 In 1999 Rubin Phillip was elected diocesan bishop, and on 12 February 2000 Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane enthroned him in the cathedral.In the same year John Forbes retired after twenty four years as Dean of Natal, and was replaced by Fred Pitout.Bishop Matthew also retired, and so in the following year Elijah Thwala and Funginkosi Mbhele were both elected and consecrated bishops suffragan.