Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard and their works in South Africa.">
History | Order of Malta in South Africa
Institutional history
History of the Order of Malta’s work in South Africa
The development of the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard and its charitable institutions in Mandeni—from their foundation in 1992 to the present.
Scope: This timeline records events concerning the Order of Malta, the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard and their subsidiary organisations. Private biographical details have been omitted. Admissions, promotions and distinctions are included where they form part of this institutional history.
1992–2000 · Foundation and first services
The Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard is founded
The Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard was founded as a South African relief organisation of the Order of Malta.
Bishop Mansuet Dela Biyase recognised and blessed it on 5 November, when its first Executive Council was constituted.
The Blessed Gérard’s Poor Sick Fund followed on 18 December.
The first charitable projects
On 4 January, Blessed Gérard’s Relief Fund was established.
On 6 January, coordinated planning began for infant nutrition, home-economics training, community development and hospice care.
On 15 March, Blessed Gérard’s Malnutrition Clinic opened.
On 19 April, the first home-economics course and sewing school opened.
On 15 May, Blessed Gérard’s Friendship Club for older people opened.
On 1 June, Blessed Gérard’s Community Development Centre opened.
Canonical and international recognition
Bishop Biyase granted canonical juridical personality and permission to use the designation “Catholic”.
The Sovereign Council approved the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard as the first relief organisation of the Order of Malta in Africa.
Education, HIV/AIDS work and formal registration
On 23 May 1994, Blessed Gérard’s AIDS Education Programme began.
On 20 July 1995, Rome confirmed the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard’s recognition and registration as the Order’s first relief organisation in Africa, number 1/AF.
On 29 July 1995, Blessed Gérard’s Pre-Primary School and Blessed Gérard’s Crèche opened.
Father Gérard admitted to the Order Member
Father Gérard T. Lagleder O.S.B. was invested in Regensburg as a Magistral Chaplain of the Order of Malta.
Blessed Gérard’s Church and Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre open
Grand Commander Frà Ludwig Hoffmann von Rumerstein joined the consecration and opening and formally presented the relic of Blessed Gérard.
Johannes Lagleder, Johann “Hans” Sporer, Albertine Sprenzinger-Sporer and Daniel E. Meehan were admitted as Honorary Dedicated Members of the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard.
Two distinctions conferred by the Order Distinctions
Bishop Mansuet Dela Biyase received the Grand Cross “pro piis meritis” pro Merito Melitensi.
Daniel E. Meehan received the Commander’s Cross pro Merito Melitensi.
Comprehensive care and emergency service
On 5 May 1998, Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre was incorporated into the iSithebe AIDS Committee’s work as a centre for HIV/AIDS education, counselling, home care and hospice care.
On 30 March 1999, Blessed Gérard’s First Aid and Emergency Service began operating.
On 15 April 1999, the Executive Council formally established Blessed Gérard’s First Aid and Emergency Service.
On 26 June 1999, Bishop Mansuet Dela Biyase blessed the service and its equipment.
Flood relief in Mozambique
The new Blessed Gérard’s Disaster Relief Project deployed internationally, supporting the Malteser Hilfsdienst and ECOM operation near Chibuto.
The Blessed Gérard’s Children’s Home and the first South African member
The Blessed Gérard’s Children’s Home was established in response to children abandoned or orphaned by the AIDS epidemic.
Grand Hospitaller Albrecht Freiherr von Boeselager inaugurated the temporary Blessed Gérard’s Children’s Home and Blessed Gérard’s Disaster Relief Project on 9 July and invested co-founder Clare Ann Kalkwarf as a Donat of Devotion—the first South African member of the Order.
Three Silver Medals conferred by the Order Distinctions
Clare Ann Kalkwarf, Dr Paul Zakhele Titus Thabethe and Nokuthula Marigold Thabethe each received the Silver Medal pro Merito Melitensi.
First-aid service at the Vatican
A ten-member Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard team served pilgrims during the Holy Year in St Peter’s Square and at the three patriarchal basilicas.
2001–2010 · Consolidation and professional growth
Autonomy, governance and growing demand
On 23 January, the Grand Hospitaller confirmed the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard as a relief organisation of the Order of Malta with financial and economic autonomy.
On 7 April, Blessed Gérard’s First Aid and Emergency Service treated 56 patients at the Tugela Raft Race; the operational report credits the team with saving two lives.
