NETACT 2014 ANNUAL REPORT (Community Development workshop & AGM January 2015, Johannesburg, SA) 23 Jan 2015 at 12:56 edition

Transcription

1 NETACT 2014 ANNUAL REPORT (Community Development workshop & AGM January 2015, Johannesburg, SA) 23 Jan 2015 at 12:56 edition PROGRAM (AGENDA)... 1 KOPANONG SHUTTLE AND DRIVING DIRECTIONS... 4 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING January CONSTITUTING THE MEETING AGENDA (PROGRAM) & ADOPTION OF MINUTES THE JOURNEY SINCE JULY 2013: NEW MEMBERS Negotiations between August 2013-April Discussions and decisions: May FINANCES Financial Statements Annual Membership fees NETACT OFFICE Office staff NETACT HOUSE Weidenhof House and the Luckhoff Street Manse COMMUNICATION LECTURER EXCHANGE SCHOLARSHIPS World Communion of Reformed Churches Other Scholarships HIV/AIDS PROJECT & PUBLICATIONS Publications Electronic publications and readers for all NetACT students CURRICULUM REPORT & ACTEA Accreditation: NetACT s commitment Curriculum Development research and workshops MEMBERSHIP From the previous annual reports and minutes... 14

2 New membership applications IERA Seminary being built at Kinkuni, Uige province, Angola ANNUAL MEETINGS Previous venues Annual Meeting GENERAL Approval of Annual Meeting minutes Other issues Closing prayers ADDENDUM I: NetACT Constitution (present one) ADDENDUM II CONSTITUTION NetACT AFRICA ADDENDUM III NetACT bylaws for new members ADDENDUM IV NETACT 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ADDENDUM V ACTEA MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ADDENDUM V: Living with Dignity... 37

3 PROGRAM (AGENDA) Community Development Workshop & NETACT AGM Johannesburg, South Africa, January 2015 Monday 30 January 2015: Arrive at Oliver Tambo Airport. The Kopanong Conference Centre will fetch you at the airport (provided that you sent your times of arrival and departure to NetACT). The venue is 12.5 kilometres from the airport: Kopanong Hotel and Conference Centre, 243 Glen Gory Road, Norton Estates, Benoni, PO Box , Northmead, Benoni, 1501, Hotel Telephone No: , Hotel Fax No: (directions if you come by car: below at the end of the program). ANY PROBLEMS WITH TRANSPORT AT THE AIRPORT, PHONE Kopanong or LENOR: and say you are here for NetACT AGM at Kopanong Hotel. On arrival Shuttle from Oliver Tambo Airport to Kopanong Hotel and Conference Centre. NetACT organized a shuttle service for all who sent us their flight details. Book in at reception. 19:00 Dinner. Get acquainted with those who are there. Tuesday 27 January 2015: 07:00 Breakfast 8:00-9:00 Opening Prayer: NetACT Conference Chair (Dr Maggie Madimbo ABC Malawi) Welcome by new NetACT Africa incoming Executive Director (ED): Dr Hansen Welcome by World Communion for Reformed Churches: Dr D Visser & Dr Uma Onwunta. Announcements and program: outgoing ED (Prof HJ Hendriks) Introducing all who are present (Chair, List of attendees will be presented) 9:00 09:30 Agenda: 1-3: The NetACT networking journey from July 2013 to Jan 2015 (Prof J Hendriks) This section is a must read before the meeting. We will only deal with questions / clarifications. 09:30-10:30 Agenda: 4-13: NetACT Administrative Report to We will assume that it has been read before the meeting. The points will only be introduced and then be open for discussion. NetACT Stellenbosch has to approve certain proposals on Thursday. 10:30 Tea 11:00-12:00 Addendum II: Draft constitution overview & open discussion 12:00-12:15 12:15-12:30 EFSA: introduction to one of our key collaborators: Marlene Mahokoto. Four networks: preliminary division questions and suggestions 12:30-13:30 Lunch 13:30-14:45 Community Development Slot 1: Prof I Swart (UNISA): Moving into the terrain of theology and development: revisiting and going beyond an initial study. 14:45: Tea Chair: Prof Liz Mburu (ILU) 15:15-16: 30 Community Development Slot 2: Dr Nadine Bowers-DuToit: Theology and Development: what s theology got to do with Development? Chair: Dr Douwe Visser (WCRC) 16:30-17:00 Rev Jan Oberholzer: Introducing DCMA (Deaf Christian Ministry Africa)

4 2 19:00 Dinner Evening: Meeting and socializing Wednesday 28 January 2015: 07:00 Breakfast 8:00-9:00 Devotion: Dwelling in the word 9:00-10:15 Community Development Slot 3: Dr Obadji Agbiji (Nigeria): Engaging Christian faith communities in development in the context of violence Chair: Prof James Kombo (Daystar) 10:15 Tea 10:45-12:00 Community Development Slot 4: Dr Lisa le Roux (URDR): Understanding the community: The importance of research for community development. Dr Washington Chege (Daystar) 12:00-12:30 Nehemia Bible Institute: presentation of services to seminaries: Dr Hennie van Deventer 12:30 Lunch 13:30-14:45 Community Development Slot 5: Dr Stephan de Beer: "Perspectives on faith and urban community transformation" 14:45: Tea Chair: Dr Jerry Pillay, WCRC Chair. 15:15-17: 00 Community Development Slot 6: Dr Hannes Knoetze (NWU): Diaconia: perspectives from the local church. Chair: Dr Uma Onwunta, Chair Regional Council WCRC 17:00-17:30 AMTP: Association for Ministry Training Practitioners (Executive Director Dr Hannes van der Walt). 19:00 Dinner Evening: visit to mall Thursday 29 January: 8:00-9:00 Devotion: Dwelling in the word (Jurgens Hendriks) 09:00-09:30 ACTEA: Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa, ACTEA Exco member 09:30 10:00 Presentation of Living with Dignity to all delegates: Prof Elna Mouton & editorial team. 10:00-10:30 Dr Maria Frahm-Arp will represent the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians to whom the book is dedicated. 10:30 Tea Community Development Handbook: the process of writing a book: questions and discussion. Ideas: Call for papers for the different chapters. Writers from NetACT networks. Work in teams with guidance by mentors? 11:00-12:30 Short introduction to: International Journal for Freedom in Religion 12:30-13:30 Lunch Short introduction to: Eco-theology project and invitation to join this endeavour Rev Doug Tilton: Introducing PCUSA Dr Kobus Odendaal: Commission for Witness 13:30-14:30 New networks and networked networks (NetACT-Africa): Relationship explained: questions and arrangements.

