UNITING REFORMED CHURCH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
REPORT OF THE ACTUARIUS SYNODI TO THE GENERAL SYNOD
IN SITTING 1-7 OCTOBER 2012 IN NAMIBIA
The Moderator and delegates to the General Synod
Your Actuarius wishes to report as follows:
The report will in a nutshell include the activities performed after the General Synod
2008 in Hammanskraal.
1.
REGISTER OF MINISTERS OF THE WORD
This was a tedious exercise because of poor handing over process from the
ex-actuarius. No (original) records were received. It is important to note that
no call or ordination of a minister should be approved unless the minister
concerned is registered (CO Reg. Status of Ministers 1.1.1).
GSC 2009 approved the following recommendation:
The Secretaries / scribes of the Examination Commissions, Presbyteries, or
the Regional Synods to ensure compliance with CO Regulation Regarding
Status of Ministers point 8.2, and defaulters should be named and be
reprimanded.
Official Notice was published in URCSA NEWS in this regard as reported to
GSC 2010. See Addendum A.
The actuarius sent pro-forma of the Register to all Regional Actuarii for
updating, however, this process was not successfully concluded.
The attached letter (Addendum B), with registration form approved by GS
2001, was circulated for attention of all URCSA ministers of the Word to
register on/before 31 October 2010.
Despite numerous reminders to ministers of the Word to register, the
response is not satisfactory. A name-list of ministers of the Word who have
registered is submitted separately as a second report. Individual files have
been opened for all registered pastors.
Recommendation 1:
FOR APPROVAL
The GS decides to:
1. accept the name-list of ministers of the Word who have registered
and affirm that non compliance with the regulation will not be
condoned and,
1
2. encourage all URCSA ministers of the Word to ensure that they are
registered before 31 December 2012.
2.
PUBLICATION OF URCSA CHURCH ORDER (CO) 2008
The reviewed CO 2011 manuscript signed by members of the Executive on
the 13th of July 2009 at Pretoria was published in a book format by the
Support Ministry for Communication, Publication and Archives (SMCPA) and
one hundred copies were printed.
The GSC 2011 approved the following with recommendations:
 The Church Order 2008 be sold by SMCPA for R130.00 per copy as
suggested.
 The Executive members receive the ten (10) copies for free.
 The CO 2008 be advertised in the URCSA NEWS and be sold as
suggested.
 The following omissions/errors be corrected before making additional
copies with printers:
* Add the alphabet R on the outer margin of the book to read Regulation,
* Place the logos/badge of the church on the front, either between the
Afrikaans and English inscription or on top,
* Insert copyright page as a first page,
* Align numbering so that paragraphs are clear away from the numbering
and not appear under the numbering. Numbering and sentences
should have space in between and this is also applicable for sentences
that continues under numbering.
Recommendation 2:
FOR APPROVAL
1. The GS approves the directive of the GSC and request the
SMCPA to publish the CO in the URCSA website as previously
decided by GS.
3.
DECLARATION OF CANDIDATES FOR THE MINISTRY