On 13 September, the President’s Council was formally established.
On 11 November, Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre introduced its first waiting list for patient admission.
On 26 November, the Bureau of Heraldry registered the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard’s coat of arms as H4/3/1/3953.
The Order at the UN World Conference Against Racism
A delegation of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta participated in the United Nations conference in Durban.
Legal establishment and a permanent Blessed Gérard’s Children’s Home
On 7 March, the Benedictine Congregation of St Ottilien received official recognition as sponsor of two alternative-service placements at Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre and Blessed Gérard’s Hospice.
On 25 April, Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre was legally established as an autonomous body.
On 15 December, Bishop Mansuet Dela Biyase and Grand Commander Frà Ludwig Hoffmann von Rumerstein blessed and opened the new Blessed Gérard’s Children’s Home building.
Promotion and Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard honours Members & distinctions
Clare Kalkwarf was promoted to Dame of Magistral Grace.
The Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard conferred its Badge of Honour on Caroline Frances Beaumont, Father Albert Herold O.S.B. and Dorothy Wynne for outstanding service.
The Order at the UN World Summit
The Order was represented at the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg.
Antiretroviral treatment begins
On 2 July 2003, Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre received Section 18A recognition for tax-deductible donations.
In September 2003—the source does not give the day—the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference selected Blessed Gérard’s Hospice as a treatment centre and the antiretroviral treatment programme began.
On 25 August 2004, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health accredited Blessed Gérard’s Hospice as an antiretroviral treatment centre.
On 7 September 2004, the first patient began antiretroviral treatment through Blessed Gérard’s Hospice.
Cardinal Napier and the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard
On 9 March, Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier O.F.M. visited Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre to inspect its services.
On 18 September, Cardinal Napier was formally received into the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard.
Tsunami emergency response
The Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard sent urgent medicines to Madras and Bangkok, while active members supported a crisis-intervention team caring for returning survivors.
Father Gérard promoted Member
On 21 June, Father Gérard T. Lagleder O.S.B. was promoted to Conventual Chaplain ad honorem of the Order of Malta.
On 16 October, he was solemnly invested in Mandeni.
Quality preparation and formal recognition
On 2 November 2005, Blessed Gérard’s Hospice began professional preparation for COHSASA accreditation.
On 4 January 2006, Blessed Gérard’s Children’s Home received state registration 10/1/6/2/-UR-01 for 40 children.
On 17 March 2006, Blessed Gérard’s Hospice joined the Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa; the antiretroviral treatment programme was caring for 105 patients.
Leadership, remembrance and expansion
On 6 April 2006, co-founder Clare Ann Kalkwarf died.
On 20 April 2006, Dr Paul Zakhele Titus Thabethe became Vice-President of the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard.
On 15 October 2006, the tenth-anniversary celebration recorded more than 3,500 patients treated and 1,818 members of the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard.
On 22–23 January 2007, the first COHSASA baseline assessment of Blessed Gérard’s Hospice was favourable.
On 6 July 2007, construction began on the antiretroviral treatment clinic, additional Blessed Gérard’s Children’s Home accommodation and community and functional facilities.
Service recognised by the Order Distinctions
On 25 June 2006, Clare Ann Kalkwarf received the Gold Medal pro Merito Melitensi posthumously; Caroline Frances Beaumont received the Silver Medal; and Dr Paul Thabethe and Nokuthula Thabethe each received the Cross pro Merito Melitensi.
On 8 May 2007, Lillian Molloy received the Cross with Crown pro Merito Melitensi.
On 22 May 2007, Johannes Lagleder, Albertine Sporer and Hans Sporer each received the Silver Medal; Dean Vitus Wengert received the Cross “pro piis meritis”.
On 26 May 2007, Father Georg Weinzierl received the Cross “pro piis meritis”.
On 24 June 2007, Abbot Godfrey Sieber O.S.B. received the Cross “pro piis meritis”.
Care under pressure and enlarged facilities
On 26 June 2007, during the national nursing strike, Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre admitted additional patients and witnessed its first birth.
On 22 June 2008, Bishop Xolelo Thaddeus Kumalo blessed and formally opened the enlarged Blessed Gérard’s Children’s Home, the antiretroviral treatment clinic and new administrative and functional rooms.
On 15 July and 21 November 2008, court orders placed a further 21 children in Blessed Gérard’s Children’s Home.
