On Sunday, 27 May 2018, the Ethiopian Episcopal Church in Kekana Street, Kimberley, welcomed Rev Nyanisile Teki and his family.
The organisers transformed the church into a hall, decorated with traditional ornaments and designs in line with the Africa Day theme. Friends graced the occasion and family members from Eastern Cape, the congregation, community members, including Ministers from the Galeshewe Ministers Fraternal (Gamifra).
Just like the new bride, in African style, the family was ushered to the church with a song “Uzubagcine ubalondoloze”, loosely translated, preserve and keep them safe.
In her welcoming speech, the Mission District Steward, Nomampondo Vika, also known as the “mother of the church”, said it fitted to have the occasion within the Africa Day theme. That is what defines Africans.
She described Rev Teki as a soft spoken and obedient man who respect authority.
The Mission District Representative, Ma Thage, stated, “A graduation ceremony remains a Graduation Ceremony even if it celebrated a long time after the qualification is complete”. She was referring to the fact that Teki has been with the congregation for six years.
Archbishop John Cross, from Gamifra, praised the Teki for his singing talent, humanity and vast experience in life. He alluded to the fact that the Teki takes instructions very well. “I requested him to represent our structure at a march for Violence Against Women and Children. Teki parked his car and walked like anyone,” said Cross.
Cross further said that he admired the Ethiopian Episcopal Church’s congregants for having a person with Tekis’ caliber, a person described in the Bible as The Good shepherd. He warned them to guard against bad influences as it is becoming a norm in churches to fight with Religious leaders.
Speakers from other church structures applauded the Teki and his family in various aspects, such as settling in well with the community despite the language barrier. His wife, Nomonde, for being resourceful in church, “She is passionate about women empowerment. She started a sewing and gardening projects with congregants”. Her scones are the best”, according to Bangilizwe Ngubo.
The Church Choir, Youth, Alter Servers and Intombi zakwa Mtibe from the Seventh Day Adventist Church entertained the guest with poetry and music. Teki and his wife sang along to some of their favourites tunes.
Reverend Teki, a former principal, was born and grew up in Grahamstown, from a family of nine boys. He studied towards a Diploma in Theology while teaching and ordained as a Deacon in 2004.
Teki thanked his wife and family, all the guests, especially the St James congregants, because that is where he grew up. He expressed his gratitude to his congregants for presenting him with a new car, in his humorous way. He said, “I’m motivated to stay longer with this community. Hopefully, I’ll get an airplane next time”. He mentioned that he intends to break his predecessor’s record by staying for ten years and one month.
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