Unisa and Zallywood partner to empower a new generation of church leaders

The University of South Africa and Zallywood Media Group have launched a new theology short learning programme aimed at strengthening the role of churches in society and equipping religious leaders with practical and theological skills for a changing world.

The programme was officially introduced during an event held on 5 May 2026 at Unisa’s main campus, where senior university leaders, government representatives and church stakeholders gathered to outline the purpose and vision of the initiative. The courses will be offered through Unisa’s Department of Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology.

Opening the event, Professor Thinandavha Mashau, Deputy Executive Dean of the College of Human Sciences, welcomed guests including Unisa Principal and Vice Chancellor Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Deputy Minister of Basic Education Dr Reginah Mhaule, Limpopo MEC for Social Development Florence Radzilani and Zallywood Media Group founder Dr Victor Tuwani Phume.

Mashau described the collaboration as an important step towards making theological education more accessible to communities, churches and lay leaders.

“Today’s event marks the formal activation of the partnership between Unisa and Zallywood Media Group,” said Mashau. “This collaboration is envisioned as a platform for workshops, training opportunities and short learning programmes for churches, seminaries and community leaders.”

He said the initiative is intended to help churches adapt to modern realities by embracing digital transformation and using social media platforms more effectively to advance their mission.

Mashau also stressed that the programme seeks to broaden access to higher education, particularly for church leaders who may not meet traditional admission requirements but possess practical ministry experience.

“This will provide academic learning opportunities for church leaders who may not have matric exemption but have experience working within the church and have completed short learning programmes,” he said.

According to Mashau, the long term vision is to develop leaders who are spiritually grounded, ethically responsible and capable of driving meaningful change within society.

Phume described the launch as a significant development for theological training in South Africa and said the courses are designed to benefit ministers, pastors, lay preachers and members of the public.

“Today marks a significant moment as Unisa and Zallywood jointly launch theological short learning programmes designed to empower church ministers, pastors, lay preachers and the broader public,” he said.

The programme consists of five modules divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. The introductory module will run for six weeks, while the intermediate courses will each last eight weeks. The advanced modules will be completed over ten weeks.

Phume explained that students will study subjects including exegesis, eisegesis, anthropomorphism, anthropopathy and apologetics. The courses are intended to deepen understanding of biblical interpretation and strengthen intellectual engagement with the Christian faith.

Participants who complete the programme will receive certificates from both Unisa and Zallywood Media Group and may later transition into formal theology qualifications at the university.

Phume also expressed concern about what he described as limited theological knowledge within parts of the church, arguing that this weakens the fulfilment of the Great Commission and slows the spread of the Gospel.

Quoting 2 Timothy 2:15, he urged church leaders to commit themselves to study and personal development.

“These programmes are foundational and essential for deepening understanding, sharpening discernment and expanding spiritual authority,” he said.

Phume added that the courses could help church leaders build stronger connections between Christianity and African culture.

“They will position church leaders to build a relationship between African culture and Christianity, allowing the Gospel to take root in African soil while honouring and transforming cultural heritage in the light of Christ,” he said.

Deputy Minister of Basic Education Dr Reginah Mhaule welcomed the initiative, saying faith based organisations must continue to evolve in response to rapid social, economic and technological changes.

She said ongoing learning should not be limited to professions such as medicine, nursing and teaching, but should also apply to those who lead religious communities.

“These programmes represent more than an academic initiative. They are an investment in leaders who serve at the heart of our communities,” Mhaule said.

She added that church leaders require practical skills and knowledge to respond effectively to the growing challenges faced by communities.

Mhaule said the training offered through the courses could assist pastors in areas such as leadership, conflict resolution and management while also helping to prevent burnout.

In her keynote address, LenkaBula reflected on the role of theology and justice in South Africa’s democratic journey. She spoke about the impact of apartheid and said biblical teachings affirm the dignity and humanity of all people.

She also praised Unisa’s historical links with liberation movements and its continuing role in addressing social and political issues.

Referring to the conflict in Palestine, which she described as the home of Jesus Christ, LenkaBula criticised what she called the silence of parts of the church in the face of injustice.

“The church is beholden to the Zionist culture, not the biblical witness culture,” she said, urging faith communities to speak more boldly about peace and justice.

“As we do our work within the University of South Africa, it will empower us as the church to project the voices of justice and restore dignity to those affected by violence, poverty and other forms of suffering,” she said.

LenkaBula also reflected on the historical role churches played in building schools and clinics and said Christianity’s mission must continue to be expressed through practical action and service to communities.

She encouraged church leaders to move beyond the walls of their places of worship and confront injustice in society in the same way Old Testament prophets once challenged leaders.

Highlighting Unisa’s broader role in society, LenkaBula said the institution continues to create spaces for dialogue about peace, transformation and the future of humanity.

“We have been hosting multiple events at our university as opportunities for South Africans, the African continent and citizens of the world to shape a better future for society,” she said.

She concluded by encouraging prospective students to register for the theology courses when applications open in July 2026.

Professor Tshepo Lephakga, Chair of the Department of Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology, said the partnership with Zallywood Media Group creates an opportunity for ministers, lay preachers, community activists and workers to gain theological knowledge and practical skills relevant to community challenges.

“The relationship between Unisa and Zallywood Media Group presents an opportunity for anyone interested to register for theology short learning programmes designed to empower them intellectually and practically,” said Lephakga.

He added that the courses are designed to help students transition into formal theology qualifications while balancing academic theory with practical ministry training.

“The programmes include introductory theology, ethics, exegesis, church administration, financial management and many more,” he said.