South African President Jacob Zumu had struck fear into the hearts of many South Africans before he became president. Now, six months later we find ourselves in a very anticlimactic state. He's doing his best and it's not that bad at all! I hear all sorts of people complaining and/or praising Obama, but with Zuma there just isn't a lot to talk about. So that leaves me with the protests.
Poor service delivery is the problem of the day. The ANC (leading SA gov. party) has not followed through on some promises and people are up in arms, burning tyres and demanding.... Jacob Zuma help them.
Second most important on peoples minds, just 230 days before the 2010 Soccer World Cup comes to SA... We have fired our countries head coach. So maybe my decision of when to go back for our next USA visit is set. If Bafana Bafana can't get their act together then why be here?
Last but not least is the growing Nav community in Durban. We keep seeing God work, relationships grow and our community naturally growing and developing.
What's next? Zuma quits singing Umshini Wami (Bring me my machine-gun), Bafana Bafana hires back our last Brazilian Coach for R7 million a month, and we light a braai (BBQ) for our growing community.
The South African Navigators selected Mr. Paul Makhurupetsi as National Director on Sunday, 9th August 2009, following a process involving several other qualified candidates. The Selection Council, comprised of staff, ministry leaders and Nav board; met over the weekend to pray together and interact with shortlisted candidates. At the end, it was clear to the Selection Council that Paul Makhurupetsi is God’s choice to lead The South African Navigators into the next phase of our ministry.
Udobong Idemetor (Southern Africa - Zonal Director) was used by the LORD to facilitate what was undoubtedly a very spiritual process.
“ What I really enjoyed about this weekend was that the whole weekend was bathed by the word of God and Prayer. Everybody prayed, we searched the Scriptures, we searched God ‘s voice, we focused on God, we worshipped God and from that the decision naturally flowed to select Paul Makhurupetsi as our new National Director. He has everybody’s support…we are very excited about his vision for our ministry. He is committed to the CORE of The Navigators…to the Vision of The Navigators. We are looking forward to the next phase in the history of The Navigators of South Africa.” Says Archie Van der Byl, Navigator staff.
Paul Makhurupetsi responded to his nomination and eventual selection by reading from Isaiah 6:1-8.
Paul met The Navigators in 1989 at the University of Witwatersrand. From 1995, he had been serving at the same university. His gifts and hard work contributed to the growth and strength of the student work in Johannesburg. Paul will assume his new responsibilities at the beginning of 2010.
Late nights? Study groups? Dial 0800-PRAYER for help, because Ben Cannot help you!
As a former student myself I know there is nothing that brings a student closer to God than exams. Those dreadful weeks which drag out longer any student would like have descended on the UKZN students here in South Africa. Exam time is tough on every student but the Durban Navigators are lucky to have a group of friends to support them and pray with them through this time, even though it is not possible for the students to meet as often as they would like. I have faith all you guys will do great in your exams! Something to look forward to though is that once exams are over and students have returned from the holidays, you begin the 2nd half of the year as a Durban Nav member. It’s a chance to do more, learn more and enjoy the gospel more!
All the best to all the Durban Navigators! See you soon!
Vuyo