5 3 14:30-16:00 Four networks meet separately and each network elects an executive, introduction of institutions, discussion on goals and projects. 16:00 - Tea 16:30 18:00 Four networks: do strategic planning for :00 - Dinner 20:00-21:00 Report back of four networks, joint planning. Discussion of the next meeting and workshop on the first draft on a Community Development handbook. Friday 30 January: 07:00 Breakfast. Use shuttle service according to departure times from Oliver Tambo Airport. Jurgens Hendriks, ED NetACT >2014 (responsible for Logistics and report) hjh@sun.ac.za (work) (cell) Len Hansen, ED NetACT Africa: 2015> (responsible for Workshop and future planning) ldhansen@sun.ac.za (work)

6 KOPANONG SHUTTLE AND DRIVING DIRECTIONS 4 Take a look at: The Kopanong Shuttle service collects guests according to flight details received. Domestic arrivals can meet up with our shuttle bus at the back of the Inter-Continental Hotel (the Hotel is walking distance from the domestic and international arrivals / departures). International guests are collected from inside the International Arrival Terminal. In the event of an emergency regarding transport issues please contact Onias on cell: (Transport Manager). The return shuttle leaves every hour on the hour between 07H00-19H00 from Reception. Please book the return shuttle 8 hours prior departure. Download a map from: Latitude: -26 6"55.60' ( ) Longitude: 28 19"5.11' ( ) N12 East Take the N12 to Benoni, pass the East Rand Mall Shopping Center, pass the Atlas Road off-ramp and take the next off-ramp, Tom Jones. Turn left at the traffic light (you are now in Bunyan Road which becomes the Great North Road). Proceed with the Great North Road (3km), at the 7th traffic light (this includes one pedestrian light), turn right into Oak Street. Go through 2 4-way stops and pass the Oakfield s Pick n Pay Shopping Center on your right hand side. Keep travelling straight on Oak Street, the road name changes to Benoni Road, which becomes Glen Gory Road. From this traffic light at the BP Station, Kopanong Hotel is 4km down the road on your right From Pretoria / Tshwane Take the R21 (South) Highway towards O R Tambo International Airport, take the Benoni offramp, turn left at the top of the off-ramp, follow the road to the traffic light, at the Engen garage turn left onto the M32, go through three sets of traffic lights and a stop street, at the stop street keep straight, ± 400 meters after the stop street turn right into Glen Gory Road, Kopanong Hotel is 400 Meters down Glen Gory Road on the left. From Johannesburg Take the most convenient route towards O R Tambo International Airport (R24 Highway), then follow the R21 (North) Highway towards Tshwane, pass Kempton Park & Atlas off-ramps and take the third off-ramp after the Airport, being Pomona. Turn right at the top of the off-ramp at the traffic light, follow the M32 for 8.5km, (you will go through four sets of traffic lights and a stop street), at the stop street keep straight, ± 400 meters after the stop street turn right into Glen Gory Road, Kopanong Hotel is 400 Meters down Glen Gory Road on the left.

7 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING January CONSTITUTING THE MEETING The meeting will be opened by the NetACT chair welcoming everybody followed by a word of welcome by the World Communion of Reformed Churches secretary of theology who has inspired NetACT to expand and reach out to all theological training institutions in Anglophone, Francophone and Lusophone countries. Seeing that we do not yet have a constitution this AGM and workshop will work according to the present NetACT constitution. Decisions to be taken that affect the new NetACT Africa dispensation will be taken by the official representatives of the institutions present (one voting member per institution). The meeting will discuss a draft constitution prepared by the NetACT office for NetACT Africa that will be finalized at the 2016 meeting. Thus the present NetACT office bearers will preside at this meeting and continue to serve until the 2016 meeting where an executive will be elected once the NetACT Africa constitution has been finalized. All attendants will receive the previous NetACT AGM (July 2013) minutes and the 2014 Annual Report. The Annual Report deals with the NetACT activities of the past 18 months. Because of a tough schedule at this AGM as well as a new NetACT dispensation it will be assumed read with an opportunity for questions and discussion on Tuesday 27 at around 10:00. The proposals in the report will be discussed when the NetACT Stellenbosch AIU meet on Thursday in the individual network sessions. The addenda to the report include the existing NetACT constitution (Addendum I) and the proposed new one for NetACT Africa (Addendum II). Addendum III is the bylaws that NetACT used when they received applications from new members. The new networks may follow these guidelines and adapt and update them as they seem fit. The financial reports follow as they become available. As a Christian organization we deem it very important to get to know one another and our institutions. We will therefore use the Dwelling in the Word devotional time in smaller groups as well as the seating arrangements at meal times in such a way that we can meet personally with one another AGENDA (PROGRAM) & ADOPTION OF MINUTES The program is our agenda and need to be approved. Since it is a NetACT Africa meeting all official delegates (one per institution) have a vote. The NetACT minutes of the July 2013 meeting have to be accepted. NetACT Board Members have voting rights to approve it. Associate members are part of board meetings with the right to take part in discussions. 3 THE JOURNEY SINCE JULY 2013: NEW MEMBERS 3.1 Negotiations between August 2013-April 2014 The Annual Report that was discussed at the July 2013 NetACT AGM outlined guidelines for the expansion of NetACT (Section 11). The minutes of the meeting has the final resolution (NetACT AGM minutes July 2013 section 11). It took the ED and EC 18 months to comply with the guidelines given to convene this meeting. A summary of the important meetings that took place will now follow. More detailed minutes of these events are available at the NetACT office. The first step: The ED visited the deans of the Faculties of Theology at the Universities of Pretoria, Free State and North West and explained the dream. They put it to their respective faculties where it was discussed and approved. Three lecturers were appointed as the drivers of the process. The ED also started negotiations with the theological training institutions in Kenya and a NetACT delegation accompanied by the representatives of the four SA universities had a meeting with Kenyan institutions in Nov 2013 at St Paul s University at Limuru, near Nairobi. This meeting was primarily explain what the NetACT concept was all about and inviting them to join. A memo called Networking Protestant Theological Education in Africa, A joint project of NetACT, the WCRC and partners, served as discussion document. A copy of this document is available at the NetACT office.

8 6 The ED had to be in Nairobi in Jan 2014 and used the opportunity to visit nine institutions having detailed discussions with vice-chancellors, deans and key leadership. Based on these discussions the NetACT Executive made a decision to envisage forming four new networks. Thus the four key strongest Kenyan institutions and the four South-African institutions were to be the eight strategic partners of the four new networks. The Kenyans were invited to visit South Africa to meet with the four South African institutions. The eight institutions had to form four partnerships and they had to deliberate on the way forward. This took place in May Discussions and decisions: May Representatives of eight institutions Dr. Washington A Ghege: On behalf of Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya (seconded for Prof James Kombo). Dr Sammy Githuku: On behalf of St Paul s University, Limuru, Kenya. Prof. Elizabeth Mburu: On behalf of International Leadership University, Nairobi, Kenya. Prof. James Nkansah-Obrempong: On behalf of Africa International University, Nairobi, Kenya. Prof Cas Wepener, On behalf of University of Pretoria. Prof Kobus Schoeman, On behalf of Free State University. Prof. Nico Koopman: Dean, Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University. Dr Hannes Knoetze: On behalf of North-West University. These institutions were unanimous to continue the NetACT mission and goals and to adjust it for a new dispensation. What follows are their decisions which are used as a directive on the way forward. This meeting has to approve it. The text below is the actual minutes of the meetings: Name of current, future and broad network It is decided that, for historic reasons and as it represents an established brand, that the name NetACT be retained. The most important reason for retaining the current name is, however, that it reflects the emphasis of the network on the importance of the church, congregations and congregational theology: it emphasises what God is saying to us and to the churches in Africa. This includes our seminaries and the leadership in our seminaries as the primary task of the networks is to empower believers to live faithful and moral Christian lives according to the principle of downward sharing of power and leadership in congregations. In order to distinguish between different networks as well as the broader overarching network, it is decided that the name NetACT will form part of each new network, but in combination with the two anchor institutions of each network (see suggested names of future networks in par below). It remains the prerogative of individual networks to change their names in future should they so wish, provided that the acronym NetACT forms part of the name of any partner network. The current NetACT ED explains the need for a central NetACT office for assisting in the overall network. Due to historical and capacity considerations this role was fulfilled by members of the Faculty of Theology at Stellenbosch University. It is decided that the central office of the broader remains situated at Stellenbosch University with the representative of that institution maintaining responsibility (in collaboration with individual networks) for future matters pertaining to the network of networks as a whole. This decision is also in line with an express request received from the WCRC. In order to distinguish between this central office/body and member networks and on suggestion by prof. James Nkansah-Obrempong, the former will be known and referred to as NetACT Africa. The board of NetACT Africa will consist of the NetACT Africa executive director, the two drivers (responsible persons in the two co-anchor institutions) of each of the partner networks and the chairpersons of each individual network. The executive committee of

