Article by: Rev. T Wopula.
Following the South African Local Government Municipal Elections held on 4 November 2026, the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, through its Bizana District of the Natal Annual Conference in the 19th District, celebrates the election of two of its members as councillors to municipal leadership, reaffirming the Church’s role in shaping society and producing servant leaders.
Sis. Nomzamo Mnyanda, a member of H.W. Henning AME Church, has been elected as the Ward 2 Councillor of Ingquza Hill Local Municipality. Similarly, Bro. Avela “Mabhuti” Mathimba, a member of Bethel AME Church, has been elected as the Ward 12 Councillor of Port St Johns Local Municipality.
This remarkable milestone brings great pride and encouragement to the African Methodist Episcopal Church, particularly the Bizana District. It is a testament to the Church’s enduring responsibility not only to nurture the spiritual lives of its members but also to prepare and encourage them to participate meaningfully in the social, economic and political transformation of their communities.
Their election is a significant affirmation that the Church must continue to occupy its rightful place in society, not merely as a spiritual institution but also as an active contributor to leadership, good governance, community development and social transformation.
The achievement also provides an opportunity to reflect on and honour the legacy of Dr. Charlotte Maxeke, a pioneering African Methodist Episcopal Church woman whose contribution to the struggle for freedom, human dignity and social justice remains deeply embedded in South Africa’s history. Charlotte Maxeke was the only woman among the founding delegates at the formation of the African National Congress in Bloemfontein in 1912. Her life remains a powerful reminder that faith must translate into action and that the Church has a responsibility to produce leaders who serve humanity.
Both Sis. Mnyanda and Bro. Mathimba are members in good and regular standing in their respective congregations, H.W. Henning AME Church and Bethel AME Church, both of which are situated within the Bizana District. Interestingly, both congregations are pastored by the Rev. T. Wopula, who also serves as the Presiding Elder of the Bizana District.
Their election is therefore not only a personal achievement but also a moment of celebration for their respective congregations, the entire Bizana District and the wider Natal Conference.
The Presiding Elder and the Bizana District community regard this achievement as an opportunity to encourage other members of the Church, particularly young people and women, to recognise their potential and respond to the call to serve beyond the walls of the Church.
The AME Church wishes both councillors wisdom, courage, integrity and discernment as they undertake their new responsibilities. May their leadership be characterised by humility, accountability, justice and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of their communities.
The Bizana District celebrates this achievement with pride, recognising that when the Church produces leaders who serve society, it continues to fulfil its divine mandate.
God calls us to serve, and society needs leaders who understand that leadership is ultimately about service.
Submitted by
Rev. Gaborone P Lesito
19th Episcopal District Field Representative