The Actuarius declared the following candidates for ministry in accordance
with CO Regulation regarding the Activities of the Executive and the General
Synodical Commission – The Actuarius Synodi (1.3.4):
3.1
NORTHERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY: PRETORIA
3.1.1 DATE LICENCED: NOVEMBER 2008
3.1.1.1
Seoke Cassius (Thabo) Kodibona
3.1.1.2
Resimate John Mabusela
2
3.1.1.3
Makhele Victor Makhetha
3.1.1.4
Tseliso Isaak Monyatsi
3.1.1.5
Serame Dugmore Olivier
3.1.1.6
Mpho Daniel Shai
3.1.2 DATE LICENCED : 27 JUNE 2010
3.1.2.1
Malin Alquede Stanford Fisher
3.1.2.2
Pheto Petrus Mosima
3.1.3
DATE LICENCED : 14th November 2010
3.1.3.1
Tshepo Lephakga
3.1.3.2
Mojarobela George Mohoje
3.1.3.3
Perceverance Percival Molehe
3.1.3.4
Monnapule Hendrik Motlou
3.1.3.5
Maite Rachel Inah Motloutsi
3.1.3.6
Samuel Mpho Msimango
3.1.4
3.1.4.1
3.1.5
DATE LICENCED : 9th January 2011
Mashia Aaron Mhango
DATE LICENCED : 24th July 2011
3.1.5.1
Phetole Lucas Makgopa
3.1.5.2
Schalk Willem Merwe
3.1.5.3
Jabulani Johnson Mngomezulu
3.1.5.4
Ngwako William Mukhari
3.1.5.5
Thapelo Joshua Selepe
3.1.6 DATE LICENCED : 13 NOVEMEBR 2011
3.1.6.1
3.1.6.2
Eugene Baron
Wiseman Sipho Moagi
3.1.7 DATE LICENCED : 15 January 2012
3.1.7.1
Dorothea Mosongwa Morwa Serekego
3.1.7.2
Xolani Victor Swelindawo
3
3.2
UNIVERSITY OF STELLENBOSCH
3.2.1 DATE LICENCED: NOVEMBER 2008
3.2.1.1
Marlene Mahokoto
3.2.1.2
Benjamin (Bennie) Roelfse
3.2.1.3
3.2.1.4
3.2.1.5
3.2.1.6
3.2.1.7
Prop. Jacobson Strauss
Charlton Crowley
Vuyani Minya
Mkhuseli Boyce Masele
Babalwa Amanda Sifuba
3.2.2 DATE LICENCED: 18 NOVEMBER 2009
3.2.2.1
Jacques Walter Beukes
3.2.2.2
Eugene Andrè Fortein
3.2.2.3
3.2..24
Trevor Nolan Links
Jacob Antonie Cornelius September
3.2.3 DATE LICENCED : 24 NOVEMBER 2010
3.2.3.1
Morne Margo Deelman
3.2.3.2
Clive Donald Jacobs
3.2.3.3
Shaldon Marcus Julies
3.2.3.4
Xholani Chrisjune Mhobo
3.2.3.5
Clive Andrew Rademeyer
3.2.3.6
Bulelani Vete
3.2.3.7
Janine Merle Williams
3.2.3.8
Emil de Wet
3.2.4 DATE LICENCED: 23 NOVEMBER 2011
3.2.4.1
Hendry Hesting Tromp
3.2.4.2
Quentin Shaun Minnaar
3.2.4.3
Luxolo Titimani
3.3
UNIVERSITY OF FREE STATE: BLOEMFONTEIN
3.3.1 DATE LICENCED: 28 NOVEMBER 2010
3.3.1.1
Peter Monaheng Moahloli
4
3.3.1.2
Sabata Samuel Nyongwane
3.3.1.3
Tseliso Naphtali Seotsanyane
3.3.1.4
Kelebogile Joseph Mekoa
3.4
NETS NAMIBIA
3.4.1 DATE LICENCED: NOVEMBER 2008
3.4.1.1
David Jacobus Elias
3.4.2 DATE LICENCED: 2011
3.4.2.1
3.5
Ostin Kwala Mutakalilumo
REINSTATEMENT (Colloquium Doctum)
3.5.1 2008
3.5.1.1
Rev. Nolan Paul Williams
3.5.1.2
Rev. LL Husselman
3.5.1.3
Rev WJ Julius
3.5.2 2009
3.5.2.1
Rev. Malville Jeff Frolicks
3.5.2.2
Rev. Jacobus Karolus
3.5.2.3
Rev. Manini John Wele
3.5.3 2010
3.5.3.1
Rev. IR Rakgomo
3.5.3.2
Rev. Christiaan Francios Verhoog
3.5.4 2011
3.5.4.1
Rev. Vusumuzi David Mabuza
3.5.4.2
Rev. Assah Hawu Mbatha
3.5.4.3
Rev. Dingane David Mosili
3.5.4.4
Rev. Dr. Gordon Ernest Dames
3.5.4.5
Rev. Moses Lebuajoang Maliehe
3.5.4.6
Evangelist Molefi Frank Phantsi
5
3.5.4.7
Rev. Francois Patrick Matthee
3.5.4.8
Rev. Deon A. Botman
3.5.4.9
Rev. Josia Mazibuko
3.5.4.10
Rev. Luvoyo Louis May
3.6
RETENTION OF STATUS
3.6.1 2008
3.6.1.1
3.6.1.2
3.6.1.3
3.6.1.4
Rev. Deon Snyman
Dr. SF De Beer
Dr. JN Odendaal
Dr. Rothney Tshaka
3.6.2 2010
3.6.1.1
