ANGLICAN’S REV NHLANHLA HONOURED, GIFTED WITH CAR

MBABANE - Despite his pastoral licence being revoked in August last year, all seven branches within All Saints Cathedral parish packed the Cathedral to celebrate Reverend Canon Advent Nhlanhla Dlamini’s 22 years of service.

The celebration was held last Sunday and congregants took turns praising him for having served diligently and with love. They did not end there but proceeded to shower him with loads of cash and a special gift, a Toyota Hilux D4D double cab.Earlier this year, it was announced that Bishop Dr Dalcy Dlamini had banned Reverend Advent Canon Nhlanhla from conducting services or duties connected to the ministry of the Diocese of Eswatini, in church or any household.

During the celebration last Sunday, a profile of the reverend was read and the congregants, who included Minister of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), Savannah Maziya, then shared how special he has been throughout the years. His profile was read under the theme; ‘a life of a selfless service’. Programme Director Dr Thokozani Nkambule said the service was a special moment as Nhlanhla had become a father to the fatherless. “You knew all of us by name, our children and parents. You gave us a home, I always listen to people preach on the internet but I am not too sure how much they care for their people. You have truly cared for us, we are grateful,” Nkambule said.

Dr Nkambule went on: “As I was looking at the altar, 95 or 95 per cent of what you are seeing, including myself, are all products of this man’s hands. Sometimes he taught us tough love, he shouts when there is a need.” Maria Mbelu who represented the Anglican Women’s Fellowship said they feel truly blessed to have Nhlanhla as their shepherd.

Unwavering

“Your unwavering love over the years has made a huge difference in our lives. We are filled with gratitude as we reflect on your guidance and support. May God continue to strengthen you in your calling,” she said. Meanwhile, the Minister of ICT said the service was an interesting moment as it honoured an individual who has a special gift-that of loving people. As she described Nhlanhla, the minister spoke on three important things; love, service and standards. “Love is something we all want and ought to have,” the minister said.

She also spoke about the need for people to have standards and not just do things for money. Regarding service, the minister said it was a calling.  “The service you gave, the sacrifice and love, we appreciate it. As the Maziya family, we say thank you. We might not have the hands, but God will thank you on our behalf because you have been such a gift,” she said.
Other outstations of the congregation also sent celebration messages and these were read out during the service.

The Maphalaleni Anglican church said: “Your loving guidance, sincere prayers, and compassionate spirit have touched our lives in immeasurable ways. Your faith and commitment have been a source of strength and inspiration for our entire community. You made the Anglican Church visible and known in our community. We were not schooling but you took us back to school, by assisting those in need by establishing a bursary and education board to care for education to our children.”

It was highlighted that during his exceptional pastoral ministry to the Parish, the reverend baptised, prepared for confirmations, officiated weddings, presided over Eucharist services, joined in thanksgiving services, conducted funerals and officiated in unveiling of tombstones for countless parishioners as well as the people of Mbabane. On infrastructural developments within the parish, he is said to have seen the construction and dedication of Christ the Fountain of Life Church in Fonteyn, revival and rededication of the Epiphany Church within St Francis School, construction and dedication of St Hugh’s Church in Sidwashini and lately the construction of a bigger and spacious church hall within All Saints Cathedral.

It was a day characterised by jubilation and appreciation messages to the reverend and his family. The impasse within the Anglican church of Eswatini seems to be far from over as the Cathedral parish and the bishop have not had audience to resolve the leadership issues sparking the whole quagmire in over a year.

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