Rev Kalipa always ready to work in harvest for his flock

O MORE sitting around simply praying for change, as Methodist minister Reverend Sandile Kalipa has taken on the task of rolling up his sleeves and fixing problems.

Kalipa is an Eastern Cape man, born in Tsitsikamma, who moved from his ministry in Namibia in 2016 to take on the job of serving the people of Port Alfred and its outlying areas, taking over from Reverend Kamogelo Monoametsi. Moving with him was his wife, Sonwabile, and his two sons.

Methodist circuit steward, Robin Solwandle, wants everyone to be aware of what Kalipa is doing for the community.

“Reverend Kalipa is passionate about two things,” said Solwandle, “education and caring for the people who have been – and are currently marginalised. He wants everyone to know that they are all special in some way and important. We want the community to embrace this man and recognise his talents.”

Solwandle said that the minister recently visited Mtyobo Primary and Dambuza Primary schools, as well as Nonkqubela Pre-primary

NSchool, where direct help was offered in the form of a R3000 groceries donation for the pre-primary and school uniforms, for the less fortunate pupils at the schools. “Our minister believes that actions are important, and education and helping to make sure everyone feels that they are important and have not been forgotten,” said Nelly Sutuse, a leader at Abel Mnaba Methodist Church in Nemato.

“He wants to lead the community in to action, to particularly help those who feel marginalised. He needs the community to support him.”

Solwandle added that small societies in the rural areas were again becoming active, and it was all thanks to the efforts of Kalipa.

“The reverend believes that the Methodist Church is a mission church. That means we do not sit around waiting for a miracle, but get out into the community to make it happen,” said Solwandle. “We want the community to help to change the lives of our children by helping with their education and physically getting involved in helping our less privileged community members.”