Graduation Day: 166 New Gospel Witnesses

Saturday 11 March 2023 was a remarkable day for Mukhanyo. A total of 166 students graduated this year, each one ready and equipped to boldly proclaim the gospel as witnesses of Christ in their communities. This marks the highest number of graduates in Mukhanyo’s history.

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Not all graduates were able to attend the event in person. But more than 120 graduates did attend, coming from all over the country, bringing with them their family members and friends. Mukhanyo’s main hall in the KwaMhlanga Campus was overflowing, requiring many guests to sit outside where a large tent was erected for the occasion.

Of the total number of graduates, 83 completed the Higher Certificate in Bible Teaching, 21 the Higher Certificate in Church Ministry, 47 the Diploma in Theology, 11 the Bachelor of Theology (BTh) degree, and 4 the Bachelor of Theology Honours (BTh Hons) degree.
The graduates were congratulated for their hard work and the successful completion of their studies. The profound matter of utilizing these qualifications was addressed by three speakers.

The keynote speaker of the day, Rev Joshua Bolaji of the Welkom local learning site, spoke from Mark 5 about the growth of God’s kingdom that occurs solely through the preaching of the Word, and by no other means. Our graduates are people of the Word; it is critical they remember that “God’s Word never returns empty”.

Mukhanyo’s Principal, Dr Brian DeVries, spoke briefly from Luke 10:1-3: “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few.” The graduates, now trained to be witnesses and representatives of Christ, must go their separate ways. Christ sends them out as lambs among wolves. But they are given God’s Word and empowered by Christ’s Spirit to speak this Word with authority and compassion.

Finally, the Chairman of the Board, Rev Maarten van Helden, congratulated Mukhanyo on the achievement of having the largest number of graduates in its nearly 30-year history. This is a significant milestone, with more than a thousand active students across South Africa and beyond.

When the graduates were asked about their plans, it was noteworthy that many expressed their intention to continue their studies. Whereas several others are already involved in church activities such as preaching, catechism instruction, and visitations. However, for many, finances pose a significant challenge, making it nearly impossible to pay for further studies.

This year, we were happy to give the Principal’s Award to Given Collen Ngoma who completed his Bachelor of Theology degree last year in June and immediately started in the BTh Honours programme.

Click here to watch the video of the graduation.