HANKEY – The Hankey United Congregational Church (UCC) has welcomed its new permanent full-time minister, Reverend Rochan Chetty, in what church leaders have described as a historic moment for the congregation and the broader Gamtoos Valley community.

Church members gathered at Loerie-Afdraai to receive Chetty, who was accompanied by her mother, brother and extended family.

The congregation then travelled into Hankey in a convoy escorted by traffic services, driving through the town’s streets and sounding their horns to announce the arrival of their new minister.

Church secretary, Pieter Dolph, said the congregation received Chetty with gratitude and excitement.

“In great gratitude and excitement, the Hankey UCC welcomed their new Minister halfway at the Loerie-Afdraai. The congregation cheered, rejoiced and openly expressed their gratitude that God granted them the opportunity to call a permanent, full-time minister and leader,” said Dolph.

He said that the appointment marks the return of a female minister to the congregation for the first time in 55 years.

Dolph said that Chetty is the first female successor to the late Reverend Margaret Constable, who served Hankey UCC from 1968 to 1981, ministering to communities stretching from Loerie to Cambria in the Gamtoos Valley.

Following Constable’s tenure, Reverend Alwyn Goosen served the church from 1983 until 1987.

He was succeeded by Reverend Hendrick Pillay, who ministered in the Gamtoos Valley from December 1991 until his retirement in July 2016 after 25 years of service.

Dolph said that since Pillay’s retirement, the congregation has relied on consultants provided by the Algoa Region.

He said that the church was also served for two years by Reverend Jac-Allyn Smith through a placement by the Algoa Region before he was called to Springdale UCC in Gqeberha.

According to Dolph, the congregation began praying and fasting in 2023 because of the need for a full-time minister.

“The calling process was initiated, handled and approved by the Algoa Administrative and Regional Council in February 2026, and Reverend Chetty accepted the call,” said Dolph.

He described the appointment as a significant moment in the church’s history.

“Hankey UCC is rich in history and very blessed that 55 years later, the church is entrusted with a female minister again. Our prayers have been answered, and we look forward to the journey with Reverend Chetty to serve the congregation across the Gamtoos Valley,” said Dolph.

He also noted the similarities between Chetty’s arrival and the ministry of Constable, who served during the 1971 flood.

“This is indeed a repeat of history, given that the late Reverend Constable also experienced and survived the flood of 1971 during her time in the same congregation. Thus, Reverend Chetty comes under the same circumstances, which is a sure sign that the congregation asked, led by the Holy Spirit, and God answered by sending Reverend Chetty to be our earthly shepherd,” said Dolph.

Speaking about accepting the call, Chetty said she felt both honoured and humbled.

“When I accepted the call to the Hankey Congregational Church, I felt deeply honoured and humbled by the opportunity to serve. At the same time, I experienced a sense of responsibility, knowing that God was entrusting me with an important ministry. While there was some uncertainty about challenges ahead, I also felt peace and excitement, believing that God was leading me and that He would provide the strength and wisdom needed for the journey,” said Chetty.

Reflecting on the church’s history, Chetty said her focus would be on building on the work of those who came before her.

“My vision is not simply to take over the reins, but to build on the strong foundation that has been laid by those who served before me, like the late Reverend Margaret Constable and many others,” said Chetty.

As she begins her ministry in Hankey and the wider Gamtoos Valley, she said she hopes to see the congregation continue growing in faith while serving the needs of the community.

“I would like to see the church family rooted in God’s Word while responding to the needs of our community today. My prayer is that we continue to grow spiritually, strengthen our fellowship and become a place where all people of all ages feel welcome, valued and encouraged in their faith,” said Chetty.

“I also hope to foster greater involvement in ministry, nurture future leaders and expand outreach so that the love of Christ is experienced both within our congregation and throughout the wider community. As we honour our past, I believe God is calling us to embrace the future with faith, unity and renewed commitment to His mission.”

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