The induction of Dean Alunamutwe Enos Rannditsheni of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Africa (ELCSA) took place during a ceremony that was held at the Thohoyandou Block F church premises last Sunday.

The induction means that Rannditsheni has been accorded the second term as the leader for the Devhula Lebowa Circuit of the church.

His first inauguration as the dean for the same ciruit was done six years ago. According to the constitution of the church, the elections for the deanship are held every six years. During the ceremony, Bishop MP Moila stated that the fact that Rannditsheni had been re-elected as the dean for the Devhula Lebowa Circuit, was an indication that he had been serving the people diligently during his first term.He appealed to Rannditsheni to continue living the life of a role model. Bishop Moila further said that Rannditsheni would not find it easy to lead the circuit if he did not listen to the people around him.

The local traditional leader, Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli, praised the religious community for their continued fight against ritual murders and other criminal activities.

A representative from the Vhembe pastors’ forum, Pastor Mugivhela Tshivhase, said that to be re-elected into the church’s hot seat was a vote of confidence which the people had in Rannditsheni. Dr VS Ramasuvha, who represented the Devhula Lebowa Circuit, and other speakers who shared the podium with him praised Rannditsheni for his good leadership.

In response, Rannditsheni said that the church has a role to play in the community. He said that the church cannot stand aside and look on when innocent people continue to fall victim of ritual murder. He appealed to Christians to lend helping hands to AIDS orphans.

Rannditsheni appealed to the people to give him guidance where necessary, saying that being a leader did not mean that he knew everything. Some of the dignitaries who attended the ceremony included the Limpopo Provincial Legislature Speaker, Dr TS Farisani, and Pastor Janie Blakely from the United States of America.