3.6.1.2
Rev. J Jonkers
Rev. G Fredericks
3.6.3 2011
3.6.2.1
3.6.2.2
3.6.2.3
3.6.2.4
3.6.2.5
3.6.2.6
3.6.2.7
3.6.2.8
3.6.2.9
3.6.2.10
3.6.2.11
3.6.2.12
3.7
Rev. Lefifi Stephen Mahlabe (Emeritus)
Rev. Paulus de Wet (Emeritus)
Rev. LZ Morabe
Rev. Ben S Kock (missionary work on private capacity)
Rev. Reginald J. Nel (further studies)
Rev. LSI Tabi
Rev. Tafita David Masilo
Rev. Mathabate Daniel Makgene
Rev. Kolena Solomon Mabelane
Rev. M.A. Monyane
Rev. Stemmet Cupido
Emeritus Rev. Nico Kriek
FORFEITURE OF STATUS
3.7.1 2008
3.7.1.1
3.7.1.2
3.7.1.3
3.7.1.4
Mr. Lawrence T. Matsekete
Mr. Mumbu
Mr. Gerson Rukira
Mr. Deon A. Botman
3.7.2 2009
3.7.2.1
dr. Allan Aubrey Boesak
6
3.7.2.2
dr. Gordon Ernest Dames
3.7.3 2010
3.7.2.1
3.7.3.2
Mr. Feli Mokoena
Ms. Babalwa Amanda Sifuba
3.7.4 2011
3.7.4.1
Mr. JC Mac Kay (resigned)
3.7.5 2012
3.7.4.1
Mr. Hadley J du Plessis (resigned)
3.8
STATUS AS MINISTER OF THE WORD 2012
3.8.1 Rev. Tefelo Johannes Ntsasa
Recommendation 3:
FOR APPROVAL
1. The General Synod approves the actions of the GS Actuarius.
4.
4.1
DISPUTES WITH THE DRCA
COURT CASES
The Regional Actuarii were requested to submit court cases reports in their
respective regions to the Actuarius Synodi for consolidation. The latter
reports are still outstanding, however, a new suggested process of settling
disputes outside court is in process in the Free State & Lesotho and Phororo
Regional Synods.
Recommendation 4:
FOR APPROVAL
The GS take note of the endeavors to settle property disputes out of court in the
Free State & Lesotho and Phororo Regional Synods and encourage other Regions,
Presbyteries and congregations to receive the documents for perusal and for
possible use in settling property disputes out of court.
5.
SIGNING OF URCSA AND SANDF AGREEMENT (SSCAB)- FOR
NOTIFICATION
It was brought to the attention of the GSC that the signing of the Agreement
between SANDF and URCSA was never done as reported at the last GS. In
the meantime a draft agreement was circulated to all members of the
Executive and the SMJM for inputs. The final Agreement was approved by
7
GSC 2010 and was signed on the 11th October 2011 at Pretoria. The GS
Actuarius (on behalf of URCSA) and the GS Scribe (as witness) signed the
agreement. See SMJM report.
6.
MEETINGS ATTENDED AND ADVICES RENDERED
6.1
CHRISTIAN MEN’S MINISTRY (CMM) CONGRESS
- FOR NOTING
6.1.1 The actuarius advised the Presbyteries of Kimberley and Kuruman on CMM
constitutional matters during annual conferences. The actuarius could not
honour the invitation to CMM Cape Synod Regional Congress due to other
commitments.
6.1.2 The actuarius attended the Phororo Region Christian Men’s Ministry
Congress on advisory capacity from 02 - 04 September 2011 in Mahikeng.
6.1.3 The actuarius attended, on advisory capacity, the General Synod CMM
Executive Committee meeting and the GS CMM General Congress on 17
June 2012 and from 5–8 July 2012 in Bloemfontein respectively.
6.2
GENERAL SYNOD CHRISTIAN WOMEN MINISTRIES (CWM) EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
The actuarius attended three (3) CWM National Executive Committee
meetings held in Johannesburg from 05 - 07 February 2010; February 2011 in
Pretoria and from 03 – 05 February 2012 in Durban on an advisory capacity
on behalf of the General Synod.