9 NetACT Africa will consist of all the drivers of the individual networks and the NetACT Africa executive director Principles of independence, cooperation and consensus It is decided that the principle of independence, cooperation and consensus be followed within NetACT Africa as well as in individual networks. This will partly prevent the danger of strong hierarchical centralization of power. Prof. Hendriks explains that research shows that the latter not only inhibits the spread of the gospel, but also the growth of churches on our continent. Church growth takes place at grass roots level, mostly due to work of the combined efforts of laity and clergy. This balance should be retained for the Holy Spirit to work within our churches and congregations. For the same reasons, the central principal of the freedom and independence of individual networks needs to be maintained as long as it is exercised within the current constitution, aims, vision and mission of NetACT which will, until such a time when it may be decided by all the members of NetACT Africa to change or adapt these. Thus, within the individual networks contextualization within these broad aims, vision and mission will be allowed and even promoted while guarding against the misuse of the NetACT brand for the benefit of any individual institution. This has been part of the NetACT vision form the start. What expertise and resources exist in the network that may be shared we wish to share with the other networks. Every network should also be committed to empower all its members, from the smallest to the most influential. For this reason all member institutions have an equal voice in each network and all must have an equal opportunity to serve on the executive of the individual networks Crossing of network boundaries With regard to the crossing of boundaries between networks the following is decided: If, for example, an institution is a member of one individual network, but certain expertise or niche foci exist within another network and which might, at a certain time, prove relevant or necessary within the context of a member institution of another network, collaboration across network boundaries should be allowed. It is natural and to be expected that institutions will gravitate towards institutions with which they have historical or existing links. However, meaningful collaboration between individual members of different networks with regard to some aspects may be preferable at times and such a natural flow of partnerships will be encouraged as being in line with the aim of the maximum benefit and empowerment of members of NetACT Africa Future NetACT co-anchors With regard to the formation of individual networks and co-anchoring institutions the following is decided: St Pauls University will partner with Pretoria University and will provisionally be known as NetACT St Paul s-up. NWU will partner with Daystar University and will provisionally be known as NetACT Daystar-NWU. Stellenbosch University will partner with the African International University and will provisionally be known as NetACT Stellenbosch-AIU. The University of the Free State will partner with the International Leadership University and will provisionally be known as NetACT Free State-ILU. A related matter is put before the meeting and approved: One of the NetACT Stellenbosch-AIU members, Justo Mwale Theological University College in Zambia and the Free State University has requested that, due to historical links, the former becomes a member of NetACT Free State-ILU; due to the fact that NetACT Stellenbosch-AIU has three Nigerian members and the other three proposed networks none, it is suggested that at least one of the Nigerian institutions joins one of the 7

10 new networks in order to promote the principle of diversity and accompanying enriching of views and discourses within networks The principle of language diversity within networks and language Related to the principle of diversity within networks, it is decided that this will not only apply to geographical and denominational diversity, but also to language diversity. As such networks will be encouraged to also accept, for example, members from Francophone or Lusophone Africa keeping in mind that this may at times necessitate the translation of correspondence or at meetings/conferences Research associations within South African Universities Prof. Hendriks mentions the potential benefit of membership as research associates (requiring a PhD) of South African University partners. In terms of South African higher education legislation, any research associate of a South African University may qualify for subsidy for any article published in an accredited peer-reviewed academic journal or for (or contributing to) an academic publication. This subsidy will be paid into a research fund of the individual research associate to be used for any research-related expenses (conference attendance, books, computer hard or software, etc.) of the associate. Member institutions are encouraged to take this matter up with the South African University that forms part of their specific network Membership fees Regarding membership fees it was decided that the current system of annual membership fees be continued. From the beginning it was important for NetACT to be as financially independent as possible and one way towards this was the establishment of membership fees. It was found that members are not only keen on contributing in this way as the benefits of memberships far outweighs any financial obligations toward the network, but also that it promotes a sense of ownership of the network by the individual members. All future networks will individually decide on membership fees as well as who and how these fees will be administered. As a guideline the following fee structure apply to the current NetACT: R4 800 (approximately 480 USD) per year for institutions with more than 100 students; R2 400 (approx. 240 USD) for members with students; R1 440 (approx. 144 USD) per year for institutions with less than 50 students. These fees may be used as is seen fit by the network, but is usually used to cover administrative expenses and to contribute towards expenses for meetings of partners, workshops, conferences, etc. At the moment it is not foreseen that individual networks will now or in future be expected to pay any membership fees to the NetACT central office/broader body, NetACT Africa. The latter will be responsible to secure its own funding for its running costs Curriculum development Regarding curriculum development it is again clearly stated that no partner institution will be forced to incorporate curriculum changes. Curriculum change is not a mandate of either NetACT Africa or individual networks. However, it may be requested by a member or a group of member institutions to assist in curriculum development, as NetACT has done in the past. One example of how this has been done and which reflects a move away from traditional Western-dominated theology curricula was a request by the Kinkuni seminary and training centre of the Reformed Church in Angola (IERA) currently being rebuilt with the help of NetACT in Angola. Due to the fact that the church is growing very fast in this area, but congregations are for the most part unable to support a pastor, the curriculum at Kinkuni will include both a theological as well as a skills training side. This will equip future pastors to earn their own living while serving their church and community as pastors. Such a request and curriculum is however context-bound and in no way obligatory and may not even be workable or needed in other contexts The NetACT system of associate members 8

11 Prof. Hendriks explains the system and position of associate members. Until now, these were members of NetACT who are not theological training institutions, but who shares its vision and aims. The (often financial) support of these associates ensured the survival of NetACT during difficult times and for this the network remains forever grateful. Such associate members may include for example, church denominations, church bodies, educational bodies, NGO s, educational or evangelization trusts, or individuals etc. It is proposed and accepted that in future there will be two levels of associates. Some bodies will be associate members of NetACT Africa, in other words of the network of networks. These will most likely be the major international partners who have over time shared the work and objectives of NetACT. These include the World Community of Reformed Churches (WCRC), the Presbyterian Church of the USA, the Reformed Church of America, the Christian Reformed World Mission, the Gereformeerde Zendingbond, Bible Media & Nehemiah Bible Institute and the World Communion of Churches (EHAIA). However, all individual networks will also be free to accept associate members for their own networks which will not be members of NetACT Africa. Possible reasons for association with a specific network may be that the mandate of a specific body may be limited to a geographical area or to a specific institution. As such, NetACT Stellenbosch-AIU will retain as its associate members the Commission for Witness of the DRC Synod of the Western Cape that focusses its work, due to historical links, to countries in Southern Africa such as Malawi and Mozambique, but via Stellenbosch University. The Hartgerink Trust also have a strong Stellenbosch link and will stay with that network The immediate road ahead Regarding the immediate way ahead: It was decided that, once the decisions of the meeting has been approved by the current NetACT EC and have been circulated and have been accepted by the institutions represented at the meeting, that work will commence on organising a joint conference of NetACT Africa (in other words the four new networks described above and all their member institutions that they bring to the conference). This conference will serve a double purpose: a) it will serve as a constituting meeting for (i) NetACT Africa (ii) and for the four individual networks mentioned in paragraph 4 above; (iii) it will serve as the first AGM for NetACT Africa and all individual networks; (iv) it will serve as an academic conference which may serve as the launch pad for a collaborative research project across all networks, but also (perhaps) within different networks with specific foci within a broad overall theme or for any alternative research project within individual networks. It is hoped that it will be possible to maintain this format of meetings (all individual networks individually as well as combined as NetACT Africa) every two or three years in future. It is decided that a central preliminary location for this conference will be close to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa. It will be attended by all drivers of NetACT and one representative of all the member institutions of all networks. The proposed theme for the conference will be: Theological Training and Community Development in Africa: State and challenges. The theme will be explained in detail in later communication, but for the moment it may be said that it will include key papers by some experts on Theology and Development as well as presentations from partner institutions on the challenges of theological education in the service of community development. These papers should be presented contextually and from the perspective of any of the traditional theological disciplines. The reasons behind the above conference theme are twofold: (a) it represents a challenge to theological training and societies and churches across Africa and as such to NetACT as well (b) as funding. Community Development is a red button topic that will help with the procurement of funding. 9