Support structures and integrated operations
On 9 May 2008, the German support association Bruderschaft des Seligen Gerhard e.V. was established.
On 2 June 2008, voluntary HIV counselling and testing began at Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre.
On 18 September 2008, governance was restructured through the revival of the President’s Council, creation of a Board of Auditors and clearer financial-authorisation limits.
On 2 April 2009, Blessed Gérard’s Poor Sick Fund, Blessed Gérard’s Relief Fund, Blessed Gérard’s Malnutrition Clinic, Blessed Gérard’s Pre-Primary School, Blessed Gérard’s First Aid and Emergency Service and Blessed Gérard’s Disaster Relief Project were integrated into Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre.
President’s Awards establish a tradition Distinctions
The historical register identifies Caroline Frances Beaumont as recipient for 2000, Wiseman Zulu for 2001 and Victor Claudius for 2002; it does not preserve exact presentation dates for these three awards.
On 12 October 2003, Dorothy Wynne received the President’s Award. The register identifies Princess Sindisiwe Ndlovu for 2004, Fikile Mthethwa for 2005, Susanne Stauffer for 2006 and Father Sipho Gamede for 2007, but does not preserve their exact presentation dates.
On 22 June 2008, Thomas and Angelika Müller received a joint President’s Award.
Johan Viljoen received the award for 2009, but died before it could be personally presented; the exact conferral date is not preserved. The register identifies Father Sithembiso Ngcobo as the 2010 recipient but likewise does not preserve the presentation date.
On 15 December 2002, Caroline Beaumont, Father Albert Herold O.S.B. and Dorothy Wynne received the Badge of Honour. Albertine Sprenzinger-Sporer also received it, but the surviving certificate does not establish the date. On 12 October 2008, Susanne Stauffer received the Badge of Honour.
Home care, international recognition and non-profit organisation status
On 2 May 2009, a second off-road vehicle was handed over for monthly antiretroviral-treatment home visits and adherence support.
On 23 June 2009, the Benedictine sisters’ convent at Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre was blessed.
On 23 September 2009, the Order of Malta issued a postage stamp depicting Blessed Gérard’s Pre-Primary School at oWhebede.
On 1 July 2010, Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre registered as autonomous non-profit organisation 080-935 NPO.
From 15 to 25 July 2010, the Order’s South African AIDS work was presented at the International AIDS Conference in Vienna.
2011–2020 · Resilience, partnerships and wider recognition
Protecting the AIDS programme
On 18 January 2011, the end of funding from the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief was announced; a campaign began to safeguard treatment for more than 430 patients.
On 6 December 2011, Blessed Gérard’s Hospice achieved a second star in the COHSASA quality-accreditation process.
From 19 to 24 March 2012, Guy Count Moy inspected the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard for the Order of Malta and submitted a very positive report.
On 1 April 2012, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health began supplying antiretroviral medicines, assuming roughly one third of treatment costs.
Membership and anniversary milestones
On 24 July 2011, Dr Sikhumbuzo Khayelihle Nzimande was received as a Dedicated Member and the fifteenth anniversary of Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre was celebrated.
On 16 October 2011, Nontobeko Ndwande was received as the 2,500th member of the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard.
On 28 October 2012, the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard celebrated its twentieth anniversary.
Annual recognition of volunteers and employees Distinctions
The President’s Award was presented to Abbot Godfrey Sieber O.S.B. on 16 October 2011; Nokuthula Thabethe on 28 October 2012; Ethel Lwandle on 12 October 2013; Sister Edith Zulu O.S.B. on 12 October 2014; Portia Zinhle Zulu on 18 October 2015; Lindeni Princess Mwandla on 3 September 2016; Hlobisile Happiness Msomi on 28 October 2017; Sister Conradine Mkhize O.S.B. on 14 October 2018; and Penelope Thandeka Mdhletshe on 13 October 2019.
From 28 October 2012, a parallel Employee of the Year award recognised outstanding staff service.
Anniversary Medals of Merit Distinctions
On 28 October 2012, the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard introduced its twentieth-anniversary Medal of Merit.
On 13 April 2014, Grand Master Frà Matthew Festing and Grand Hospitaller Albrecht Freiherr von Boeselager received the twentieth-anniversary medal for their longstanding membership and support.
On 28 October 2017, the twenty-fifth-anniversary Medal of Merit was presented during the jubilee celebration.
