Graduation 2021 was a milestone event as we celebrated the 10th Annual Graduation of the Seminary. It was a hybrid event with 35 full-time contact graduands joining us physically while 123 distance graduands joined us by live stream. The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, The Reverend Purity Malinga, delivered the address to the graduating class, reminding them that they have not yet arrived in their lifelong journey of learning. The Presiding Bishop noted that this is a special day for the MCSA and other partner denominations who receive a new cadre of young, energetic, and theologically tooled men and women who have been raised by God for a time such as this. “Remember the basis of your vocation” was the challenge of the Presiding Bishop to the graduating class. She went on to note that the prophetic voice and ministry has been muffled in recent times. Coming into ministry during these particular times of uncertainty, darkness, sickness and death needs men and women who will be committed to reimaging doing church, bringing good news to the poor and freedom to the oppressed.
In her introduction of the academic programmes, the President acknowledged that the Seminary has come a long way and noted with gratitude all those who invested in this Institution over the past years, thus contributing to the success of this Seminary, which is a shared and joint achievement. Dr Rowanne Marie also acknowledged that in 2020 we could not hold a physical event due to the strict lockdown restrictions under Covid 19, and honoured all graduates of 2020 who received their qualifications remotely. She also noted that over the past 10 years, the Seminary produced 641 graduates inclusive of all those who will be awarded their qualifications at this year’s ceremony. There were 4 categories in the graduation line-up, having fulfilled all the prescribed requirements for their qualifications. A total of 158 graduands were awarded in the categories of BTh Honours Degree in Christian Leadership, the Bachelor’s Degree in Theology, the Diploma in Practical Ministry, and the Higher Certificate in Christian Ministry. There are also those attained an Academic Excellence Pass with an average of 75% and above or a Merit Pass, having attained an average of 69 -74%. The Degree qualifications were conferred by our Grand Chancellor, Justice Dr Dikgang Moseneke, and certificates were awarded by the Chairperson of the SMMS Board, Dr Phumla Mnganga. This was followed by songs of jubilation from our graduating class! We congratulate our 158 graduates on their achievements and wish each one of them well in their onward journey.
