The Diocese of Kimberley and Kuruman, St Bernard Mizeki Men’s Guild, an organisation within the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, held an Inter-Diocese Conference in Kimberley at Mayibuye Centre. Three hundred forty delegates attended from Kuruman, Lesotho, Klerksdorp, Bloemfontein, and Botswana. The Men’s Guild invited associates, such as St. Marys and Mothers Union.
The conference was held over the weekend, beginning with a Gala Dinner on Friday evening.
This conference’s purpose was to prepare for the provincial conference in Pietermaritzburg during 2020.
The Vicar-General and Dean of Kimberley, Rev Leeuw, said, “It is a norm to form support groups during difficult times,” explaining the associations’ formation and relevance. He told delegates that St Bernard Mizeki Men’s Guild was founded on 12 February 1955 in Cradock, based on what was happening in South Africa during that time. “At that conference, delegates vowed to pray for the country. Therefore the association remains an asset not only to the church but for the country as well’, added Leeuw.
The Chairman for Kimberley and Kuruman Diocese, Brother Khuza Bogacwi, stated that the organisation’s objective is to build Christian fellowship, promote and nurture men’s leadership, including boys’ participation in the church”.
The guest speaker, the retired Rev Msengana described Christian fellowship as a relationship beyond the church boundaries. He stressed the importance of congregants to interact on a social level. “Pastoral work is not only the responsibility of those who are ordained, but all human beings must learn to share all responsibilities. Taking care of each other socially, emotionally and spiritually”, he said.
The reigning Miss Bernard Mizeki Guild, Botswana, Bojelo Kgabo, said, “You don’t always need money to make a difference in someone’s life”.
Bojelo indicated the purpose of incorporating a beauty contest as a vehicle to attract young people to be active participants in both the church and the community.
She highlighted the involvement of the Bernard Mizeki Guild, Botswana. Such as arranging reading and poetry sessions, partnering with Botswana government to support a shelter for battered women by collecting feminine products and clothes.
Guild members are regulars at Tsholofelo After Care Center, referred to as “Wash and Ware Centre,” a drop-in center for children after school. At the center, children get royalty treatment: by being called “Queens and Kings,” they are fed, groomed, including plaiting or cutting their hair and nails. A dirty uniform is washed and ironed. Assist those with homework. “It is time for Christians to get their hands dirty and serve,” continued the energetic Bojelo, a wife and mother of two.
A candle was light in support of Gender-Based violence. Rev Kalake from Free State Diocese made a plea to women not to be victims of circumstances and to take care of themselves.
The conference ended on Sunday morning after mass.
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