6.3
CHRISTIAN YOUTH MINISTRY (CYM) NATIONAL CONGRESS
The actuarius attended the CYM National Executive Congress on advisory
capacity from 12-14 November 2010 at Deo Gloria, Barkly West. The
decisions of GS 2008 affecting the CYM (age limit) were presented and the
amended CYM constitution was submitted as part of the second report to the
GSC 2011. (See SMJM report).
6.4
PHORORO REGIONAL SYNOD
The actuarius advised the Presbytery of Kimberley, Phororo Region, on the
matter of URC Galeshewe congregation.
6.5
REGIONAL SYNOD NAMIBIA
The actuarius advised the Presbytery of Windhoek on the matter of Rev WJ
Julius acceptance of call to Walvis Bay Congregation.
8
6.6
FREE STATE / LESOTHO REGIONAL SYNOD
The actuarius advised the Presbytery of Botshabelo on the matter of Rev.
Tabi’s demission letter and appointment in the SAPS Chaplaincy.
6.7
NORTHERN REGIONAL SYNOD
6.8

The actuarius advised the Presbytery of Bethesda on the matter of
Prof. ST Kgatla and the Presbytery of Bethesda.

Conveyed greetings on behalf of the Executive Committee at the fifth
Regional Synod in sitting from 27 October 2010 to 01 November 2010.
NATIONAL CWM CONGRESS IN NAMIBIA
The actuarius attended the CWM National Congress held in Windhoek,
Namibia from 30 April 2009 to 03 April 2009 on an advisory capacity on behalf
of the General Synod.
The theme of the Congress was "Come let us Rebuild" Neh. 2:17 with the
following Sub-themes:



“Come let us rebuild our spiritual lives as Christian Women"
"Come let us rebuild family values and morals in our homes."
"Come let us rebuild our communities which are ravaged by HIV and AIDS,
Poverty, Abuse OVC and child headed families, drugs etc."

"Come let us rebuild our churches with regard priesthood, prophecy and
kingship, as well as its material resources; buildings and funds."
Furthermore panel discussions (15 min each) were held on the following topics:

Integrated Ministries (Rev Attie Du Plessies)

Church Unity (Rev Dr H Platt)

Charismatism versus Reformed Tradition (Rev MG Betha)

Homosexuality (Rev MG Betha)
Initially a local minister from the DRC in Windhoek was invited by the CWM to
facilitate the topic on Homosexuality, however, the CWM leadership was
advised to excuse the invited minister at the eleventh hour after consultation
with the Regional Synod Moderator.
The Election of the new Executive Committee took place from the evening of
2nd May 2009 until 04h00 the following day. The Executive Committee was
elected as follows:
President
Vice President
Secretary
:
:
:
Mrs. Belinda Witbooi
Mrs. E Mokgoebo
Mrs. M van Schalkwyk
9
Vice Secretary
Treasurer
Additional member
Additional member
6.9
:
:
:
:
Mrs. D Lekoala
Mrs. C Moloi
Mrs M Bezuidenhout
Mrs. Dineo Selloane
CONGREGATIONAL MINISTRY MEETING IN BLOEMFONTEIN
Two (2) meetings of the GS Congregational Ministry were attended at
Mooigenoeg, Bloemfontein from 03-05 April 2009 and April 2012 at
Bloemfontein downtown respectively.
6.10
ADMINISTERING THE TAKING OF LICENSING OATH AND ATTENDANCE
OF GENERAL SYNOD MINISTERIAL FORMATION TASK TEAM
MEETINGS
The actuarius administered the taking of licensing oath of candidates at the
Northern Theological Seminary (NTS) during November 2008 (CO Reg. for
Ministerial Formation Art 11.5)
The Actuarius was never invited to any meeting of the Ministerial Formation
Task Team of the General Synod despite this been raised on several times to
the GSC (CO Reg. for Ministerial Formation Art 6 & 7).
