Congratulations to CCT Director Professor Simangaliso Kumalo who has been promoted to Full Professorship at the University of KwaZulu Natal. This decision is a fitting acknowledgement of his hard work, contributions and scholarly achievements.
Prof Kumalo, an ordained minister of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, has been on staff at UKZN for 20 years now.
“I have sought to hold the ministry and the academy in creative synergy. The two are both important for me and they need each other and society needs both of them equally. For me, religion has to be taken seriously because it is not just a hobby but a way of life. It completes us as human beings; gives us purpose to live and answers the ultimate questions about our existence. At the same time, it nourishes and builds institutions, gives people careers and opportunities.”
Some Accolades to DateDuring his tenure at UKZN, Prof Kumalo established the Annual John Langalibalele Dube Memorial Lecture which is in its 19th year and is lauded as the best, consistently offered lecture in the university. He also started the Religion and Governance Programme and re-established the Centre for Constructive Theology for which he is currently the Director. Kumalo has also set up and nurtured over 10 international partnerships for UKZN with universities such as Duke, Vanderbilt, Humboldt, Princeton, Cambridge Syracuse etc.
Prof Kumalo has also identified opportunities for younger ministers to study locally and overseas and assisted them with this. He is Fellow of Wesley House , Cambridge University.
During his stint as the President at Seth Mokitimi Methodist Seminary ( SMMS), he guided the institution towards an improved financial trajectory and raised its profile internationally and locally. The Professor is currently the Head of Department for Theology and Ethics at UKZN.
“I still believe in UKZN as the centre of excellence in the study of Theology and would like to encourage more young people to consider pursuing a career in the religious sector. I am currently establishing a Chaplaincy and Social Entrepreneurship Programme at UKZN. I am simply humbled by the recognition by UKZN.
Prof Kumalo have authored 5 books and over 60 academic articles and chapters in books. Three of his books are on the social history of Methodism in SA.
SRPC AT A GLANCE – 1st Issue in Forms & Documents
12 Jul 2022
Dear Colleagues
Hope you are well. Kindly receive the first copy of our Newsletter. We hope to have this publication at least fortnightly. Hope it expands your horizons in terms of the work that is done by the school and inspires your commitment to the College and University. We welcome constructive comments and these can be shared in this group or sent privately to me. Enjoy the reading and have a fabulous weekend.
