More Regional Coordinators Needed

Pastor Alfred Masimula - Gauteng South Regional Coordinator

A year ago, Mukhanyo employed the initial five Regional Coordinators to support the growing network of local learning sites. Additional Coordinators will be appointed soon, as the first results are promising. The potential has already been proven and the work has started.

​Currently, there are about a hundred local learning sites across Southern Africa, with around 180 tutors and over 600 local learning students spanning eight countries. Despite these achievements, the challenge lies in maintaining the vitality of these sites, as some have experienced a slowdown and require additional assistance. This is where the role of the Regional Coordinators becomes pivotal.

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Pastor Alfred Masimula stands as an example in this context. Serving as the coordinator of the South Gauteng region, he also fulfils the role of a pastor in Tsakane, situated east of Johannesburg. Additionally, he serves as a tutor for local learning sites in both Tsakane and Witbank, the latter being a recent addition. We are thankful that Pastor Alfred Masimula stepped in to assume responsibility for the Ogies site when the primary tutor passed away.

Pastor Masimula views it as his responsibility to initiate new learning sites, offer encouragement and support to existing ones, and ensure the maintenance of high-quality education. He dedicates time to visiting various sites, engaging with tutors, and delivering presentations at local schools and churches.

Pastor Masimula faces primarily two challenges. Firstly, tutors often bear a heavy workload, not only as local class facilitators but also as administrators. While Mukhanyo is actively enhancing its ICT systems to alleviate some administrative burdens, it remains a significant challenge for many tutors, given their expertise lies more in tutoring than in administrative tasks.

The second challenge involves guiding students on Mukhanyo's diverse programs, including entry requirements, tuition fees, and the enrollment process. Beginning with the unaccredited Focus program, students can progress through Mukhanyo's two higher certificates, followed by the bachelor's degree (BTh) and the BTh Honours, all offered in various locations and modes.

Local learning sites are now firmly established in all South African provinces and extend to Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The continued expansion of the learning sites necessitates the appointment of more Regional Coordinators.