The new academic year at Mukhanyo officially started with our Welcome Ceremony on Monday, 19 January, in KwaMhlanga. Dr Malan van Rhyn served as our keynote speaker this year, after which I presented my annual institutional update. The morning’s programme concluded with our Signing Ceremony, where all Mukhanyo lecturers publicly affirmed their commitment to uphold our Statement of Faith.
Although the academic year has only just begun, many Mukhanyo team members were already hard at work early in January. Several intensive courses were offered during the second week of the month at both the Pretoria and Johannesburg campuses.
In addition, two Honours modules were presented at the Pretoria campus in our new block format. We plan to offer six to seven Honours courses each year across three trimesters. Enrolment continues to increase in this programme, since this new format enables students from across southern Africa to complete this accredited one‑year qualification over two years, while remaining fully involved in their ministry work.
Our theology classes started on Tuesday, 27 January across all our campuses. This semester’s student intake is moderate to strong—not quite as high as last year, yet still something to celebrate. We are thankful for each of our returning students and for the new cohort of capable and committed students.
We are also thankful for the growing number of local learning sites across southern Africa—now well over 100 locations, mostly hosted by churches and led by local church leaders. Enrolment in this programme works on a trimester system, with the next deadline for new student applications being 15 March.
Mukhanyo is pleased to welcome two new additions this semester to our experienced and diverse faculty: Dr Henk Stoker, retired professor of apologetics at NWU, joins us as a Senior Lecturer. We also welcome Rev. Daniel Schipper, an American missionary, who will soon relocate to South Africa to support the growing number of full-time students at our Rustenburg Centre.
Mukhanyo also established the Potchefstroom Centre at the request of the GKSA General Synod. Prof. Stoker is the new Centre Manager. He was originally appointed by the Mukhanyo Board in March 2025 to develop our apologetics curriculum after completing his term as GKSA Rector in December 2025. However, in light of recent developments within the GKSA, he will also oversee the leadership and activities of the new Centre in Potchefstroom.
Mukhanyo’s lecturers are already five weeks into teaching this year. Our administrative staff are also busy with several key start‑of‑year responsibilities, including the annual financial audit, student bursary applications, and planning for the upcoming graduation. We look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements at this year’s two graduation ceremonies, scheduled for Friday, 6 March, and Friday, 11 September.
We thank the Lord for this promising beginning to the year and continue to pray that 2026 will be marked by faithfulness, perseverance, and deep growth in the knowledge of God’s Word.
Yours in Christ
Dr Brian DeVries
Principal
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