Another well-known pastor was inducted into the Evangelical Lutheran Church's Mavhola Parish when Rev Avhasei Joseph Ramalida was ordained as dean of the Devhula-Lebowa Circuit. The ceremony was held in Thohoyandou Block F's headquarters on Sunday, 13 February.
Ramalida, who was born and raised in the rural village of Mapate, outside Thohoyandou, said he was greatly influenced by Rev Zwo Nevhutalu and Rev Raele Matodzi to pursue a career in the ministry.
After completing his studies as a pastor at the Umpumulo Lutheran Seminary in Kwazulu-Natal, he was sent to the Swarisang Parish in Jane Furse, within the Botshabelo Circuit. In 2010, he was transferred to the Devhula Circuit.
Ramalida took over at Mavhola Parish from the Reverend Mmbulaheni Edward Nengovhela. Ramalida has already introduced many new things to the Mavhola Parish. Although some of the elderly parishioners may still have mixed feelings about his appointment as dean, Ramalida has become well known for his weekly sermons, which are also circulated to many parishioners via WhatsApp.
Mr Mukandangalwo Ntevhedzeni Khohomela, the chairperson of the church's old-age group, remembers how much they (the group) enjoyed their tour around South Africa with Ramalida. Sadly, he said, the tour was cut short by Covid-19 just before the group could visit Kenya.
Dean Ramalida was ordained by Bishop Naledzani Josephine of the Northern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of South Africa (ElCSA). In his acceptance speech, Ramalida promised a clean administration with the collaboration of stakeholders inside and outside of the church.
The occasion attracted hundreds of Lutherans from all over the diocese. Those who could not go in person sent messages to show their support.