CCAP-Blantyre Synod commissions new Presbytery in South Africa

The South Africa Presbytery leadership that was unveiled on Sunday

* This is the first Presbytery in the history of Blantyre Synod outside Malawi that  was established on June 29, 2025 in Johannesburg

* The Presbytery outside Malawi is to meet the spiritual needs of Malawian diaspora in South Africa who want to worship in their native language

By Duncan Mlanjira

The Blantyre Synod of the Church of Central African Presbyterian (CCAP), has commissioned its Presbytery number 21 in South Africa at a special event on Sunday, which was graced by Malawi High Commissioner to South Africa, Stella Ndau as guest of honour.

Malawi High Commissioner to South Africa, Stella Ndau making her speech

A special delegation from Blantyre Synod, led by Moderator, Rev. Dr. Humphreys Zgambo and deputy general secretary, Rev. Baxton Maulidi, oversaw a colourful ceremony in a packed church at Turnforteen, Johannesburg — described as a milestone celebration in the missionary work of the CCAP in infiltrating into other countries.

A statement from the Synod indicates that the new leadership is headed by Rev Dr. Wilson Kazembe as Moderator; Rev. Jennifer Kananji as vice-moderator, Rev Dr. Duncan Kananji as Presbytery Clerk and Rev. Feston Chilumpha as deputy Presbytery Clerk. 

“This is the first Presbytery in the history of Blantyre Synod outside Malawi,” said the statement. “It was established on June 29, 2025 in Johannesburg and the reason for setting up the Presbytery outside Malawi is to meet the spiritual needs of Malawian diaspora in South Africa who want to worship in their native language.

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“All CCAP Blantyre Synod congregations from Cape Town and Johannesburg form the Presbytery of South Africa and there are three types of members — namely Malawians, locals and other foreigners living in that country.“

The Synod adds that the Presbytery is being led by CCAP ministers, who are posted by the Synod and there are about 5.000 registered members from 11 congregations.

The following are highlights of the event in pictures:

Meanwhile, the Presbytery of South Africa — as part of the global church — says they join all Malawian Synods and their Presbyteries for special prayers ahead of the September 16 general elections in solidarity with Blantyre Synods’ Special Day of Prayer designated for July 10, 2025 ahead of the polls.

This is part of Blantyre Synod’s prophetic responsibility and in announcing the initiative two weeks ago, deputy general secretary Rev. Maulidi said in a statement that September 16 is “a significant time when we, the citizens will exercise our constitutional right to elect leaders at various levels of Councillors in Wards; Members of Parliament in Constituencies, and the President as Head of State”.

“In light of this important national event, the CCAP-Blantyre Synod is calling upon all its members to set aside special time for prayer for our nation during this period.”

He added that the primary purpose of these prayers — to be held at the Multi Purpose Hall of St. Michael’s & All Angels Church at HHI in Blantyre — “is to seek Gods grace and blessing for a free, fair, peaceful, and transparent electoral process”.

“Let us also earnestly pray for God’s guidance in the election of leaders who are ‘after His own heart’ (1 Samuel 13:13; Acts 13:22),” said Rev. Maulidi in the Synod’s statement.

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The prayers, from 08h00-15h00 at HHI, will be led by the Synod Moderator, Rev. Dr. Zgambo and the Synod’s vice-moderator, Rev. Annie Kapinda — with support from the Department of Missions, Training and Evangelism, as well as all Presbytery moderators.

“We further urge all our members to remain peaceful, hopeful, and to trust in the sovereign goodness of Gods during and beyond this electoral season. We are calling all to patronise this very important occasion. May the good Lord bless Malawi and His people,” said Rev. Maulidi in the statement.