Graduation, price-giving and other celebrations

Although we are still going through the examinations, past experience teaches us that graduation, price-giving and other celebrations are imminent. It's just a matter of time before the joy these parties grant make us forget the hardships of learning and testing before.
The proceedings normally start of with a Matins service, where we expect Bishop David Tswaedi DD to preach and Rev. Musawenkosi Mntambo to lead the liturgy. Students sing their favorite songs and get an opportunity to speak their mind and voice their gratitude for another year at the LTS in Tshwane.
This time round we expect the following students to finish their fourth year of regular studies at the LTS and thus to graduate from the basic theology course at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane with a certificate:

1. Benson Barahuka [LCMU - Uganda]
   
2. Bheki Ngobese [LCSA - Mpumalanga Province]
   
3. Daniel Nkoyoyoo [LCMU - Uganda]
4. Nicholas Bwire [LCMU - Uganda]
5. Obura Johnson [LCMU - Uganda]
   
6. Phenyo Mokgaimena [LCSA - Botswana]
   
7. Robert Wakiso [LCMU - Uganda]
   
8. Silas Mogale [LCSA - North-West Province

They also receive a report of their marks/progress in the past Quarter, Semester and Year. There are normally three categories of prices at the graduation ceremony for every course at the LTS: Beginners, Main and Advanced Level.

• Good fellowship
• Best progress
• Best achievement

Let's see, who are going to receive the awards this year. 
Hopefully all of them will be qualified for participation in the Advanced Course next year. Due to the numbers entitled to join this course from Uganda there are now serious deliberations to actually offer the Advanced course in Entebee or Kampala or Jinja as would suit the prospective candidates best. Its not only these five graduates of this year, but also Jerome Wamaala, Aaron Bamuwamye, Samuel Ogwang and Moses Wako, who have already qualified this year. So together there would be at least 9 prospective students from Uganda in 2010, making a visit there worthwhile.

After the official graduation/price-giving Seminarians traditionally celebrate with staff and members of the Board of directors. Then its packing the bags and leaving for the airport and off towards home, family and sorely missed love.