6.11
UGC, RCA AND CRCNA SYNODS
I had the privilege to attend and covey fraternal greetings on behalf of the
Moderator, Prof ST Kgatla, and URCSA at the General Synods of Reformed
Church in America (RCA) and the Christian Reformed Church in North
America (CRCNA) from 04 June 2009 to 21 June 2009 in Holland, Michigan
and Chicago, Illinois respectively. I attended again the CRCNA General
Synod from 07 June 2012 to 15 June 2012 at Redeemer University College,
Ancaster, Canada.
I had the privilege also to attend with the Moderator, Prof ST Kgatla, the
historic General Synod of Reformed Church in America (RCA) and the Uniting
General Council (UGC) from 10 June 2010 to 28 June 2010 in Orange City,
Iowa and Grand Rapids respectively.
7.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
FOR NOTIFICATION
All correspondence received was handled with the SMJM except the
following:
7.1.1 CWM Invitation to National Executive Committee Meeting
7.1.2 Kenhardt Council letter wrt denomination name change - property
10
7.1.3 Registration of Ministers of the Word
7.1.4 CMM Phororo Invitation to Regional Congress
7.1.5 CWM Invitation to National Congress
7.1.6 CWM enquiry on Management of Finances
7.1.7 Advertisement of Chaplaincy Posts in the SANDF
7.1.8 SANDF letter wrt Chaplain (Rev) Frantz
7.2
CORRESPONDENCE GENERATED
The following correspondence was generated:
7.2.1 Official Notices to URCSA News – declaration of candidates for ministry
7.2.2 Response to Kimberley Presbytery
7.2.3 Official Notice : Registration of Ministers of the Word
7.2.4 Letters of Good Standing
7.2.5 Referral to Presbytery ~ Bloemhof matter
7.2.6 Letter to Keimoes – Pastoral Exchange programme
7.2.7 Response to CWM enquiry on Management of Finances
7.2.8 Press Release about Forfeiture of Status by Dr AA Boesak
7.2.9 Response to Bethesda Presbytery
7.2.10 Referral to Presbytery of Tshwane : Rev Frantz
8.
CONCLUSION
I would like to extend words of appreciation to the Executive Commission members
for the continued support and prayers. To all the regional synod actuarii for their
continued support and advises.
The GS 2012 is prayed God’s blessings.
____________________________________
rev. MG Betha
Actuarius – URCSA General Synod
11
ADDENDUM A:
12 March 2010
RE:
OFFICIAL NOTICE: REGISTER OF MINISTERS OF THE WORD
It is important to note that no call or ordination of a minister should be approved
unless the minister concerned is registered (CO Reg. Status of Ministers 1.1.1).
The latter regulation (point 8) explicitly stipulates that:
8.
REGISTER OF MINISTERS OF THE WORD
8.1
The secretary of the Support Ministry for Judicial Matters of the General
Synod maintains a register of the ministers of the Word of the Uniting
Reformed Church in Southern Africa.
8.2
The secretary of the Examination Commission, the presbytery or the synod
notifies the secretary of the Support Ministry for Judicial Matters of the
General Synod and the secretary of the Support Ministry for Judicial Matters
of Regional Synod of the following:
8.2.1 admittance to the service;
8.2.2 suspension by the presbytery from the service;
8.2.3 dismissal from the service by the synod;
8.2.4 any other forfeiture of status;
8.2.5 repeal of measures named in 8.2.2, 8.2.3 and 8.2.4;
8.2.6 readmission into the service.
8.3
The Actuarius of the General Synod shall record all these details in the
above-mentioned register of the ministers of the Word.
Hope you will find this notice in order for publication in the 2010 URCSA NEWS first edition.
Yours in His service,
Rev MG Betha (Actuarius URCSA General Synod)
12
ADDENDUM B:
22 September 2010
All URCSA Ministers of the Word
All URCSA Presbyteries
Uniting Reformed Church In Southern Africa
Dear Sisters and Brothers
RE:
OFFICIAL NOTICE: REMINDER TO REGISTER AS MINISTER OF THE WORD
BEFORE 31 OCTOBER 2010
I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This communiqué serves to remind the following to ensure that they are registered by the 31 st October
2010:







all URCSA Ministers of the Word (currently serving and not yet serving),
candidates for ministry,
those studying further with retention of status,
those censured,
emeriti,
missionaries with retention of status and
persons who lost their status as ministers of the Word.