Expanded facilities and Order distinctions
On 12 October 2013, Bishop Xolelo Thaddeus Kumalo blessed a new Blessed Gérard’s Children’s Home wing, football field, parking extension and Blessed Gérard’s Community Centre.
On 12 October 2013, nine pro Merito Melitensi distinctions were presented to Bishop Kumalo, Abbot Godfrey Sieber O.S.B., Caroline Beaumont, Carolyn Nunn, Dr Khayelihle Nzimande, Dr Paul Thabethe, Nokuthula Thabethe, Wiseman Zulu and Yvonne Renaud.
On 13 April 2014, four further distinctions were presented to Dr Andreas Heinze, Johannes Lagleder, Gabriele Rauecker and Maximilian Rauecker.
Official visit of the Prince and Grand Master
From 8 to 14 April, Prince and Grand Master Frà Matthew Festing officially visited the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard and its institutions.
On 13 April, he invested Yvonne Joye Renaud as a Donat of Devotion at her bedside in Ballito.
On 14 April in Mandeni, he invested Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier O.F.M. as a Bailiff Grand Cross of Honour and Devotion, Bishop Xolelo Thaddeus Kumalo as a Conventual Chaplain ad honorem, and Dr Paul Thabethe, Nokuthula Thabethe and Dr Khayelihle Nzimande as Donats of Devotion.
Support, communication and twentieth anniversaries
On 18 November 2014, Orlando Pirates donated R500,000 to the work.
On 1 January 2015, Blessed Gérard’s Pre-Primary School and Blessed Gérard’s Crèche marked their twentieth anniversary.
On 10 June 2016, the film Where Misery Is Met by Love premiered in Stuttgart.
On 3 September 2016, Blessed Gérard’s Church and Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre marked their twentieth anniversary.
From 29 October to 12 November 2016, a Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard team provided first aid at the Vatican during the Year of Mercy.
Child-care registration and international support
On 23 December 2016, with effect recorded on 6 January 2017, Blessed Gérard’s Child and Youth Care Centre obtained Form 49 registration 10/1/6/2-31-DR with capacity for 70 children.
On 2 June 2017, the Bruderschaft des Seligen Gerhard Stiftung was established in Germany to support the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard.
Grand Hospitaller’s visit and four promotions
Grand Hospitaller Dominique Prince de La Rochefoucauld-Montbel toured the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard’s works and joined its twenty-fifth anniversary.
Dr Paul Thabethe and Dr Khayelihle Nzimande were promoted to Knights of Magistral Grace; Nokuthula Thabethe and Yvonne Renaud to Dames of Magistral Grace.
Constitutional consolidation and international participation
On 14 March 2018, a consolidated amended constitution of Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre confirmed its legal status, governance and non-profit organisation registration.
From July to November 2018—the sources do not give exact days—an international appeal bridged a shortage of antiretroviral medicines until full provincial supply resumed.
From 20 to 25 March 2019, the South African work was represented at the Order’s International Hospitallers’ Conference in Rome.
On 13 October 2019, Maresi Rehder was received as a Dedicated Member; she had served as Communications Officer since April 2019.
Response to the Covid-19 pandemic
On 31 March, Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre reported measures to protect 40 Blessed Gérard’s Hospice patients and 55 children and to supply almost 700 AIDS patients with two months of medication.
On 1 April, a three-year service and funding framework with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development began.
On 6 May, a large food programme began for indigent home-care and AIDS patients and their families.
2021–ad multos annos · Renewal and continuity
Youth support, vaccination and continuity during unrest
On 21 and 26 January, supported accommodation began for older boys and girls leaving Blessed Gérard’s Children’s Home.
On 26 May, Covid-19 vaccination began at Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre.
From 12 to 19 July, Blessed Gérard’s Hospice and Blessed Gérard’s Children’s Home remained operational during severe unrest and looting in Mandeni.
On 11 August, food deliveries resumed after a four-week security interruption.
Governance and renewed registrations
From 20 April to 27 July, the canonical statutes of the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard were amended.
On 25 July, the Diocese of Eshowe confirmed the right to operate Blessed Gérard’s Early Childhood Development Centre at oWhebede.
On 19 October, a Leadership Policy was adopted to clarify governance and delegated operational responsibilities.
On 23 December, the registration of Blessed Gérard’s Child and Youth Care Centre was renewed until 22 December 2026, with capacity for 65 children.
