, made this quite clear at a UPCSA meeting on the confessions in Benoni. For one thing the Accra Confession cannot be amended like any normal confession (despite controversial statements in it). In any case the UPCSA has never adopted the Accra Confession as a subordinate standard, a process which would entail the Presbyteries’ voting in favour of this; it merely “adopted” (in the sense of approved) it by a once-off vote at the Assembly.

268

• accept the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as inspired by the Holy Spirit to be the uniquelyauthoritative and sufficient witness to Jesus Christ and as such the Word of God and the final rule of faithand life; and

• accept as subordinate standards of the faith the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds and affirm the substance ofthe faith expressed in the Confession of Faith of the UPCSA and the Declaration of Faith for the Church inSouthern Africa in the way that the Declaration of Standards sets out.

During probation the Presbytery’s Ministry Committee sees to it that the Probationer is tutored inter alia “on the doctrines of the Creeds and confessions” and reports progress on this to the Presbytery, which in turn reports to the Assembly’s Ministry Committee (para 17.38). If and when the Assembly’s Ministry Committee, in consultation with the Presbytery Ministry Committee, is satisfied with a Probationer’s training and ability, it issues a Ministry Certificate to him/her. This enables the Probationer to accept a Call or Appointment (para 17.39). The Presbytery within which the Probationer accepts a Call or Appointment must then through its Ministry Committee or a specially appointed committee carefully examine, inter alia the Probationer’s a) personal faith, sense of Call to the Ministry and understanding of that Call;b) understanding and acceptance of the Declaration of Standards, the Ordination Vows and the Covenant

spelled out in the Vows;c) “acceptance of the substance of the faith as contained in” the UPCSA’s four subordinate standards of the

faith.The Presbytery Committee requires the Probationer to indicate at what points, if any, he/she differs with the subordinate standards. The Presbytery committee reports back to the Presbytery, which then resolves on the Probationers suitability for ordination (para 17.41). If the Presbytery resolves in favour, it proceeds with the Call or Appointment and the Probationer’s ordination and induction or appointment as a minister (para 17.42).

2. The Manual, Chapter 17 (Replacement Pages 2017), Sections 2-6, lays down the other routes of admissionto the ministry of the UPCSA, which are those for mature age candidates (paras 17.45-46), for candidates who have begun or completed theological studies independently (17.47) or as members of other denominations (17. 58-60), for ministers of other denominations (17.48-57), for former ministers of the UPCSA (17.61) and for ministers seconded by other Churches (17.62-63). What is to be noted in these sections with regard to the subordinate standards is that:

• para 17.45 stipulates that mature age candidates may not be ordained until they have completed bothacademic training and probation but does not spell out that for them too probation involves beingtutored on “the doctrines of the Creeds and confessions” and ordination involves being examinedbeforehand on their understanding and acceptance of these subordinate standards;

• para 17.47 and 17.58 likewise do not spell out that probation involves the same for candidates whohave begun or completed theological studies independently or as members of other denominations;

• para 17.48 stipulates that a Minister of another denomination who applies for admission to theministry of the UPCSA does so through the Assembly Ministry Committee, and para 17.51 that thePresbytery within whose boundaries he/she resides tests the minister’s “understanding and acceptanceof the Presbyterian form of Church government and doctrine” before making its recommendation tothe Committee;

• para. 17.62 regarding Ministers seconded by other denominations to serve in the UPCSA says nothingat all in regard to any such examination; and

• para 16.162 regarding the contracting of Ministers-in-association likewise says nothing at all in regardto any such examination.

Two points are to be noted in particular: • para 17.51 (concerning ministers of other denominations) is thus less specific than para 17.20

(concerning candidates who take “the normal route”) in that it fails to mention specify the foursubordinate standards as meant by “Presbyterian doctrine”; and

• para 17.62 and 16.162 allow Presbyteries to fail to provide for, or insist on, any examination at all ofwhat seconded Ministers and Ministers-in-association from other denominations believe and do notbelieve.

