New Presiding Bishop for the MCSA

Bishop Ziphozihle Siwa has been elected to lead The Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) for the next three years. The MCSA, which covers 6 countries (South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland, Botswana and Mozambique) has over 3 million members and has its headquarters in South Africa. Siwa, who is at present a bishop of one of the 12 districts of the MCSA, was today elected to take over from Bishop Ivan Abrahams, who leaves at the end of the year to take up a new position as the General Secretary of the World Methodist Council.

“We extend our warmest congratulations to Bishop Zipho Siwa and assure him of the prayers and support of all the Methodist people,’ declared Rev Vuyani Nyobole, Executive Secretary of the MCSA. “We thank God who continues to bless the MCSA with leaders of Bishop Siwa’s stature and integrity,” he said.

Born in the Eastern Cape, Siwa is married to Yoliswa and they have four sons. He holds a BTh from Rhodes and a BA Hon from the University of Port Elizabeth and has served as a district bishop since 2001. The founder of the Healdtown Community College Trust, Siwa is also currently a member of the World Methodist Council Executive Committee, a member of the World Methodist Council Standing Committee on Education and a member of the Theological Education by Extension College. The elections took place at twelve Synods around the country and Siwa’s tenure will begin next year.

The MCSA will be hosting the second World Methodist Conference to be held in Africa in August at the Durban ICC.

For more information contact:
Ms B Moyo- Bango
Communications Director ( MCSA)
bongi@methchurch.org.za
011 615 0729
078 131 5137