12 4 FINANCES 4.1 Financial Statements See Addendum. SU took care of all the bookkeeping as part of their financial system and audited NetACT s statements. Any board member may request these statements from the ED. An audited copy of these statements for the year 2013 & 2014 will be at the meeting (ask the outgoing ED if you want to scrutinize it). Since the statements are rather technical Dr Kobus Odendaal of the Commission for Witness was requested by the EC to simplify it. The simplified 2013 and 2014 statements will be presented to the Board and explained by Dr Odendaal. NetACT s finances have a rather simple logic. All projects have their own income, either from proposals or donations or networked collaborators. All money handled by the NetACT office has a 10% administration fee that sustains the NetACT office expenses. Thus the NetACT office s income is always directly related to the number of projects initiated or undertaken by the office. So far this was directly related to the time (and energy) that the present ED had available to further the mission and goals of the network. NetACT developed a good track record and a very strong and supportive network of collaborators. Proposal: The Financial Statements of the years 2013 and 2014 has to be approved by the NetACT Board. 4.2 Annual Membership fees In 2007 NetACT made the following decision about fees: 1 Members and associate members agree that the aim financially is for NetACT to eventually fund its office through membership fees. 2 Student numbers for NetACT institutions do not include non-residential TEE students. At the 2012 and again at the 2013 meeting the membership fees were raised. Decisions: (NB ) 1. In line with policy laid down at the 2011 AGM, the Board decides to implement an increase in fees for 2015 (this is the same as for 2013 and 2014): i. Institutions with more than 100 students: R4,800 per year: RTS Nigeria; SU, ZTC Hugh Goldie Theological Institution (HGTI). ii. Institutions with between 50 and 100 students: R2,400 per year: ABC, ISTEL, JMTUC. iii. Institutions with less than 50 students: R1,440 per year: DCMA; Hefsiba; ISEU; JMTI, MThC; NETS; RITT. iv. The fees are based on the number of students studying full time in Theology for the Diploma or Degree. Not those in the Women s Ministry. 2. Policy for the payment of membership fees: Membership fees to be paid before the start of NetACT financial year. Therefore payment for 2015 membership fees needs to be received by NetACT before the end of this year. 3. Defaulters need to contact the ED when in trouble and delayed payment to be explained. Such cases will be referred to the EC to handle, with report to the next AGM. Proposal: The Board decide on the 2015 fee structure NETACT OFFICE NetACT s goal: Maintain an adequately staffed coordinating office. 5.1 Office staff Since 2007 the NetACT office has been run on a fulltime basis by the Executive Director, Prof Hendriks. He retired from the Faculty s staff and was doing post graduate and research work. His term of office ended Dec The July 2013 AGM appointed Dr Len Hansen as the new ED from January 2015 forward. Stellenbosch agreed to this but Dr Hansen still has his Faculty responsibilities. Prof Hendriks was asked to

13 act as NetACT Program Manager for 2015 in order to run the day-to-day office responsibilities and to ensure continuity. Stellenbosch upgraded the interior of the NetACT office to make room for three working desks and the necessary technological appliances. NetACT Stellenbosch has accommodation for NetACT students. The house was transferred the Stellenbosch University for maintenance and administrative purposes but with the necessary stipulations as to the use of it. One of the students called the House Administrator runs the admin of the house and then stays free of charge. He has a desk in the NetACT office NETACT HOUSE NetACT has set as goal: Create an affordable and welcoming living environment for lecturers who are receiving advanced training 6.1 Weidenhof House and the Luckhoff Street Manse The renovated House was joyfully and officially opened on Sept 4, For information on the house look at and the video about the house is at yads8&feature=youtu.be Since students come for periods that range from a few days to a whole year the fees are quoted per day. At present (2015) accommodation are R110 per day for long term students and R140 per day for students staying shorter than 3 weeks. Internet is free as well as many other services. It is a self-catering house where students prepare their own meals. Reservations at netact@sun.ac.za 7 COMMUNICATION NetACT has set as goal: Develop an effective system of communication, consultation and networking among all member institutions. NetACT assisted all its institutions to get internet facilities. Dr Hartgerink and the ED continued communication with Cornerstone through Brent Fearon, new Program Officer for Leadership Development Cornerstone Trust. We visited CT in July 2014 in Grand Rapids. Hefsiba and Zomba received major grants to upgrade IT and library facilities. Contact the NetACT Africa office to facilitate on your behalf. 8 LECTURER EXCHANGE NetACT set as goal: Organize lecturer exchanges among our institutions to provide needed expertise, and to create space and time for lecturers to further their studies. The hypotheses with which we work are that the purpose of the exchange program is: a) To help colleges with lecturers where they lack professional people; i.e. to raise academic standards; b) To create opportunities for staff to get a break so that they can pursue their studies; c) To network NetACT institutions with one another and with other institutions globally; d) To help institutions through networking to build a broader support base, academically and financially. Quite a number of exchanges were negotiated through the NetACT office. From 2015 onwards the four networks may individually arrange lecturer exchanges between their members and the other networks. The NetACT Africa office will assist where possible. 9 SCHOLARSHIPS NetACT set as goal: Providing scholarships to advance the theological training of our institutions lecturers

14 9.1 World Communion of Reformed Churches NetACT is a member of the WCRC and this give us access to apply for WCRC scholarships. So far applications were not successful and communication was poor. The WCRC office is understaffed and this makes the process of applying frustrating. For information go to: Other Scholarships The NetACT office and the Faculty of Theology secured an agreement with the Langham Partnership to give two scholarships per year for full time students from NetACT / Africa at SU. The new networks should contact Dr Ian Shaw in this regard. Use the following address: ian.shaw@langhampartnership.org (or c/o Secretary to Director of Scholarship Programme, gaynor.harvey@langhampartnership.org ) For their website look at: One of the mayor challenges of the new ED s of the individual networks will be to look for scholarships and to develop partnerships with foundations and even congregations to provide for scholarships. 10 HIV/AIDS PROJECT & PUBLICATIONS NetACT set as goal: Enhance and maintain the relevance of NetACT s proprietary HIV/Aids course and ensure that it remains part of the curriculum at each of our institutions. Publish theological handbooks relevant to the African context Publications We have two NetACT publications Our Church has AIDS: preaching in the context of HIV / AIDS in Africa and Studying Congregations in Africa. Studying Congregations just had its fourth reprint and can be ordered by NetACT institutions. It is now available in electronic form too. Hugh Goldie in Nigeria requested more copies of Studying Congregations and Pulpit-pew. We negotiated with Lux Verbi-BM as well as SunPress and contracts were signed with a Nigerian publisher who subsequently printed both books in Nigeria. NetACT, nor the SA publishers, wanted to make any profit from this deal. The books thus sell very reasonably in Nigeria. A Namibian donor gives R60,000 per year to buy African Bible Commentaries. The total amount of money received since 2008 is R480,000! NetACT Stellenbosch institutions that paid their membership fees may apply for copies of ABCs for their students. Since 2006 NetACT realized that the HIV&AIDS scourge has to be addressed in different ways. The result was that curriculum workshops were help at all our institutions. A second step was to deal with Gender. The third NetACT publication is Men in the pulpit, women in the pew? Addressing gender inequlity in Africa. In the Ecumenical Fellowship of Southern Africa (EFSA) we have a new and most valuable partner who paid all the publishing cost involved. It can be ordered from Sun Media in book or electronic form. Our fourth publication deals with gender too. Where-as the Pulpit-pew publication was the result of research and papers given at the first workshop on gender (2011), the publication Living with dignity was the result of the planning that began in 2011 to produce a handbook on gender that can be used in our seminaries and churches. It was written by NetACT members for NetACT members and the whole of Africa. The editorial team was Elna Mouton, Gertrude Kapuma, Len Hansen and Thomas Togom. EFSA was our main sponsor. The book will be presented to all delegates at the workshop. In line with decision taken at the July 2013 AGM this 2015 workshop s focus is on Community Development and foresee a similar process as with living with Dignity Electronic publications and readers for all NetACT students. From the July 2013 AGM minutes (9):