The Confessions Task Team therefore in 2017 proposed that all these paragraphs be amended, so that • they be consistent with one another,• all people admitted to the ministry of the UPCSA be properly examined concerning their acceptance of

the UPCSA’s subordinate standards, and• such acceptance be a condition for their admission.

Two questions in this connection were: • who should do the examining, and• what exactly should be examined?

The convener of the Confessions Task Team consulted three people in particular concerning this: Peter Langerman, the previous convener of the Manual Committee, David Macdonald, the current convener of the Manual Task Team and Eddie Germiquet, the secretary of the Ministry Committee of Assembly at the time. In the light of these consultations the Confessions Task Team redrafted the relevant paras, so that in every case the Presbytery would examine the candidates, and also so that the rule in para 7.51 was spelled out properly. A further consideration was that Presbyteries vary in how strong they are and how well they function: some examine their ordinands thoroughly, but some seem to do so less thoroughly. For this reason it seemed best

• to require the Presbyteries to report to the Ministry Committee on their examination of all candidates;and

269

• for the Ministry Committee as well to have the right to examine Ministers from other Churches, if itthought this necessary or appropriate.

The proposed amended versions of all the paragraphs were fully set out in Appendix A of the 2017 Report. (See the Papers for the Executive Commission 2017, p.152-154, and note that:

• in their redrafted forms the order of paras 7.51 and 52 was reversed as well; and• p.150 in the 2017 Report (a little above mid-page) mistakenly labelled Appendix A as Appendix B.)

When the Confessions Report proposed the amended versions of all the paragraphs at the Executive Commission in 2017, however, the convener of the Manual Committee proposed as an amendment that the UPCSA consult the UCCSA and the CUC and its other member Churches before finalizing the amended wording of the paragraphs. The Executive Commission adopted the amended proposal, but the decision was unfortunately recorded in an incomplete and slightly garbled form (Proceedings and Decisions of the Executive Commission 2017, p.386, 409). The Manual Committee convener in consultation with the convener of the Confessions Task Team therefore redrafted the wording of the decision, and the Manual Committee’s Report in 2018 proposed that:

General Assembly (a) accepts in principle the amended forms of paragraphs 17.40A, 17.41, 17.48, 17.52-56, 17.62, 1 (b) 7.62A, 16.116, 16.118, and 16.162 set out in Annexure “B” [Papers 2018, p.325-327] in regard to

admission to the ministry of the UPCSA, (c) directs the Doctrine Committee to draft an explanation that the UPCSA is historically a confessional

church with a statement of the reasons why we are considering those amendments, and to submit such to (i) the UCCSA for comment and consent in the context of our mutual eligibility agreement with them,

and, (ii) the CUC with the request that it responds to the proposed amendments in the light of the

guidelines for member churches of the CUC agreed upon in 1996 and refer them to its member churches for response and comment, if the CUC deems that to be necessary,

(d) directs the Doctrine Committee to consult with the Ministry and Manual Committees in drafting the explanation and reasons referred to in (b) above and to revise the proposed amendments as may be agreed between them in the light of comments received from the UCCSA and the CUC in terms of (i) and (ii) above, and,

(e) directs those Committees to report any responses from the other denominations and their final draft of the proposed amendments to the Executive Commission in 2019.

(Papers for 2018, p. 318f., 321f.#3) The Assembly duly adopted this proposal by consensus (Proceedings and Decisions 2018, p.562#3, 618#3). In the event, however, because it directed the Doctrine Committee to draft the explanation and rationale for the changes in the rules, the resolution fell between two stools. The convener of the Manual Committee has now made clear that this was an inadvertence, and that his intention was that the body that initiated the changes to the rules of admission in the first place, i.e. the Confessions Task Team, should draft the explanation and rationale. (Since the disbanding of the Faith and Order Committee the Confessions Task Team has in any case formally been grouped under the Doctrine Committee.) The Confessions Task Team should then submit its draft to the conveners of the Manual and the Ministry Committees for their approval, and it should then be sent to the UCCSA and the CUC and its member Churches. The convener of the Doctrine Committee concurs with this. The Task Team will therefore proceed accordingly. It should be noted that the proposed amendments, when finally adopted (and only then), also involve changes to the set of Narratives to be read at the services for the ordination and induction/appointment of Ministers. (On this see the Worship Committee’s report for 2017 and the decision of the Executive Commission on the amended Narratives in the Proceedings and Decisions 2017, p.408 no.4.) The Executive Commission failed to note that the amendment from the convener of the Manual Committee meant that the implementation of this decision needed to be delayed. Hence the note about this and proposal 4 in the Worship Committee Report for 2018.

