Zimbabwe's Reverand Cele to lead Southern Africa

THE United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) has elected Zimbabwean Reverend Sikhalo Cele to lead the entire Southern African denomination, a move that is expected to further grow the church in the region.

Rev Cele, who has been an ordained minister of the UCCSA since 2003, will for the next four years be at the helm of the church in the region, a challenge which he says he is ready to tackle.

In an interview with Sunday News, Rev Cele said he would work round the clock to see to it that the ministry grows, noting that the region had shown confidence in his capabilities and further that the Zimbabwean branch had now been given decision making powers within the church.

"What happens is for the next two years I will be known as the president-elect but already I am now a denominational officer and already in the presidium, the last two years I will then be the full president, it is automatic.

"As the Zimbabwe Synod we are excited as we have managed to groom a leader in myself, who has been thrust at the helm of the entire church in the Southern African region. This is the time therefore not to disappoint the people who elected me and show that I am capable and help the church to grow," said Rev Cele.

He said among the many challenges ahead, priority was to unite the church and lead from the front pushing its growth and development.

"From where I stand I am the glue of the church where I am expected to make sure that the church is united and that there is cohesion considering that the church is multi-racial, multi-tribal, multi-lingual among other things.

"The task might seem impossible from afar but speaking from a Christian perspective anything is possible, I will put the Lord ahead of everything I do and I will surely prosper," said Rev Cele.

Rev Cele is also the church's president of the Soldiers in Christ commonly known as Amabutho.