15 Proposal: That NetACT investigate electronic publishing (e-books) and tries to find funds to supply theological students with readers and a basic electronic theological library. Resolution: Approved The ED had discussions with SunMedia/SunPress and they are willing to co-operate in this endeavour. The major expense will then be the finalizing of the manuscript after which the electronic copies can be sold for a very reasonable price to theological students, the motive not being that of making a profit. Resolution: The AGM resolves that NetACT should look at the possibilities of having computers/readers for students and lecturers in order to assist them to have access to electronic publications. The ED will come up with a proposal and source the funds. Furthermore, the EC and ED are mandated to implement the resolution. In addition, the EC and ED will finalise the type of electronic gadget to be purchase. It is expected that the electronic gadget (laptop, ipad, etc) that will be purchased will be given to students and lecturers of NetACT Institutions at 30% of the total cost. This measure will help in the sustainability of the project. Report: progress with e books has been good. Getting e-readers for all NetACT students and lecturers is still a dream and need to discussed CURRICULUM REPORT & ACTEA NetACT set as goal: Upgrade curriculum standards at our member institutions Accreditation: NetACT s commitment This goal stays a number one priority for NetACT members. The 2008 HIV Curriculum Development Workshop was our first step in actively helping NetACT institutions towards accreditation Curriculum Development research and workshops NetACT commissioned Rev Kruger du Preez to do research on accreditation and curriculum development within the NetACT institutions. Rev Du Preez s received his PhD degree in March The title of his dissertation was: Curriculum Development in Theological Institutions of the Reformed tradition in Sub- Saharan Africa. The 377 page document can be downloaded free of charge from Dr Kruger du Preez [mailto:krugerdup@gmail.com] is available to help all NetACT networks with curriculum development ACTEA matters ACTEA (Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa) has been a key partner to NetACT. Acquiring ACTEA accreditation was one of the goals we set to all out institutions. NetACT supported institutions in different ways in obtaining this goal. However, ACTEA went through a difficult period. In Nov 2013 they relocated to Nairobi and a new Board and ED was appointed, Rev Dr Emmanuel Chemengich (echemengich@gmail.com) who probably will be at our AGM who will have a time slot to share with us. NetACT and ACTEA as well as the eight anchor institutions that met in May 2014 with FUTE (Forum for University Theological Education). FUTE is a forum where the major theological faculties and departments in SA gather in order to negotiate with the National Department of Education in SA. They handle, amongst other issues, accreditation, standards and curriculum issues. We are at present finalizing a memorandum of understanding between the three organisations. One paragraph from the MOU will explain our joint mission: This arrangement for an MOU is vital and significant when it is considered that Theology is a specialized field and South Africa's SAQA is not very eager to do assessment for theological programmes awarded by institutions from other African countries. Further, due to political reasons, SA's SAQA and CHE are hesitant to make value judgments on programs approved by the governments of other African countries so they are not perceived to be playing a big brother role. It is on the basis of these reasons that NetACT sought to mediate between FUTE and ACTEA in order to arrive at an MOU that will see FUTE recognize ACTEA-accredited programs for entry qualifications to South African Universities.

16 Since Prof Nico Koopman of SU is now chair of FUTE the goals set by the MOU will be pursued. Find in addendum V the Jan 2015 draft of the MOU between the ACTEA, NetACT & FUTE. Comments are welcome. 12 MEMBERSHIP 12.1 From the previous annual reports and minutes The previous NetACT minutes and annual reports fully described the process that was started in 2011 to expand NetACT. The Annual Report that served at the July 2013 NetACT AGM had several addenda that reported on the process: ADDENDUM V: PROPOSAL ON WORKING TOGETHER BETWEEN WCRC AND NetACT; ADDENDUM VII: MEETINGS WITH FACULTIES OF THEOLOGY ADDENDUM VIII WCRC CHURCHES IN AFRICA In both the 2013 Annual Report (#11) and minutes (#) detailed the progress and decisions that were taken.. Paragraph 3 of this program explained the last part of the process New membership applications What the ED and NetACT EC did was to invite in collaboration with the other anchor institutions all institutions that wanted to attend this meeting with the purpose of becoming NetACT members. The WCRC promised financial support but their moving from Geneva in Switzerland to Hannover in Germany delayed sending the funds. Thus NetACT Stellenbosch spent R54,000 in reaching out to Kenya and getting the Kenyans here. Financially we could not continue with the process of reaching out. The Presbyterian Church (USA) gave us a list of all their seminaries in Africa but the ED refrained from contacting all of them because of this shortfall. We trust the WCRC will live up to its promises because it is vital to have money at hand for future expansion. There are a number of key institutions in Africa that should be visited. If they join they can be future anchor institutions. NetACT has a set of principles and guidelines when it comes to applying for membership. The new networks may consider using them in future. For the time being all who are here are welcome to become members IERA Seminary being built at Kinkuni, Uige province, Angola The Reformed Church in Angola (IERA, founded in 1922) has a seminary at Kinkuni that was twice destroyed during the Angolan war. The ED visited them in 2004 and several times subsequently. Their seminary was at that stage at a secondary school standard and as such they could not officially join NetACT. In the meantime they have worked hard to attain tertiary educational standards. IERA asked the ED / NetACT to help put together a professional team to help them in planning a new seminary that also teaches pastors basic skills like agriculture, carpentry, building skills, motor-mechanics, plumbing etc so that they can make a living where-ever they go. The brochure and a short video on the Kinkuni project are available on the NetACT website. The building is in process and Prof Hendriks will stay involved to help ANNUAL MEETINGS 13.1 Previous venues 2001 Lusaka, Zambia 2002 Lilongwe, Malawi 2003 Stellenbosch, SA 2004 Zomba, Malawi 2005 Hefsiba, Mozambique 2006 Windhoek, Namibia 2007 Lusaka, Zambia 2009 Stellenbosch Stellenbosch s 150 th anniversary! 2011 Lilongwe, Malawi 2012 Brackenhurst, Kenya.

