In the years since 2006, at the height of rampant ritual murders in Vhembe, Dean Enos Rannditsheni of the Evangelical Lutheran Church championed the cause of the community.

Rannditsheni (48), who started his leadership role of the Devhula Lebowa Circuit on an acting basis from 1997 to 2000, when he was elected on full-time basis, led countless marches against ritual murders in Vhembe.

After serving two terms of six years each as head of the circuit, Rannditsheni was once again inducted as the leader of the same circuit at the weekend.

The ceremony, which was led by Bishop William Sihlangu, the presiding bishop of the church, and attracted guests from politics and all sectors of the community, was held at the Lutheran Multipurpose Church Centre in Thohoyandou on Sunday.

In inducting Rannditsheni, Bishop Sihlangu said Rannditsheni had been used by God in a big way and during his time as leader of the circuit, many great things had happened. “We are very happy for Rannditsheni. He has served the church selflessly and we just urge him to forge forward and not look back, otherwise the church will not grow,” said Sihlangu.

In wishing the newly elected leader well, Thulamela Mayor Grace Mahosi said they were honoured to be associated with the church. “We have known Rannditsheni for a long time. He is serving in many community structures and we believe he is the right person for the position. The government will always need prayers and guidance to lead God's people in a just way,” she said.

Rannditsheni said he was greatly humbled. “I accept the election with humbleness and fear. I do not know what God has seen in me that is special. It also encourages one to work even harder in bettering the lives of God's people. I also thank all for having trust in me and entrusting me with this mandate,” he said.

He will lead the circuit till 2018.