Two Pamphlets on Martin Luther in 2017 Protestant Churches throughout the world celebrated the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation with Luther’s publication of 95 Theses against Indulgences in October 1517. In order to commemorate and celebrate this, at the behest of the 2016 Assembly the Task Team produced a 20pp. pamphlet Celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation for group study. The 2016 Assembly urged all Ministers and Sessions to encourage, or else set up, study groups in their congregations to discuss the pamphlet during 2017 (Proceedings and Decisions of the Assembly 2016, p.573 etc.). The document was placed on the UPCSA website, and the Executive Commission in 2017 again urged Ministers and Sessions to make or order copies of it and to see to it that study groups within their congregations and preaching stations studied and discussed the document. The Assembly Office also sent out electronic copies to all the email addresses it had in June and again in September 2017. As the 2017 pamphlet celebrated the anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation and for reasons of space, it was restricted to positive aspects of Luther’s teaching and mentioned no negative aspects. It is important, indeed essential, however, that Protestants be informed of, and face up to, the negative aspects as well. The 2018 Report therefore supplemented the earlier pamphlet with a critique of Martin Luther (in its Appendix A). The Assembly Office subsequently sent electronic copies of this second document to all Ministers and Elders whose email addresses it had. The Task Team urges all ministers and Sessions whose congregations have still not studied these two

270

documents or either of them to have copies printed and to urge all groups within their congregations to study them carefully. It also urges ministers to encourage ecumenical Ministers’ meetings (what used to be called “fraternals”) to which they belong to do the same. Both pamphlets contain information that it is extremely important for Christians to study and know.

The Nicene Creed and the Filioque The Task Team in 2013 presented a document on the Nicene Creed and its translation into English with argument for a more accurate translation and including a proposed new translation. The Assembly and the Presbyteries in 2013/4 approved the revised version, and in 2014 the Assembly enacted it and replaced the old version in the Manual with the new one. The revised version is now mandatory in all Orders for

• the Ordination and Induction/Appointment of ministers in the UPCSA;• the Ordination and Induction of Elders in the UPCSA; and• the licensing and appointment of Probationers in the UPCSA.

The Confessions Report last year made this point clearly, but some of these Orders are still being conducted using either the old version of the Nicene Creed or even the Apostles’ Creed instead, the latter on the ground that congregations are less familiar with the Nicene Creed! The point therefore needs to be repeated. It is essential that Presbyteries license Probationers, congregations ordain and induct Elders and Presbyteries ordain and induct/appoint ministers on the basis of the full Nicene theology and not on the basis of a creed that is (inadvertently) open to an Arian interpretation! We are not Jehovah’s Witnesses! The Nicene Creed is regularly used also in services of the Eucharist, Mass or Holy Communion in the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Anglican traditions. It was likewise regularly used in the Reformed and Presbyterian liturgical tradition from Calvin and Knox until the 20th century, but has fallen away in our more casual (and lazy!) modern, or post-modern, Church culture. This is the loss of familiarity with it, which in turn has inevitably led to a loss also in theological understanding and knowledge. A proposal was therefore included in the Report in 2018 urging that congregations regularly or at least occasionally say this Creed at Communion services. The revised version also still needs translation into the vernacular languages. As the Confessions Reports in 2017 and in 2018 pointed out, a basic issue connected to the Nicene Creed that has raised its head again in modern times is the so-called filioque (a single Latin word translated into English with the phrase “and the Son”). This word was an addition added to the Latin version of the Creed by the Third Council of Toledo in Spain in 589, so that it would read that the Spirit proceeded from the Father and the Son. The rationale for the addition was the struggle against Arianism, on the grounds that if the Son was equally divine with the Father, then the Spirit must proceed from them both, not just from the Father. The addition was popularized especially by Charlemagne (741-814) and imposed by him on the Church in the areas over which he reigned (most of western and central Europe), and it came to be adopted throughout the Western Church. On the other hand the Eastern Orthodox Church strongly repudiated the addition. It thus became a fundamental cause of division between the Eastern and the Western Churches. In modern times Karl Barth’s emphasis on the full deity of the Son led him to attempt to validate the filioque, which has given the issue new prominence. But official conversations between representatives of the Eastern Orthodox Churches and Western Churches have questioned the filioque and whether it should be retained in the Creed. Some Western scholars too have argued for its deletion. The Task Team planned to present a study of the issue in this Report, but the request that Committees raise no new issues at the Executive Commission this year has in any case led it to postpone the matter until next year. In the meantime the addition should be retained (without brackets) when the Creed is used.