17 2013 Worcester, SA, guests of Deaf Christian Ministry Africa Johannesburg at Kopanong Centre near the Oliver Tambo International Airport The 2014 meeting should be evaluated Annual Meeting Suggestions should be shared on a venue for the 2016 AGM and workshop. Cost and venue-facilities should be the taken in consideration as well as exposure to different countries and contexts. The proposal on the table is that all the networks meet in order to: a) Finalize the constitution of NetACT Africa as well as the constitutions or bylaws of the individual networks (which will be done by the individual networks and not the joint one). b) Continue with the Community Development Workshop. The first set of papers of the eventual handbook should be heard and discussed. Proposal: NetACT Africa is requested to organize this meeting and raise the necessary funding GENERAL 14.1 Approval of Annual Meeting minutes As with previous meetings the EC requests the Annual Meeting to grant it the authority to approve the minutes of the annual meeting Other issues 14.3 Closing prayers

18 16 ADDENDUM I: NetACT Constitution (present one) CONSTITUTION Article 1: Identity & Definition NetACT is the Network for African Congregational Theology, a network of theological institutions operating on a post-secondary level in the Presbyterian and Reformed tradition in Sub-Saharan Africa. Congregational Theology is theology as practiced in the Christian Congregation as the body of Christ, discerning the will of God in the process of interpreting the Scriptures and its own specific context, empowering the Congregation to address its multiple problems, challenges and sufferings, in Sub-Saharan Africa manifest in the pandemic of HIV/AIDS, abuse of power, corruption and economic injustice (among others). Article 2: Mission NetACT aims at assisting the participating institutions to develop congregational theology and leadership. It seeks to achieve this aim through: A. Contextual relevant training of congregational leadership; B. Upgrading of academic standards and institutional capacity-building; C. Developing research programmes at the participating institutions; D. Developing continuous education programmes; E. Lecturer-exchange between its participating institutions; F. Conferences and publications in the field of theology in Africa; G. Addressing the HIV/Aids problem, especially by providing the theological, moral and spiritual undergirding to curb this pandemic. Article 3: Values 3.1 NetACT accepts as the foundation of its values and activities the revelation of God as contained in the Old- and New Testaments. 3.2 NetACT believes that Christian congregations are instruments of God s mission in this world, a royal priesthood, called to be a sign and foretaste of the Kingdom of God by: A. Demonstrating our unity and koinonia in Christ; B. Declaring the praises of Him who called us out of the darkness into his wonderful light and proclaiming this good news to all; C. Practising and promoting love and forgiveness, justice and peace; serving the needs of the world by reaching out to all who suffer in any way; D. Upholding the sanctity of all human life and respecting the integrity of creation; E. Urging those in authority to use the power given to them to the honour and glory of God and to the benefit of those entrusted to their care; F. Interceding for all mankind and the whole of creation. 3.3 While acknowledging that our cultural, racial and ethnic differences have created much division and suffering, NetACT believes that we are united in Christ, the head of the church, his body; NetACT believes that He has transformed our diversity from a cause of division and suffering into a source of creativity and one of our richest resources. 3.4 NetACT respects the autonomy of all participating institutions, acknowledges the contributions of each and cherishes mutual respect, understanding, assistance, humility and openness in the interaction between its participating institutions.

19 3.5 In view of the unprecedented occurrence of diseases and loss of human life related to the spread of HIV/Aids and its devastating effects on all dimensions of community-life in Sub-Saharan Africa, NetACT commits itself to prioritise the identification, development and distribution of programmes, directed to reducing the spread of HIV/Aids and to supporting the direct and indirect victims of HIV/Aids within the mandate of its mission. 3.6 NetACT seeks co-operation with organisations, agencies and institutions which are active in similar fields of research and programme-development. 3.7 NetACT is committed to utilise all resources as entrusted to it in a transparent and accountable way in full agreement with its aims and mission. 17 Article 4: Organisation & Government 4.1 Membership MEMBERS Members of NetACT shall consist of the following: A. The founding members of NetACT, including the Justo Mwale Theological College, the Zomba Theological College, the Murray Theological College, the University of Stellenbosch, the Reformed Institute of Theological Training, Hefsiba Christian Institute for Higher Education, and the Josophat Mwale Theological Institute at Nkhoma. B. Other theological institutions operating on a post-secondary level in Sub-Saharan Africa, embracing the Presbyterian and Reformed tradition and who subscribe to the Identity, Mission and Values of NetACT (Articles 1-3), subject to them being admitted by the Board of Governors of NetACT Associate members Individuals or institutions working in close cooperation with NetACT and supporting its Mission and Values (Articles 2 and 3) may be granted the status of associate members subject to the decision of the Board of Governors Observers Individuals or institutions of other Christian traditions who are interested in working with NetACT may be granted the status of observer at the discretion of the Board of Governors. 4.2 Termination of Membership An institution ceases to be a member of NetACT when: The institution requests to terminate its membership; The institution no longer subscribes to the identity, mission and values of NetACT; The institution fails to attend the meeting of the Board of Governors for two consecutive years. 4.3 Government NetACT shall be governed by a Board of Governors, composed of: A. MEMBERS APPOINTED BY MEMBER-INSTITUTIONS; i. Each member institution will appoint one member (primus) as its delegate in the Board of Governors of NetACT with full voting rights. ii. Each member institution will appoint one member (secundus) representing the member (primus) in the Board of Governors of NetACT in case of his/her absence and exercise his/her duties with full voting rights. B. CO-OPTED MEMBERS i. The Board of Governors may co-opt three members to the Board of Governors with full voting rights. ii. A co-opted member will not be represented in case of his/her absence in any meeting of the Board of Governors. C. Members Representing the Donor-Community The Board of Governors shall invite a maximum of three representatives from the donor community, plus one person as secundus, to serve as members of the Board of Governors with full voting rights D. The NetACT Executive Director

20 18 The NetACT Executive Director will be a member of the Board of Governors of NetACT with full voting rights. E. Associate members and observers Associate members and observers shall not have the right to vote. 4.4 Sitting Period of Members, Vacancies, Appointment / Election Members of the Board of Governors shall have a sitting period of three years or until such time that they cease to represent the appointing or electing institution, notification of which will be given by the respective appointing or electing body In case a position in the Board of Governors falls vacant, the respective appointing or electing body is entitled to appoint or elect a new member in its vacant position Outgoing members of the Board of Governors may be re-appointed or re-elected after a period of three years by their respective appointing or electing bodies. 4.5 Meetings The Board of Governors of NetACT shall meet at least once every two years at a time and place determined by the Executive Committee Notification of the meeting of the Board of Governors, accompanied by a tentative agenda, will be sent six months before the date of the anticipated meeting The members of the Board of Governors are entitled to amend the tentative agenda up to two months before the anticipated meeting The final agenda of the meeting will be sent six weeks before the date of the anticipated meeting. 4.6 Quorum The quorum of any meeting of the Board of Governors of NetACT shall be constituted by the presence of more than half of the representatives of the member-institutions (mentioned under A) in the meeting. 4.7 Decisions Decisions will be taken by a simple majority of votes In case the number of votes is even, the chairman will have a casting vote. 4.8 Function The Board of Governors shall: A. Elect from its midst a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary. B. Appoint a NetACT Executive Director; C. Ratify the appointment of Program managers; D. Amend or change the Constitution of NetACT; F. Set and revise policy and objectives for NetACT; G. Approve the annual report of the chairperson; H. Approve the annual financial reports; I. Approve the budget for the next period; I Lay down by-laws, policies and procedures for the effective functioning of NetACT. 4.9 Sitting Period and Re-Election The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary of the NetACT Board of Governors will be elected for a period of three years A Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary of the NetACT Board of Governors can be re-elected once only in the same position NetACT Executive Committee Composition The NetACT Executive Committee shall consist of: the chairperson, the vice-chairperson, the secretary of the NetACT Board of Governors and the NetACT Executive Director.

