Graduation Archives - Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane

November Graduation and 25th Anniversary Celbration

LTS Admin — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 06:58:35 +0000

On November 28, LTS held its November graduation ceremony. It was a historical day, as it was the first graduation as a fully accredited and registered insititution. Four students graduated: Two from South Africa, and one each from Malawi and Ethiopia. In total, nine students graduated in 2025, as five had graduated in June. As part of the graduation ceremony, we also celebrated the 25th anniversary of LTS on its current campus in Pretoria. Dr Ntsimane, who was the LTS rector at the time of the move, held a presentation on the 111-year history of LTS, focussing on the reasons of the move from the rural Enhlanheni to Pretoria. This will be reported on in more detail in the newsletter. We thank God for this joyous day!

Graduates and Teaching Staff

Dr Ntsimane presenting on the history of LTS

Students Maganga and Welke received prize-giving awards

Graduates received a Pastoral Care Companion as a gift from the Saint Philip Lutheran Mission Society

Graduate Mogezi Mabas

Student Kabelo Kotu

Registrar Hanfato was the preacher, preaching on 1. Timothy 4:1-6

Graduates and other Students listening attentively to the sermon

Rev da Rocha leading the liturgy

Family Huf serving as musicians

Graduate Daniel Wowa from Malawi

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June 2025 Graduation

LTS Admin — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 10:54:54 +0000

On 20 June 2025, five students graduated from their theological studies at LTS. This year, the celebrations were held in the seminary chapel. Rector Hiestermann welcomed the graduates, their guests, and the LTS staff. Hymns were accompanied by a brass band, keyboard and guitar, making it a joyous occasion. Bishop Sithole (LCSA) preached on the calling of Isaiah, and how it relates to the call of the graduates. Registrar Hanfato served as master of ceremonies. He was also responsible for the the prize-giving, which followed the conferring of certificates to the graduates. For each subject, prizes were awarded for best student, most improved student, and good fellow.

Even though LTS has an international student body with students from six different African countries, this time, the graduates were all South Africans. Rector Hiestermann thanked the faculty and staff for their dedication and faithful work, also thanking all donors who continue making it possible for the LTS to exist and fulfill its mission to graduate multipliers for the Lutheran Church in Africa.

We hope the photos will portray the some of the joys experienced on the day. May the ministries of the graduates bear witness for the glory of God.

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June 2023 Graduation

LTS Admin — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 06:28:09 +0000

On 22 June 2023, the Lutheran Theological Seminary im Tshwane celebrated its first graduation since 2020, due to Covid-19 and a restructuring of the curriculum. Luc Lushombo (DRC), Eddy Kajonde (DRC), and Nkwane Kgaswane (South Africa) all graduated, completing their theological studies. They will all enter their vicarages now. It was a joyful celebration, with many guests attending.

Festivities started with a processional. Flags from various African countries were carried and choruses sung. The graduation ceremony took place in the seminary’s chapel. Rev. Mintesinot Hanfato led the liturgy. In the sermon, Rector Dr Heinz Hiestermann – using 1 Corinthians 15:58 as basis – reminded the graduates to stand firm in the faith passed on to them in the Lutheran confessions, to devotes themselves fully to the work of the Lord, and to remember the promise that their labour in the Lord will not be in vain.

The highlight of the ceremony was the conferral of certificates. Each graduate was called forward, a short biography was read, and their names resonated through the chapel as they were graduated by the rector and received their certificates from Rev Hanfato.

The graduation ceremony was followed by the end of semester prizegiving, and a braai for all who attended.

LTS has graduated students from at least 10 different African countries. This is only possible through the generous support of our donors. At the graduation ceremony, time was taken to express our appreciation towards the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, its Office of International Mission, the Saint Philip Lutheran Mission Society, the FELSISA, FELSISA congregations and individual donors, the LCSA, the MLC/LKM, and other regular donors.

We wish the graduates the Lord’s blessing on their journey, serving the Lord in His kingdom!

God willing, another 14 students will graduate on 24 November 2023.

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