Akasia
Growth is one of the strategic key pillars of our church. At some point towards the end of 2012, it was realized that there was a sizeable number of Christians traveling from Pretoria’s Northern suburbs (Montana, The Orchards, Chantel, Clarina, Karen Park, Pretoria North, Amandasig etc) to Soshanguve every Sunday for Church services. Based on this and in pursuit of the growth strategy, an idea was conceived to work towards establishing a sixth branch of the Soshanguve Parish in the Akasia area. This idea was first conceptualized at the meeting held in early January 2013. In attendance were Reverend SK Maphophe, Reverend TJ Mayayise, Mr MJ Hlungwani and Mr TR Mabunda.
Further consultative meetings were held with the affected Christians, zonal leadership and Soshanguve Consistory for their buy-in. Approval was obtained from both levels of leadership during February 2013 after which a task team was elected to embark on a feasibility study on the church establishment. By then there were about forty (40) Christians who had shown interest in being part of the new Church branch establishment in Akasia.
As part of their mandate, the task team also secured a place of worship at Smiley Kids Pre-School at the corner of Dorfling and Broderick streets, The Orchards extension 16. EPCSA Akasia was agreed upon as the name of the sixth branch of EPCSA Soshanguve Parish. Words of the new Church spread, and the Church rapidly grew in numbers which forced the leadership to look for a bigger accommodation. A new home was found at Nolmn Pre-Primary School at the corner of Daan De Wet Nel road and Jensen Street, The Orchards. Akasia Parish was officially confirmed a parish in the year 2018 by the Synod which was held at Union Caterers hosted by the North East Presbytery on 03-07 October 2018.
The Parish is situated in Pretoria North at 31 Ebbenhout St, Chantelle, Akasia and the total number of members is approximately one hundred members. The church has only 1 branch with (6 zones):
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Zone 1 (Jerusalem)
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Zone 2 (Samariya)
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Zone 3 (Jericho)
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Zone 4 (Galeliya)
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Zone 5 (Antiyoka)
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Zone 6 (Judea)
The first Minister to preside over the parish was Rev B Mapiyeye in the year 2019 and was further succeeded by Rev BM Madela in the year 2022. The current minister is Rev K Mongwe who was deployed by the synod from 2023.
Mamelodi East Parish
Mamelodi East Parish is nestled on the eastern fringes of both Mamelodi East and Pretoria East. Its physical address, a cornerstone of its identity, is situated at 17989 c/o Ngobeni-Manganye and Motemalenyara streets, providing a sacred space for worship and fellowship. The inception of this vibrant parish dates back to the tough era of apartheid legislation between 1964 and 1969, when the forced removal of residents from Lady Selborne to Mamelodi East necessitated the establishment of a new center of worship and community.
Initially humble, services commenced in a classroom generously offered by Mr. Manganyi, the first principal of Tlakukani Primary School. However, the fervent desire for a dedicated place of worship spurred the community to action, leading to the approval and construction of the first phase of the church building in the early 1970s, sanctioned by the City of Pretoria Municipality. Despite the challenges inherent in its formation, Mamelodi East Parish persevered under the guidance of committed leaders and ministers. Rev. Mashaba, Rev. Mculu, and later Rev. Moyane, among others, navigating the congregation through periods of growth. The unity of the parish was tested during a split that led to a temporary departure from the established EPCSA framework, but through steadfast resolve and the unwavering commitment of its members, Mamelodi East Parish reaffirmed its allegiance to the EPCSA Establishment in 1992.
Under the transformative leadership of Rev. TJ. Mayayise, who assumed ministerial duties in 2011, the parish embarked on a journey of renewal and revitalization. Embracing the vision "You will Always be on Top," Rev. Mayayise inspired a renewed sense of purpose and community engagement, fostering the active participation of all church groups and committees. Through prayer, dedication, and collaborative effort, the parish overcame numerous challenges, emerging stronger and more resilient than ever before.
From its humble beginnings in a borrowed classroom to its present-day status as a vibrant center of worship and fellowship, the parish stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith to unite, inspire, and transform lives. As it continues to evolve and grow, Mamelodi East Parish remains steadfast in its commitment to serving its members and the broader community, guided by the timeless values of love, compassion, and inclusivity.