21 Time and place of meeting The NetACT Executive Committee shall meet at least once per year at the time and place determined by the Chairman in consultation with the Executive Director Functions The NetACT Executive Committee shall: A. Supervise the implementation of the policy and programmes as determined by the NetACT Board of Governors; B. Execute duties assigned by the NetACT Board of Governors; C. Appoint such personnel as is necessary for the effective operation of NetACT, its bureau and programmes; D. Receive the reports of the NetACT Executive Director and the Program managers; E. Prepare annual reports for the NetACT Board of Governors, donors, supporting and participating institutions; F. Prepare the budget for the next period; G. Facilitate arrangements for any NetACT meetings 19 Article 5: Officials and Staff-Members 5.1 General Guidelines Proper job descriptions shall guide the work of all elected, appointed and employed officials and staff-members. 5.2 The NetACT Executive Director A. Shall co-ordinate all functions of NetACT; B. Shall be the liaison officer between NetACT, Donors and Member Institutions; C. Shall be responsible for marketing, fundraising, administration and communication; D. Shall be responsible for the facilitating of funding and administration of agreed programmes, e.g. ACTEA fees, training programmes, library support, building projects, communication facilities (computers), publishing, etc. E. Shall be responsible for the effective functioning of the NetACT central office. E. The NetACT Executive Director may be appointed in a full-time or a part-time capacity. F. The NetACT Executive Director may be appointed from among the Board of Governors G. The appointment of a NetACT Executive Director shall be with agreement of the employing institution. F. The NetACT Executive Director shall be responsible to the NetACT Board of Governors. 5.3 NetACT Program Managers NetACT shall appoint Program Managers responsible for the effective implementing of agreed programmes Program Managers shall be responsible to the NetACT Executive Director and the NetACT Board of Governors. 5.4 Office Personnel Office personnel may be appointed on a full-time or part-time basis at an agreed remuneration or in voluntary capacity to assist the NetACT Co-ordinator in his/her duties. 5.5 Financial Records & Reports The Board of Governors will be responsible to have financial records properly kept A six-monthly financial report will be submitted to the Board through the Executive Director. Article 6 Amendment or Alteration of the Constitution

22 6.1 A properly motivated proposal for an amendment or alteration to the NetACT Constitution shall be presented by a member institution (mentioned under 4.1.1) to the Board of Governors through its secretary. 6.2 The Articles 1, 2 and 3 of this Constitution will not be altered or amended unless supported by representatives of at least 75 % of the Member Institutions mentioned under Article A. An amendment or alteration of any Article of this Constitution, other than the Articles 1, 2 and 3, is carried with a simple majority of votes. 20

23 21 ADDENDUM II CONSTITUTION NetACT AFRICA Article 1: IDENTITY & DEFINITION NetACT is the Network for African Congregational Theology, a network of individual theological networks operating on a post-secondary level in the Presbyterian and Reformed tradition in Sub-Saharan Africa. NetACT Africa refers to the overarching network to which all individual networks belong. Congregational Theology is theology as practiced in the Christian Congregation as the Body of Christ, discerning the will of God in the process of interpreting the Scriptures specifically in the sub-saharan contexts of the constituent members of the networks, empowering the congregations to address their multiple challenges, such as the HIV and AIDS pandemic, abuse of power, corruption and economic injustice. Article 2: MISSION NetACT Africa aims at assisting the partner institutions in developing congregational theology and leadership. It seeks to achieve this aim through: i) Contextual relevant training of congregational leadership; ii) Upgrading of academic standards and institutional capacity-building; iii) Developing research programmes at the participating institutions; iv) Developing continuous education programmes; v) Lecturer-exchange between its participating institutions; vi) Conferences and publications in the field of theology in Africa; vii) Addressing specific challenges in African contexts, especially by providing the theological, moral and spiritual undergirding to curb this pandemic. Article 3: VALUES 3.1 NetACT Africa accepts as foundation of its values and activities the revelation of God as contained in the Old- and New Testaments. 3.2 NetACT Africa believes that Christian congregations are instruments of God s mission in this world, a royal priesthood, called to be a sign and foretaste of the Kingdom of God by: i) Demonstrating our unity and koinonia in Christ; ii) Declaring the praises of Him who called us out of the darkness into his wonderful light and proclaiming this good news to all; iii) Practising and promoting love and forgiveness, justice and peace; serving the needs of the world by reaching out to all who suffer in any way; iv) Upholding the sanctity of all human life and respecting the integrity of creation; v) Urging those in authority to use the power given to them to the honour and glory of God and to the benefit of those entrusted to their care; vi) Interceding for all mankind and the whole of creation. 3.3 While acknowledging that our cultural, racial and ethnic differences have created much division and suffering, NetACT Africa believes that we are united in Christ, the head of the church, his Body;

24 22 NetACT Africa believes that Christ has transformed our diversity from a cause of division and suffering to a source of creativity and one of our richest resources. 3.4 NetACT Africa respects the autonomy of all participating institutions and individual constituting NetACT networks, acknowledges the contributions of each and cherishes mutual respect, understanding, assistance, humility and openness in the interaction between its participating institutions. 3.5 In view of the prevalence of challenges and suffering on the African continent as manifested in all dimensions of individual and community-life, NetACT Africa commits itself to prioritise the identification, development and distribution of programmes, directed to addressing these challenges and reducing their effects within the mandate of the Net ACT Africa mission. 3.6 NetACT Africa seeks co-operation with organisations, agencies and institutions which are active in similar fields of research and programme-development. 3.7 NetACT Africa is committed to utilise all resources entrusted to it in a transparent and accountable way in full agreement with its aims and mission. Article 4: ORGANISATION & MEMBERSHIP 4.1 MEMBERSHIP Members NetACT Africa consists of member NetACT networks that subscribe to Articles 1-3 of this constitution in their own, individual network constitutions Associate members Individuals or institutions working in close cooperation with NetACT Africa and supporting its Mission and Values (Articles 2 and 3) may be granted the status of associate members subject to the decision of the NetACT Africa Board of Governors Observers Individuals or institutions of other Christian traditions who are interested in working with NetACT Africa may be granted the status of observer at the discretion of the Board of Governors Beskermliggaam NetACT Africa is a member member of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC). The importance of this relationship for NetACT Africa is expressed in the fact that the WRCC is a voting member of the NetACT Board of Governors and will be represented either the Secretary of Theology and the African Representative of the WCRC at NetACT Board of Governors meetings. The latter members representatives will also represent NetACT Africa and its interests at the WCRC. 4.2 Termination of Membership A network ceases to be a member of NetACT Africa when: The network requests to terminate its membership; The network no longer subscribes to the identity, mission and values of NetACT Africa; The network fails to attend the meeting of the Board of Governors for two consecutive meetings In the case of the termination of membership, a NetACT African member institution forfeits the right to use the name NetACT in any new network it may wish to establish. 4.3 GOVERNANCE

25 NetACT Africa BOARD OF GOVERNORS NetACT Africa-Africa shall be governed by a Board of Governors, composed of A. Members appointed by individual NetACT networks: i) Each NetACT network will appoint one member (primus) as its delegate in the Board of Governors of NetACT Africa with full voting rights. Except when explicitly decided otherwise by the network, this member will be the chair of the network. ii) Each NetACT network will appoint one member (second) representing the member (primus) in the Board of Governors of NetACT Africa in case of his/her absence and exercise his/her duties with full voting rights. iii) The Executive Director of each network as well as the Executive Director of Africa (if he/she is not iv) the representative in a different capacity of one of the networks). The WRCC will be a voting member of the NetACT Board of Governors and will be represented by both the Secretary of Theology and the African Representative of the WCRC or either of the two latter should one not be able to attend. v) A chairperson of the NetACT Africa Board of Governors will be elected by the Board. The Executive Director of NetACT Africa may not serve as chairperson of NetACT Africa as well. B. Co-opted members: i) The Board of Governors may co-opt three members to the Board of Governors with full voting rights. ii) A co-opted member will not be represented in case of his/her absence in any meeting of the Board of Governors. iii) Co-opted members should include a representative of the donor community. C. Associate members and observers Associate members and observers do not have the right to vote Election of members, terms of office, vacancies and election/appointment procedures i) The term of members of the Board of Governors is a period of three years or until such time that they cease to represent the appointing or electing network, notification of which will be given by the respective appointing or electing body. ii) Members may be re-elected and re-appointed after a period of three years by their respective appointing or electing networks. iii) The chairperson, vice-chairperson and secretary of the NetACT Africa Board of Governors will be elected for a period of three years. ii) A chairperson, vice-chairperson and secretary of the NetACT Africa Board of Governors may be reelected once only in the same position. vi) Should a position in the Board of Governors fall vacant, the respective appointing or electing network is entitled to appoint or elect a new member in the vacant position Meetings of the Board Governors i) The Board of Governors of NetACT Africa shall meet at least once every three years at a time and place determined the NetACT Africa Board of Governors Executive Committee upon consultation with all members of the Board.

