My name is Mthobisi Bonginkosi Dlamini, I am 26 years old. I was born in Hlazakazi Village, Nquthu, Kwazulu Natal. I completed my Matric at Mangeni Secondary School, which is located next to the well-known Mangeni Waterfall. In 2013, I went to Durban to study the Bachelor of Tech- nology in Town and Regional Planning which I completed in 2017.
I applied for the internship programme at the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (Western Cape Office).
I started working in March 2018 and I am still working there.
I grew up living with my grandparents and siblings. My grandparents used to work in Dundee (KZN); my grandfather was also a lay minister at Dundee Congregation. In the early 1980s, they and other families managed to start a Congregation at Hlazakazi village which was known as Kwa Mame Parish. The retired Bishop Dr M.D. Biyela played a big role in the establishment of the congregation. Due to violent conflicts that took place in the area during the late 1980s, many people fled from the village and the church was closed. After their retirement, my grandparents re-opened the congregation. The church was damaged and abandoned so they decided to hold church services at our house. To date, we use our house to hold church services. Before I went to Durban, I served as a Chairperson of the youth in the congregation.
While I was at the varsity, I joined the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa Student Organization (ELCSASO). I had the opportunity to discuss Biblical topics with other students from different congregations in the country and I also had the opportunity to visit nearby local congrega- tions.
When I came here, I was not sure if I would find a Lutheran Church, I asked my friends who were studying in the UWC if they knew any church around Bellville and they had no idea. Fortunately, Google Maps made it possible for me to find directions for Lutheran Church of the Cross (Kreuzkirche). I will never forget the overwhelming welcome I received from everyone on the first Sunday I attended, I felt at home and I still do. I’m learning a lot spiritually from the Pastor and senior members of the Church.
Cape Town has been so far so good to me; I am gaining a lot of experience where I work. I am learning a lot of things because the environment is completely different compare to where I come from and I plan to further my studies while I’m still here. As a young person in the church, my plan is to be involved in Caring, Word and Mission Group and ensure that the young people are well-informed about our Church of the Cross.
