The Installation of the Bishop of Kimberly Rt. Rev, Bishop Duncan Tsoke

April 17, 2021| Phuti Makgabo|

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The installation of the new and seventh Bishop of Kimberly, Bishop Duncan Theodore Tsoke took place on the 17 April 2021 as was anticipated. In attendance were the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Peter Wells, the President of SACBC Bishop Sithembele Sipuka, the First Vice President of the SACBC, Archbishop Dabula Mpako, and a few other bishops of the SACBC. Also present was the Premier of Northern Cape, the Honourable Dr. Zamani Saul, and the two former premiers of the same province Ms Dipuo Peters and Ms Silvia Lucas who are both Catholic as well.

The Mass started with the usual introductory rite which was followed by the Rite of Installation where the Bull (The letter of appointment) from the Holy Father, Pope Francis, was read by His Excellency, Archbishop Peter Wells. After the reading of the Bull the new Bishop of Kimberley took possession of the Cathedra (The Throne of the Bishop) as a sign of taking possession of the diocese. The clergy, the religious and the entire faithful of the Diocese of Kimberly pledged their willingness to obey and cooperate with their new bishop. The Mass continued as normal with the homily being given by the the President of SACBC, Bishop Sipuka.

At the end of Mass a few speeches of gratitude and well-wishes were given by various people, among them the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Peter Wells; Archbishop Buti Tlhagale, of the Archdiocese of Johannesburg where Bishop Duncan was the Auxiliary Bishop; Archbishop Dabula Mpako, the Vice President of the SACBC; Archbishop Emeritus Jabulani Nxumalo, the former Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Kimberly; the premier of Northen Cape, Dr Saul; the representative of the clergy, Fr. Olebogeng Sakhia; the representative of the laity, Mr Gordon Moncho; and lastly the speech by the new Bishop of Kimberly, Bishop Duncan Tsoke.

When giving his speech the Premier of Northern Cape, Dr Zamani Saul congratulated the faithful of Kimberley for having a new Chief Pastor and expressed his willingness to work together with the new bishop and the religious leaders in general to ensure that the people of Kimberley receive the service they deserve. He underlined the importance of having a society that has a sound moral fibre and appreciated the role played by religious leaders in that regard.

Attached here below is the Homily given by Bishop Sithembele Sipuka, the President of SACBC.