Highveld Clergy Visit Celebrated Partnership Between South Africa and South Wales

The Diocese of Monmouth was delighted to welcome two visiting clergy from the Diocese of Highveld in South Africa recently, as part of the ongoing partnership and exchange programme between the two dioceses.

Revd. Mother Samukelisiwe Khanyile and Revd. Father Mlamuli Masondo spent two weeks in the Diocese, hosted by Revd. Sarah Rosser and Revd. Bill Savage. During their visit, they experienced a diverse programme of worship, ministry, community engagement and cultural activities, offering opportunities for mutual learning and fellowship.

The visit began with a Clergy Ministerial Development Day at St Mary’s Priory, Abergavenny, where the visitors met clergy from across the Diocese. Throughout their stay, they participated in many events in several Ministry Areas events, attended participated in school collective worships assemblies and services, and engaged with a range of community initiatives and outreach projects.

Among the many activities in a packed itinerary were visits to Bettws Food Bank, Eden Gate, Open the Book, the Mission to Seafarers, Usk Food Kitchen and both Usk Prisons. These visits provided valuable insights into how churches and community organisations work together to support local people.

The visitors also took part in youth ministry, bereavement support work, lay worship leader training and services across a number of Ministry Areas. A special Highveld Evening at St Cadoc’s Church, Caerleon, offered an opportunity for local congregations to hear about the life and ministry of the Church in South Africa and to strengthen the friendship between the two dioceses.

Alongside their ministry engagements, Samukelisiwe and Mlamuli enjoyed opportunities to explore Welsh history and culture. Visits included the Senedd, Caerleon’s Roman heritage, Newport Cathedral, St Fagans National Museum of History, the Big Pit, Ogmore by Sea and other local landmarks. They were also guests at Llandaff Cathedral for their Ordination of Priests.

Commenting on the visit, Bill Savage said: "Both Sarah and I have been hugely privileged to host our guests and to walk alongside them on their visits to Ministry Areas. They have not only been able to learn from our diocesan activities, but also we have all learnt from them and their ministries in the Highveld. This was their first visit travel outside of South Africa and we know they will hold Wales and the diocese of Monmouth in their hearts and their prayers.”

The exchange demonstrated the value of international partnerships within the Anglican Communion, enabling clergy and congregations to learn from one another’s experiences, share in worship and ministry, and build lasting friendships across continents.

On 19th November 2003, Bishop Dominic Walker of Monmouth and Bishop David Beetge of The Highveld signed an agreement linking our two diocese for five years. The link has been maintained every five years since.