Pastor Schalk Treurnicht
My name is Schalk Treurnicht. I was born in Bloemfontein and at a young age we moved to Somerset West. I studied at Stellenbosch University where I received my MDiv and later a Masters degree in Old Testament.
I enjoy being outside and sports a lot. I played rugby and soccer in my time at school, university and some years after university. I love seeing God’s work during hikes and in wildlife park. Spending time with people is also very important to me. Hearing people’s stories are important as all our stories play a role in who we are today. I really like coffee and would struggle to say no if someone invited me over for some! I still have a lot to learn, and I think a person should always be looking at ways of improving themselves.
Chairperson Dieter Geiger
is a born and bred Capetonian. His parents were founder members of our Kreuzkirche, he was baptised by Pastor Brandt (1956) and has interacted in one way or another with all the pastors that have since held office in our congregation.
After matriculation (Tygerberg High 1974), Dieter studied at both Stellenbosch University and UCT. After a short spell as a science teacher, he spent most of his career (1983-2021) as a medical scientist at Tygerberg Hospital in the department of Anatomical Pathology (CPA/ NHLS / Stellenbosch University).
Dieter is happily married to Lola, they have 3 children and share interests such as home renovation, music, home cooking, hiking and kayaking. Their granddaughter ensures that currently their daily routine “never has a dull moment”.
Treasurer Detlev Ahlert
He grew up in Namibia and moved to South Africa to study engineering at the University of Stellenbosch. He is passionate about the church being a home to the community. In his free time he enjoys cooking, reading, “netflixing”, camping and being with his family. He likes to think, pray and discuss about God’s presence and plan in this world, and he is grateful for all His blessings.
Formal & Worship Events Ernst-Günther Brunke
I grew up as son of a Berlin missionary in the 1950s and spent my first childhood years in Limpopo province. Thereafter I attended Afrikaans primary schools at Sibasa, Polokwane and Riversdale. When my parents moved to Oranjezicht, Cape Town in 1965 I attended the German school there where I also matriculated in 1968. After my military service in the SA Navy, I studied geochemistry at the University of Cape Town and spent the greater part of my working career at the Global Atmosphere Watch station, Cape Point. Here my research work focussed on the changing chemistry of the atmosphere caused by man’s activities and emphasised to me how precious and fragile our planet Earth really is. We are all called to preserve this wonderful home of ours – the only one we have – for future generations.
I am married to Ingrid (Nee Tönsing). We have two lovely daughters and three grand-children whom we cherish greatly. I have a passion for the outdoors and love cycling, canoeing and hiking. Being in nature restores the mind and the soul and brings me closer, to our wonderful Creator.
In 1966 I was confirmed in the St Martini church, Cape Town and since 1978 we became members of the Church of the Cross (Bellville) and regard this congregation as our spiritual home where we have many close friends. Congregational life provides mutual support to us as fellow Christians. Over the years I have also become sensitive and aware of how our Lord reveals himself to us as a caring and loving God for which I am most grateful.
Co-opted Formal and Worship events Thaniël Jay Frans
Thaniël Jay Frans was born in Ladismith, Western Cape, South Africa, to Lyzelle and Earl Frans and raised in Mossel Bay. He attended Educare at St. Blaize Catholic Crèche, followed by primary education at Friedrich Scheffler Evangelical Lutheran Primary School (1999–2005) and secondary education at Sao Bras Secondary School (2006–2010).
He is married to Nicole Frans (née Mortlock), and they have one son, E-Jay Frans. Thaniël has one sister, Zhoné Frans.
Professionally, Thaniël serves as a Marine Superintendent at Thembani Shipping, a company specialising in the marine, oil, and gas industry. He is also studying theology at the South African Theological Seminary (SATS).
A lifelong member of the Lutheran Communion in Southern Africa (LUCSA), Thaniël was born into the Cape-Orange Diocese, which has historical ties to the Berlin Missionary Society (BMS). In 2022, he joined the Kreuzkirche Bellville Evangelical Lutheran Congregation.
His interests include theology, ecclesiology, missiology, and church music and liturgy. In his free time, he enjoys playing the organ, working on music, watching films, and socialising.
