The Methodist Church of Southern Africa has rewritten and re-defined history by inducting its first female Presiding Bishop, Rev Purity Malinga.
Malinga, who had already made history by being the only synod bishop ever elected in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, was elected in a ceremony that was held in Buellah Park, Isando.
Malinga, previously a teacher for five years before entering the ministry, served as the Director of Education Mission and Ministry Unit (EMMU).
She was tasked with coordinating ministerial training from candidature to ordination.
In addition to this, she had oversight on all EMMU work, including ensuring the implementation of the training policies of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa.
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Malinga’s appointment is not only good news for the Methodist Church, but for women across South Africa who have, for centuries, endured gender-based discrimination.
Her appointment is an affirmation of her capacity as a leader, demonstrated in her work in the ministry, stemming almost four decades.
She previously served as the deputy president of the South African Council of Churches – an important institution that has continued to lead the moral regeneration revolution in the country.
Her work as a lecturer at the Federal Theological Seminary and the John Wesley College is also a testament to the strength of both her faith and her intellectual acumen.
In expressing his congratulations to Malinga, Ekurhueni mayor Mzwandile Masina stated:
“Religious institutions have always played a significant role in shaping the future of our country,” he said.
“The Methodist Church was instrumental in caring for the founding father of South Africa’s democracy, Tata Nelson Mandela, during his years on Robben Island.
“He would receive Holy Communion regularly from visiting Methodist ministers.
“The Methodist Church has also shaped the politics of various national liberation movements in South Africa, with such leaders as the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC)’s founding president, Robert Sobukwe, and African National Congress leaders such as Sefako Makgatho, Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Reverend ZK Mahabane and Rev John Langalibalele Dube to name but a few, being from the Methodist tradition.
“It is therefore not an accident of history that the Methodist Church has once again taken on the struggle for gender representation by electing its first female presiding officer.
“Religious institutions are central to our realisation of the national democratic revolution and must continue to be the moral guide for a South Africa that is in need of a moral re-awakening”.
Masina congratulated and wished Malinga the best of luck in the execution of her new role and is confident that the Methodist Church will continue to grow stronger under her capable leadership.
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