Mukhanyo’s recent graduation ceremony, held on March 8th at Kwamhlanga, gathered 86 out of the 116 successful students from all across South Africa and beyond, accompanied by their families, to commemorate their achievements. Paul Khumalo (BTh), the Student Representative, received the principal’s BTh award, while the Higher Certificate Award was given to Vusimuzi Goodman Mazibuko, and the Local Learning Student Award to Parampil Christopher Thomas.
Several students were asked at random what they were going to do with their qualifications. Most of them were hoping to be able to continue their studies, especially at Mukhanyo which they found very well organised, and of a high academic standard, also as far as the lecturers were concerned.
All, along with their spouses and children, responded that they were involved in different church activities and some were already preaching part-time, while their present occupations varied from mineworker (underground), to police officer, teacher, and pensioner. They unanimously expressed their intent or current practice of recommending potential students to Mukhanyo for their theological studies.
Below are remarks from some of the graduates:
- Zolithini Isaac Bolale from the African Presbyterian Church, Kutlwanong, Odendaalsrus, Free State: “Now I can distinguish between God’s word and African traditions, etc… I can now distinguish between the false teacher and the right teacher.”
- Ononofile Ephraim Leepile of the Tswelelopele Dutch Reformed Church in Africa, Tlakgameng, Vryburg, North West Province: “Doing theology is not like doing Bible study and is very difficult. Mukhanyo has structured the modules in a highly comprehensible manner.
- Thembani Gonyora of the Church on the Rock Ministries, Msholozi, KwaMhlanga: As Christians, we learned that we are not supposed to see ourselves as better than others.
- Mthokoziseni Ntokozo Mzimela of the Ongoye Parish, Khandisa Congregation, Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal: “I am intending to help my church in preaching the word of God and am planning to continue with my studies in order to grow in Christ. The most interesting part of my studies was about farming God’s way. The most interesting aspect is the quality of study material, abundant with information to spread the Word of God.”
- Tebogo Keliumetse Letta Ramakone, Soshan-guve, Gauteng: “Worship is not about us but about God; it is not a feel-good service but glorifying our Maker. It is through our worship that people will get to know our God and repent. I am a steward of God, I only say what God says. No verse exists outside the passage, the book, etc.”
- Hlanyana Andries Tshehla of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa, Ekangala, Bronkhorstspruit, Mpumalanga: “I hope to use my background (as a teacher) and this qualification to teach and guide to especially the church leadership. Mukhanyo is a great hope for local church leaders across doctrines and affiliations. The development and growth of local learning centres have the great potential of strengthening church leadership and stabilising local churches.”
Was there any criticism? Yes, there were remarks such as “very challenging”, the study “gave us a hard time to get it right”, “too much information”, “I struggled somewhat with the online system…“
