See also TALC 16/7/6/1 Background.
In 1988, the first year of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, its Division for Global Mission (DGM) work related to mission activities in South Africa fell under the responsibility of the area secretaries for Africa. The Rev. James L. Knutson was responsible for coordinating ELCA mission efforts in South Africa. Quickly a new work area that included South Africa was created in 1989 - French-speaking and Southern Africa. Pastor James L. Knutson remained the area secretary in charge of this work until 1990 when the Rev. Daniel W. Olson assumed responsibility when the work was transferred to the Area Secretary for Africa (English-speaking Africa). This program restructured again in 1992 and was renamed English-speaking West Africa and Southern Africa. Pastor Olson remained in charge of South Africa work until 1998 when the Rev. Benyam A. Kassahun assumed responsibility. In 2002-2003, there was a restructuring in DGM and responsibility for South Africa mission work was located in the Southern Africa program area. Pastor Kassahun remained the program director, a position still held as of 2008.
From the description of South Africa Records 1975-2001 1988-2001 (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 229459260
