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.
