Unisa recently joined forces with Zallywood Media Group to officially launch theology short learning programmes (SLPs). During the activation, held on 5 May 2026 at Unisa’s Muckleneuk Campus, relevant stakeholders were briefed about the nature and objectives of the programmes offered through the university’s Department of Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology.

In his welcome address, Prof Thinandavha Mashau, Deputy Executive Dean of Unisa’s College of Human Sciences, acknowledged and warmly welcomed the dignitaries present, including Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor (VC), members of Unisa’s executive and extended management, Dr Reginah Mhaule, Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Florence Radzilani, MEC of Social Development in Limpopo, and Dr Victor Tuwani Phume, founder of Zallywood Media Group.

Prof Thinandavha Mashau

Setting the tone, Mashau stated: "Today’s event marks the formal activation of the partnership between Unisa and Zallywood Media Group. This collaboration is envisioned as a platform for hosting workshops and training sessions for a wide range of stakeholders, including churches, seminaries and lay leaders within our communities, as well as for the provision of short learning programmes."

In addition, he emphasised that the partnership seeks to develop programmes that translate Unisa’s catalytic niche areas into fully realised, socially responsive practices, highlighting that, through the Fourth Industrial Revolution and digitalisation, churches can be empowered to operate on social media platforms, thereby accelerating transformation.

Stressing the initiative's inclusive nature, Mashau asserted that the SLPs will "strengthen the bridge between the basic and higher education sectors by expanding access to theological education, including through mechanisms such as the recognition of prior learning". He added: "This will provide academic learning opportunities for church leaders who may not have matric exemption, but do have relevant experience, such as working in the church and completing short learning programmes, among others."

Concluding his address, he reiterated Unisa and Zallywood’s vision to, through the SLPs, produce leaders who are spiritually mature, theologically sound, tested in character, discerning in judgment and transformative in practice.

Outlining the purpose of the launch

Speaking next was Dr Victor Tuwani Phume, founder of Zallywood Media Group. "Today marks a significant moment as Unisa and Zallywood jointly host the activation launch of theological short learning programmes, which are designed to empower church ministers, pastors, lay preachers and members of the broader public."

Dr Victor Tuwani Phume

Detailing the curriculum of the SLPs, Phume explained: "The short learning programmes consist of five modules; the first module is designed for beginners and scheduled for a period of six weeks, followed by two intermediate modules which will run for eight weeks, and finally, the advanced level comprises two modules, completed over 10 weeks."

He further outlined that within the modules, there are subjects such as exegesis, which deals with drawing meaning out of text, eisegesis, focusing on reading meaning into text, anthropomorphism, centred on attributing human physical form to God, anthropopathy, examining the attribution of human emotions or feelings to God, and apologetics, grounded on the intellectual defence of the Christian faith. 

Phume stated that upon completion, participants will not only receive certificates from Unisa and Zallywood but will also be positioned to transition into formal theology qualifications at Unisa.

Continuing, Phume lamented the lack of theological knowledge, revealing that the church delays the fulfilment of the Great Commission, failing to propagate the Gospel of Jesus Christ with speed and precision. Quoting 2 Timothy 2:15, he urged attendees to dedicate themselves to acquiring knowledge and affirmed that SLPs are a good place to start.

In conclusion, he reiterated the importance of the new SLPs for church leaders, stating that they are imperative, foundational and essential for deepening understanding, sharpening discernment, elevating impact and expanding spiritual authority.

Highlighting the extent of the SLPs’ impact, he said: "They will position church leaders to play a catalytic role in building a relationship between African culture and Christianity, serving as a bridge that allows the gospel to take deep root in African soil while honouring and transforming a rich cultural heritage in the light of Christ. They will decolonise the mind of a black child, and deconstruct our proclivity, preferences, and values that derive from the colonial way of thinking."

Continuous professional development

Delivering a message of support, Dr Reginah Mhaule, Deputy Minister of Basic Education, expressed that the social, economic and technological aspects of the world are evolving rapidly, and that there is a need for continuous development of churches and faith-based organisations to ensure that they remain relevant, responsive and effective in addressing the challenges of our time.

Dr Reginah Mhaule

Mhaule argued that ongoing learning is not for professionals such as nurses, doctors and teachers only, but also for those called to lead God’s people. Referring to the theology SLPs, she said: "These programmes represent more than just an academic initiative, they are a meaningful investment in leaders who serve at the heart of our communities."

Considering church leaders’ responsibility to guide, nurture and inspire others, Mhaule emphasised that "to do so effectively, they must be equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to navigate in an increasingly complex and dynamic world". Furthermore, she stated that the kind of training the SLPs will provide can prevent burnout and enhance leadership skills in areas such as management and conflict resolution, as pastors deepen their spiritual growth and ensure long-term effectiveness.

The role of universities in affirming black humanity

Delivering the keynote address, the VC shared how, prior to 1994, the apartheid laws did not recognise black people as human and failed to see the idea that biblical text and witness remind us that we are all created in the image of God. Notably, she applauded Unisa’s historic partnerships with liberation movements and the institution’s continuous involvement in society to address the most difficult questions of our time.

Prof Puleng LenkaBula

Partnering with churches to confront global challenges

The VC lamented the ongoing wars in Palestine, the place she referred to as the home of Jesus Christ, and condemned the church’s silence, stating: "The church is beholden to the Zionist culture, not the biblical witness culture." She further urged the church to project the message of peace, which God said must be an element and principle we live by.

"As we do our work within the University of South Africa," stated the VC, "it will empower us as the church to project the voices of justice, to be partners to our government, society, the private sector, and the university system, to ensure that we restore dignity to those trampled upon, whether by violence, poverty, or any indignity that does not make us true images of God in our world."

Ensuring translation of biblical witness into practical inputs

Continuing, the VC reflected on how the church used to help society build schools and clinics, ensuring that the missional mandate of Christianity is carried out not only in word but in action, in ecumenism, and in practical emancipation. 

In addition, she implored the church to refrain from speaking only in their places of worship and to adopt the robust approach of Old Testament prophets, who used to call leaders to account for their unjust acts.

LenkaBula praised Unisa’s role in influencing perspectives for transformation, saying: "We have been hosting multiple events at our university, using these as opportunities for us as South Africans, the African continent, and citizens of the world to look at how we shape the future against war, principalities, evil, for the benefit of society and a better world for all."

Concluding her address, LenkaBula encouraged attendees to register for the theology SLPs, revealing that the registration period will open in July 2026.

Commenting on the initiative, Prof Tshepo Lephakga, Chair of the Department of Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology, said: "The working relationship between Unisa and Zallywood Media Group presents an opportunity for ministers of the word, lay preachers, community activists, workers and anyone interested, to register for the short learning programmes in theology, which are tailor-made to empower them intellectually and with skills to respond to the immediate challenges facing their communities."

Lephakga further stressed that these courses are designed to allow students to transition to Unisa's formal qualifications in Theology. "Methodologically, these courses give both a theoretical understanding and a practical way of conducting ministry," said Lephakga. "The SLPs include introductory courses in theology, ethics, exegesis, church administration, financial management and many more."

* Article and photography by Victor Malatji, Journalist Intern, Department of Institutional Development