20^th Anniversary Celebration and 9^th LOADI Meeting

The 9^th session of the LOADI convened in the 19^th Episcopal District at the Hilton Hotel, Santon South Africa from Friday 23^rd to Saturday 24^th February 2024. The meeting commenced just after 4pm South African time. Present were four General Officers, 6 Bishops, 5 Connectional Officers and 205 registered delegates. This year’s event was packed with sharing the understanding of what the Lay Organisation Africa Development Initiative (LOADI) is and where it comes from, signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), awards for various categories, Leadership Training, overview of the Global Development Council (GDC) and Worship Experiences.

The precursor to the LOADI started as collaborative MoU between the 15^th and the 19^th Episcopal Districts in 2003, with the MoU being concluded in 2004. The LOADI naming was only adopted in 2011, concretising the following, summarised objectives, viz; To unify Lay Organisation in Africa, Develop education programmes, learn and share from each other’s processes and systems, approach the Biennial Sessions cohesively, have a common voice at GDC, and prepare for the General Conference.

The LOADI Logo was unveiled to great excitement. This will be visible in all LOADI correspondence, events and paraphernalia.

Following the Devotions led by the 19^th Episcopal District, The first business of the LOADI was a moment to sign the MoU. The Connectional Lay Organisation (CLO) President Bro. Matikane Abe Makiti presided over the event.

Bishop E Earl McCloud (3^rd) opened with a word of prayer. The content of the MoU was explained by Bros. Kgosi Monaisa and Gopolang Khaile. This was followed by its adoption.

The MoU was signed by each of the Episcopal District President of the 14,15,17,18,19 & 20, and witnessed by Bishops of the said Districts.

This was a memorable experience as the 14^th & 20^th Episcopal Districts were signing for the first time. It was for the first time the MOU signing was witnessed by the Bishops and the 205 delegates in attendance.

Appreciation of the Founders, Pioneers and Stalwarts: As 20 years of the LOADI was celebrated since its existence from 2004, the Exco saw it befitting to award the four Founders, one of whom was posthumous to Bro. Manjinja, and Bro. AM Makiti (CLO President), Bro. Kgosi Monais and Bro. Johann Claasen.

Will the LOADI District ever host the CLO Biennial Convention? The resolution for LOADI to host the CLO Biennial Convention was also discussed, and the resolution was captured:  “Whereas the LOADI 9^th session entertained a discussion on the hosting of the Biennial Convention by one of the LOADI Episcopal Districts Lay Organization, be resolved that:  -The matter be submitted to the CLO Executive Board meeting scheduled for May 2024 for consideration.

AWARDS

Various awards to recognise outstanding work and long service were also hosted.

The 15^th Episcopal District was recognised as the District with the highest Lay Organisation members’ registrations.

PIONEERS AWARDS

Bro. Herbert T. Mngadi, (19^th)                                                                       Bro. Bandile Deke (15^th)

Bro. Simon Letsoko (19^th)                                                            Bro. Alfred Goliath (15^th)

Sis. Fezile Baduza (15^th), *Bro. Theodore Messiah (15^th), *Sis. Estelle Tasilla Katilungu (17^th), President Qedindaba Khumalo (15^th), *Posthumous

STALWARTS AWARDS

Bro. Prince Coker (14^th)                                                                                  Sis. Hilda Mjuweni (20^th)

Bro. Simon Letsoko (19^th) and                                                                      Bro. Augustine Chisale (17^th),

FOUNDERS

Three of the four founders, Bro. MA Makiti, Bro. K Monaisa, and Bro. J Klaasen. Jackets of honours with the new LOADI Logo.

Bro. Manjinja was awarded posthumously, his award was received by Bro. Sisilana (15^th President)

Past Presidents, Directors of Lay Activities (DOLA) and Young Adult Representatives (YAR) were also recognised for their outstanding work.

Candidates’ Forum

A total of 22 candidates for various offices in the Connectional Church were called to the stage to present their visions and plans for the offices they seek. This took a panel kind of format with unique questions asked to each candidate.

Candidates Forum team lead by Judicial Council Judge Thabile Ngubeni and Bro. Lomex Sisilana the 15^th ED President.

Closing Worship

The evening of Saturday 24 February 2024 saw the closing of a marathon LOADI with a Worship Experience led by the Rev. Mmalorato Moikanyi Kgositlou, Pastor of Bethel AME Church in Pretoria (19^th) and the preached word by the Rev. Dr Julius H McAllister, Jr, Pastor of Bethel AME Church, Tallahassee, Florida.

Induction

Bishop Ronnie Elijah Brailsford, Sr presided over the induction of the following officers for the 2024-2026 term:

Mot. Libertha Muthambo – Chair (15^th), Bro. John Chilekwa – Vice Chair (17^th), Bro. Alfred Wolubeh – Recording Secretary (14^th), Sis. Florence Karakubis – Assistant Recording Secretary (18^th).