Confirmation Course The Executive Commission in 2009 instructed the Confessions Task Team “to draft a course on the basics of the faith for use in preparing young people for believers’ baptism or ‘confirmation’—when it has finished its other work” (Papers, Proceedings and Decisions of the Executive Commission 2009, p. 49, 290). The Assembly in 2012 followed this up with an instruction to the Faith and Order Committee “to complete the writing of the Confirmation Course”. The Confessions Task Team has managed so far to draft and present lessons on

• the doctrine of the Lord's Supper in 2014;• the doctrine of Baptism and the Public Profession of Faith (“Confirmation”) in 2015;• Christian identity (“Who am I?”) in 2016; and• Christology (“Who was, and is, Jesus?”) in 2017.

The first two topics were selected because our Church so urgently needs teaching on them, the third because the theme is an effective one with which to begin such a course, and the fourth because it is a central issue on which any such course must focus. The Team planned to include a fifth lesson, also on Christology, in the Supplementary Papers last year, but did not manage to do so. It hopes to include it in the Supplementary Papers this year.

As we have stated before, it is important that Ministers or those who instruct young people try out these lessons and send comments to the convener. The Task Team needs feedback on all of them, so that it can know whether this is the kind, and the level, of material they would like for use in a course on “the basics of the faith”. Despite the request for feedback in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, no comments at all have so far been received from outside the Task Team itself! This leaves us uncertain how helpful the lessons are proving to be and even whether congregations are using them at all. We therefore appeal yet again for feedback and suggestions!

Other Work

271

The Task Team still hopes to attend to the following work: • revising the introductions to some of the confessions of faith placed on the UPCSA website’• an introduction to the Confession of Faith;• a summary version of the Confession of Faith for use by lay people;• a revision of the old RPC catechism (which is still being used) to align it more closely to the

Confession of Faith.

DOUGLAS BAX CONVENER Email: douglas.s.bax@gmail.com

PROPOSALS

1. The Executive Commission receives the report.

2. The Executive Commission reminds all Presbyteries that it is mandatory that the Nicene Creed (in its2014 revision) be used in the ordination and induction/appointment of all Ministers and Elders and thelicensing of all Probationers.

3. The Executive Commission calls on ministers who have made careful and accurate translations of the2013 version of the Nicene Creed into the vernacular languages please to send these to the convenerwith a view to their being placed on the UPCSA website.

4. The Executive Commissiona) agrees that “the Confessions Task Team” be substituted for “the Doctrine Committee” in the

resolution that the Assembly adopted in 2018 concerning the change of rules for admission ofcandidates to the ministry of the UPCSA (quoted above from Proceedings and Decisions 2018,p.562#3, 618#3), so that the Confessions Task Team willi) draft the explanation of, and motivation for, the changes,ii) submit the draft to the conveners of the Manual Committee and the Ministry Committee and,iii) once they have agreed on the wording of the draft, with them send it on behalf of the UPCSA

to the UCCSA and the CUC and its member Churches; and

b) condones the fact that the instruction of the 2018 Assembly concerning this has not beencompleted in time for the responses of the UCCSA and the CUC and its member Churches to bereceived and presented to the Executive Commission already in 2019.

272