Pandemic-delayed President’s Awards Distinctions
The awards for 2020, 2021 and 2022 were presented together to Norma Nomathemba Ngubane, Duke Ntuthuko Ndwandwe and Samuel Bhekuyise Zwane.
New leadership and organisational development
On 1 February, Dr Douglas Patrick Ross became Managing Director of Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre.
On 18 February, the municipality issued occupancy certificate 2/0218 for Blessed Gérard’s Early Childhood Development Centre at oWhebede.
On 11 April, floodwaters entered Blessed Gérard’s Hospice, but its operations continued.
On 21 July, a constitution was adopted for Blessed Gérard’s Early Childhood Development Centre, providing a framework for separate legal personality.
On 16 August, the Council accepted the external auditor’s recommendation to develop a succession plan.
Thirty years of the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard
The Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard celebrated its thirtieth anniversary with Cardinal Napier, the reception of new members and recognition of long service.
Order visit and autonomous Blessed Gérard’s Early Childhood Development Centre
From 8 to 13 January, Bishop Jean Clément Laffitte, Prelate of the Order of Malta, visited the pastoral and charitable work in Mandeni.
On 10 March, Blessed Gérard’s Early Childhood Development Centre registered as autonomous non-profit organisation 288-749 NPO.
On 17 May, Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier O.F.M. authorised drilling on diocesan land; from 20 to 27 July a borehole was drilled beside Blessed Gérard’s Community Centre.
On 27 July, a new ambulance funded by the Order of Malta’s Global Fund for Forgotten People was blessed and put into service.
Service recognised Distinctions
On 15 October 2023, Caroline Frances Beaumont and Muzi Magwaza received the Order of Malta’s COVID-19 Service Medal for organising and carrying out the food-parcel relief operation.
On 15 October 2023, Angelee “Angie” Mandy Botha received the President’s Award of the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard.
On 13 October 2024, Thomas Garth Vogel received the President’s Award.
On 12 October 2025, the President’s Award was conferred on Dumisile Patricia Nene; because she could not attend, the personal presentation remained pending.
Renewed facilities and resilient energy
On 1 February, the renovated Blessed Gérard’s Early Childhood Development Centre reopened; on 2 February, four family-style units of Blessed Gérard’s Children’s Home came into use.
On 20 February, the Austrian support association Bruderschaft des Seligen Gerhard was established.
On 19 March, the expanded hybrid system of photovoltaic panels, battery storage and an emergency generator began supplying Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre.
On 12 July, Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier O.F.M. blessed the renovated Blessed Gérard’s Early Childhood Development Centre.
Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard Medal of Merit approved Distinction
The Prince and Grand Master and Sovereign Council approved the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard’s own Medal of Merit in gold, silver and bronze, creating a formal distinction for meritorious service.
Leadership transition and strengthened autonomy
On 15 January, Thomas Garth Vogel assumed the directorship of Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre.
On 27 February, a renewed constitution strengthened the legal and organisational autonomy of Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre.
On 5 May, the South African Revenue Service confirmed the tax-exempt Public Benefit Organisation status of Blessed Gérard’s Early Childhood Development Centre, number 930084568, effective from 12 December 2024, with Section 18A recognition from 10 March 2025.
South African experience shared internationally
On 21–22 March, the South African work was represented at the Order of Malta’s International Hospitallers’ Conference in Cologne.
On 23 June, it was represented at the United Nations High-Level Meeting side event in New York, “WITH Africa, IN Africa: Ensuring Access to Life-Saving HIV/AIDS Treatment”.
Thirtieth anniversary, investiture and distinctions
On 6 September, Grand Hospitaller Major General Dr Josef D. Blotz joined the thirtieth anniversary of Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre and Blessed Gérard’s Church.
On 6 September, Dr Douglas Patrick Ross was invested as a Knight of Magistral Grace.
On 6 September, Dr Paul Zakhele Titus Thabethe received the Commander’s Cross pro Merito Melitensi.
On 6 September, the Cross with Crown pro Merito Melitensi was conferred on Nokuthula Marigold Thabethe; Grand Hospitaller Dr Josef D. Blotz presented it at her home on 7 September.
On 6 September, Mechthilde Lagleder received the President’s Award of the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard, and Dr Julius Dumezweni Muzuvukile Ntshangase received the President’s Employee of the Year Award.
This milestone is ready for a future photo gallery or embedded film.