It is important to adhere and comply with the Church Order Regulation Regarding Status of Ministers
of the Word rule 1.1 that explicitly states “…All ministers (those who are currently serving and
those not yet serving) who desire a call within the URCSA must be registered as ministers on the
official Register of Ministers with the Actuarius of the General Synod. No minister may be
ordained or no call may be approved by any presbytery unless the minister concerned is thus
registered. The onus to register rests solely with the ministers concerned.”
The General Synod 2001 at Upington decided that “a format should be designed so that similar
essential information may be provided and that this should be accompanied by a confirmation letter
from the presbytery under which the minister is serving.” The General Synod approved the attached
form and Presbytery certificate form that should be completed and submitted to the Actuarius of the
General Synod by all Ministers of the Word and Presbyteries respectively.
It will be highly appreciated if you inform all others about this important reminder. The Ministers
Register will be tabled at the next General Synodical Commission (GSC) scheduled for November
2010.
Kindly forward all the original completed and signed forms to the following address:
The General Synod Actuarius
PO Box 249
MAFIKENG
2745
Yours in His service,
Rev MG Betha
Actuarius: URCSA General Synod
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OFFICIAL REGISTER OF MINISTERS OF THE WORD
(Notice to be sent to the Actuarius of URCSA General Synod)
SURNAME:
_________________________________________________________
MAIDEN NAME:
_________________________________________________________
FIRST NAMES:
_________________________________________________________
I.D. NUMBER:
_________________________________________________________
DATE OF BIRTH:
_________________________________________________________
MARITALSTATUS: _________________________________________________________
CURRENT STATUS IN THE URCSA:
Status
Candidate for the ministry (proponent)
Full-time minister
Tent-making minister
Full-time evangelist
Doing further studies, with retention of status
Minister assigned special duties
Emeritus
Former minister/evangelist who lost status
Censured minister/evangelist
Indicate with X
Since when (date)
QUALIFICATIONS (For example: BA, 1980, Unisa)
Degree/Diploma/Certificate
Year obtained
Institution
AREA(S) OF SPECIALISATION (Where applicable)
1.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
2.
.…………………………………………………………………………………………………
3.
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
YEAR OF LICENSING (When granted status of candidate for the ministry):
____________________
YEAR OF ORDINATION (First induction in a congregation):
________________________________
14
LIST OF CONGREGATIONS WHERE YOU SERVED AS A MINISTER (Where applicable)
For example: Windhoek, NGSK, 1985-1993; Durban, URCSA, 1994-1998, etc.
Name of congregation
Denomination
Years
CONTACT DETAILS
1.
Residential address:
_______________________________________________________
2.
Postal address:
______________________________________________________
3.
Telephone:
Work: _____________________________________________________
Home: ___________________________________________________
Cell phone:
_____________________________________________
4.
Fax:
___________________________________________________
5.
E-mail:
_____________________________________________________
6.
Signature:
_______________________________________________________
7.
Date completed:
___________________________________________________
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PRESBYTERY CONFIRMATION LETTER
PRESBYTERY:.............................................
REGIONAL SYNOD: ...........................................
FULL NAMES OF MINISTER: ..........................................................................................................
CONGREGATION:
................................................
TOWN: ...........................................
FIRST ADMITTANCE OF SERVICE:........... (Year) .....................(Month)
........(Day)
SINCE WHEN IN YOUR PRESBYTERY:...........................................................................................
CURRENT STATUS IN THE URCSA:
Status
Candidate for the ministry (proponent)
Full-time minister
Tent-making minister *
Full-time evangelist
Doing further studies, with retention of status
Minister assigned special duties #
Emeritus
Former minister/evangelist who lost status
Censured minister/evangelist
*
Since when (date)
If in tentmaking capacity, is agreement between congregation and minister approved by
Presbytery?
#
Indicate with X
___________________ Specify other work
_____________________
If minister with special duties please specify: ____________________________________
I..........................................................................(print) declare as
...............................................
(position in Presbytery) that ......................................................................................... is a minister
under supervision of the Presbytery of ..........................................................................................
Signed ............................................... on this ................... day of ................................... 20...........
...........................................................
Signature (on behalf of Presbytery)
16