BRIEF BIOGRAPHY: DR ALUNAMUTWE E. RANNDITSHENI - SPOKESPERSON

Dr. Rannditsheni is the Spokesperson of the SAADA, and he is also responsible for chairing Marketing and Community Engagement portfolio. He develops marketing and community engagement strategies, policies and processes.

He was born and raised in Ngovhela village, under the Tshivhase dynasty. In 1972, he attended Konanani primary school and later moved on to Ngovhela Higher primary school. For his junior secondary education, he studied at Guvhukuvhu until he successfully completed Form III. After that, he enrolled in Mphaphuli High school, where he completed both Form IV and Form V.

TERTIARY EDUCATION

From 1986 to 1988, he attended Umphumulo Lutheran Theological Seminary to pursue his theological studies. In 1989, due to political unrest in the country, he completed his Internship at Lwamondo Parish (Vhembe) and Temba Parish in Hammanskraal. In 1990, he went to Marang Lutheran Theological Seminary for his Internship evaluation, which lasted the whole year.

In 1994 and 1995, he successfully obtained both my BTH and Masters Degrees from the University of Venda. Subsequently, from 1995 to 1996, he pursued his second Master’s degree in Geneva, Switzerland, at the Institute of Bossey, which is affiliated with the University of Geneva.

Between 2013 and 2015, he completed his PhD degree in African Studies at the University of Venda. The title of his doctoral thesis is "An investigation into ritual murders in the Vhembe district, Limpopo Province, South Africa." The findings of his research revealed five categories of individuals involved in ritual murders in the Vhembe district. However, it is important to note that not everyone in each category is a ritual murder perpetrator; rather, some individuals within these categories have been found to be perpetrators. The categories include Traditional healers, Traditional leaders, Businesspeople, Politicians, and Religious leaders.

Career


On 28th April 1991, he was ordained by Bishop SE Serote. He had the privilege of serving at Mavhola Parish, where he was guided by the knowledgeable Circuit Dean, Dr. TS Farisani, and his capable deputy, Rev. ZC Nevhutalu. Later, he was transferred to the Ha Tshivhasa Parish until the end of December 1991.

From 1992 to 1993, he served as the Pastor- in-charge of the Lwamondo Parish. Then, from 1994 to 1999, he returned to Mavhola as the Pastor-in-Charge and also served as the Dean's Deputy until the end of 1996.

Between 1997 and 2000, he took on the role of Acting Dean of the Devhula Lebowa Circuit. From 2000 to 2006, he was elected and served as the Dean of the ELCSA Devhula Lebowa Circuit. He also worked as the Bishop's deputy for the ELCSA Northern Diocese under the leadership of Bishop CM Molefe until his retirement. he continued in this role under Bishop JM Matsebatlela.

From 2006 to 2012, he was re-elected as the Dean of the ELCSA Devhula Lebowa Circuit. Once again, he was re-elected to serve as the Bishop's deputy for the ELCSA Northern Diocese under the leadership of Bishop Professor MP Moila.

Finally, from 2012 to 2018, he was re-elected as the Dean of the ELCSA Devhula Lebowa Circuit. This means that he has served as a Dean for three and a half terms, totaling 21 years. During my leadership, he has produced 27 pastors and has contributed to various projects, including the Multiproject and Accommodation facilities in Thohoyandou Block F.

Religion

    THE CHURCH THAT I HAVE SERVED

  • Parish Councils
  • Circuit Councils
  • Circuit Meetings
  • Ministerial Council
  • Diocesan Councils
  • Synod meetings
  • Church Councils
  • General Assemblies
  • Representative of all Church Workers on the ELCSA PENSION FRUND Board.

ECUMENISM AND INSTITUTIONS

Not to mention the many other roles he has held, he has proudly served in various capacities, such as being a dedicated member of both the Mulweli Ecumenical Body and the IEC.

Additionally, he has been a Board Member of SACC Limpopo and Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment, as well as the deputy Chairperson and currently the Chairperson of Tshilidzini Hospital. He has also served as the deputy Chairperson of the Premier of the Limpopo Province Assessment team for the Excellence awards.

Furthermore, he has represented religious groups in both the Vhembe District and Limpopo Provincial HIV and AIDS Councils. Additionally, he has been a member of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT) in the Vhembe district (DSC).

During the Corona Virus (COVID 19) outbreak, he served on the Vhembe District Command Council. Moreover, he played a crucial role in resolving the 2016 Municipal Demarcation Board stalemate with the Vuwani communities. He currently hold the position of chairperson at the Vhembe Pastors Forum.