Sunday, 24 August 2025, was abuzz with excitement at the SP Maarohanye, African Methodist Episcopal Church in Joubertina, Matlosane.
In a moving display of unity, gratitude, and spiritual reflection, members of the SP Maarohanye, guests, and members of the Lay Organization from the Potchefstroom District of the Annual Conference, the West Annual Conference Lay Organization, and the broader Episcopal District came together to celebrate a Thanksgiving Worship Service in honour of President Matikane Abednego Makiti.
Several clergy and their spouses attended the event, along with a community leader from Joubertina, the Makiti family and friends, and members of the community who have benefited from President Makiti’s generosity. The gathering marked the occasion to celebrate and thank God for President Makiti’s re-election as President of the Connectional Lay Organization. This celebration also honoured the leadership of “Son of the Soil,” and the unwavering commitment of President Makiti to his faith and the community where he grew up.
The sanctuary, decorated in royal blue and white branding and enhanced by vibrant floral arrangements, was filled to capacity with worshippers well before the service commenced. Hymns of praise and gratitude echoed within the walls as Sis Oumakie Mogashoa and Sis. Mmabatho Moroagae led the singing. Sis delivered the opening prayer. Ennie Maseko.
During the Praise and Worship session, the Lay Organization serenaded the congregants by singing Hymn 99, “Bolibeng joa mahlomola” from the Sesotho Hymnal – Lifela tsa Sione – and what a performance!
President Makiti and his family shepherd, the Rev. Motseko Raymond Potse, ascended the pulpit and delivered a moving sermon based on the Scripture Reading from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, with verse 18 serving as the primary text and the subject, “Be Thankful.” This was immediately after the Sermonic Hymn that was led by Mother Mamorena Potse, from the Sesotho Hymnal – Lifela tsa Sione, Hymn 108, “Ha le mpotsa tshepo ea ka…”
A People’s President
President Makiti, widely known for his generosity within the Matlosane community and for his humility, principled leadership, and deep spiritual grounding amongst the AME community, was visibly moved by the warm reception that he received. Before his response, his only surviving sibling, Sis Betty “Ouma” Makiti, serenaded us with a musical piece. In his response, President Makiti expressed appreciation on behalf of his family to both the hosts, the SP Maarohanye family and the broader Matlosane community, for their continued support.
“Today, I stand before this august body, truly humbled and grateful to God who carried me through the entire journey, always guiding my paths throughout my calling of leadership and allowing me to serve again. It is for these and many other reasons that I pause today and say— Thank you, Lord! Thank you for the gift of life, and thank you for the opportunity to serve your people through the Lay Organization. And today, I ask myself – as the Psalmist in Psalm 116:12—What shall I render to Jehovah, for all His goodness to Me?”
Messages of Support
Representatives from the local church Steward Board, and all levels of the Lay Organization (Potchefstroom District of the Annual Conference), West Annual Conference Lay Organization, and the Episcopal District offered their congratulatory messages. Judge Derek Anderson, representing the AME Connectional Judicial Council, and Dr. Dorothy Henderson, the 1st Vice President representing the Connectional Lay Organization, stayed up early not to miss the worship service and offered their messages through the online platform.
The Connectional Lay Organization Commission Chair, the Right Reverend Ronnie Elijah Brailsford, Snr offered his message and another message by the Senior Bishop of the AME church and Presiding Prelate of the 19th Episcopal District, Bishop Wilfred Jacobus Messiah, which was read by Presiding Elder Victor Malefetse, each acknowledging President Makiti’s steadfast leadership through economic recovery, social cohesion efforts, and unity in the connectional church.
Among the speakers was President Makiti’s only surviving aunt, Mrs. Sabina Serake (nee Makiti), accompanied by the 1st Lady of the Connectional Lay Organization, Mrs. Cynthia Mamohapi Makiti, who praised her nephew for his integrity, humility, and dedication shown in service to the people.
“May this moment of thanksgiving not only honour the divine hand upon your life, but also inspire continued wisdom, strength, and compassion in your leadership.”
The Chairperson of the Events and Sponsorship Committee of the Makiti for Re-election Campaign, Sis. Lizzy Mathopa thanked all for their attendance and financial contributions.
Worship Service beyond the walls
The worship service was broadcast live on STAR FM, a community radio station serving the Potchefstroom District, and also available through the Connectional Lay Organization’s YouTube channel.
As the service ended, all attendees were invited to a sumptuous fellowship meal prepared by the local church in honour of President Makiti for his kindness.