26 ii) Notification of the meeting of the Board of Governors, accompanied by a tentative agenda, will be sent six months before the date of the anticipated meeting. iii) The members of the Board of Governors are entitled to amend the tentative agenda up to two months before the anticipated meeting. iv) The final agenda of the meeting will be sent two weeks before the date of the anticipated meeting. v) A quorum of any meeting of the Board of Governors of NetACT Africa shall be constituted by the presence of more than half of the representatives of the member-networks. vi) Decisions will be taken by a simple majority of votes. In cases of an even number of votes, the chairman will have a deciding vote Functions of the Board of Governors The Board of Governors shall: i) Elect from its midst a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary. ii) Appoint a NetACT Africa Executive Director after consultation with the Faculty of Theology at Stellenbosch; the NetACT Africa Executive Director may not simultaneously serve as chairperson, vice-chairperson or secretary; iii) Ratify the appointment of Program managers of NetACT Africa; iii) Amend or change the Constitution of NetACT Africa should the need arise and in accordance with Article 5 of this constitution; iv) Set and revise policy and objectives for NetACT Africa in compliance with the mission and norms and values of the NetACT Africa constitution and in compliance to Article 5 of this constitution; v) Approve the annual report of the chairperson; vi) Approve the annual financial reports; vii) Approve the budget for the next period; Viii) Lay down by-laws, policies and procedures for the effective functioning of NetACT Africa in compliance with the mission and values of the NetACT Africa constitution NetACT Africa EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Composition The NetACT Africa Executive Committee shall consist of: the chairperson of the NetACT Africa Board of Governors and the Executive Directors of the individual NetACT networks Time and place of meeting The NetACT Africa Executive Director should call a meeting (telephone of Skype) of the Executive Committee at least once per year Functions The NetACT Africa Executive Committee shall: i) Supervise the implementation of the policy and programmes as determined by the NetACT Africa Board of Governors; ii) Execute duties assigned by the NetACT Africa Board of Governors; iii) Appoint such personnel as is necessary for the effective operation of NetACT Africa, its bureau and programmes; iv) Receive the reports of the NetACT Africa Executive Director, Program managers and the Executive Directors of the NetACT Africa networks; v) Prepare annual reports for the NetACT Africa Board of Governors, donors, supporting and participating institutions; vi) Prepare the budget for the next period; v) Facilitate arrangements toward any NetACT Africa meetings OFFICIALS AND STAFF-MEMBERS 24

27 General Guidelines Proper job descriptions shall guide the work of all elected, appointed and employed officials and staff-members The NetACT Africa Executive Director i) Shall co-ordinate all functions of NetACT Africa; ii) Shall be the liaison officer between NetACT Africa, donors and member institutions; iii) Shall be responsible for marketing, fundraising, administration and communication; iv) Shall be responsible for the facilitating of funding and administration of agreed programmes, v) Shall be responsible for the effective functioning of the NetACT Africa office. vi) The NetACT Africa Executive Director may be appointed in a full-time or a part-time capacity. vi) The NetACT Africa Executive Director may be appointed from among the Board of Governors and in collaboration with the Faculty of Theology at Stellenbosch. vii) The appointment of a NetACT Africa Executive Director shall be with agreement of the employing institution, Stellenbosch University. viii) The NetACT Africa Executive Director shall be responsible to the NetACT Africa Board of Governors Program Managers i) NetACT Africa shall appoint Program Managers responsible for the effective implementing of agreed programmes should the need arise. ii) Program Managers shall be responsible to the NetACT Africa Executive Director and the NetACT Africa Board of Governors Office Personnel Office personnel may be appointed on a full-time or part-time basis at an agreed remuneration or in voluntary capacity to assist the NetACT Africa Executive Director in his/her duties. 4.4 NetACT Africa OFFICE The NetACT Africa office is situated in the Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University and as such the NetACT Africa Executive Director needs to reside in or near Stellenbosch and shall be appointed in collaboration with the Faculty of Theology. 4.5 FINANCIAL RECORDS & REPORTS The Board of Governors will be responsible to oversee the proper keeping of financial records An annual financial report will be submitted to the Board via the Executive Director. Article 5: AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION 5.1 A properly motivated proposal for an amendment or alteration to the NetACT Africa Africa Constitution shall be presented by a member network to the Board of Governors via the Board s its secretary. 5.2 Articles 1, 2 and 3 of this Constitution will not be altered or amended unless supported by representatives of at least 75 % of the member networks as represented on the Board of Governors upon consultation with the executive committees of the member networks. An amendment or alteration of any Article of this Constitution, other than the Articles 1, 2 and 3, done by way of a simple majority of votes member networks.

28 26 ADDENDUM III NetACT bylaws for new members From: NETACT ANNUAL (ADMINISTRATIVE) REPORT, 8-10 AUGUST 2007, Justo Mwale Theological College, LUSAKA, ZAMBIA NetACT Board Minutes #63 New members The Board accepts the following procedures for the handling of applications of possible new members: a) A letter of application addressed to the ED stating whether the institution accepts the NetACT constitution (especially point B), mission and vision. In this letter the institution should outline to what extent it is willing to contribute to serve the mission and mission of NetACT. b) Documents that outline their constitution, denominational association, list of lecturers (with CV s), number of students, history and full curriculum must be presented. c) Applicants should attend one annual meeting as observers, at the end of which the Board will vote, in the absence of the institution, whether or not to accept the institution. d) Financial contribution: commitment to pay the annual membership fees, and if the institution is relatively strong, an undertaking to pay for the travelling and other expenses of attending meetings. The following guidelines are also approved: a) NetACT is a network of Reformed/Presbyterian theological institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa, and will therefore mainly focus on institutions in this area. In some cases they will need upliftment. b) Reformed/Presbyterian institutions within South Africa who want to join NetACT will be welcomed to apply, but under the condition that they will be responsible for their own travelling and other expenses. They should also be willing to contribute financially and with other resources to the achievement of NetACT s goals. c) Smaller evangelical theological training institutions in Southern Africa who want to join NetACT will only be considered after the long term financial sustainability of NetACT is secured.

29 27 ADDENDUM IV NETACT 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 31 December December 2013 NETACT ADMINISTRATION R R NETACT TRAVEL & MEETINGS R R NETACT KINKUNI PROJECT R R 3.13 NETACT ANNUAL MEETINGS R R NETACT SCHOLARSHIPS R R NETACT PUBLICATIONS R R NETACT CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT R67.47 R NetACT Administration: 1 January 2013 to 31 Desember 2014 Income and Expenditure For the period ending: 31 December December 2013 TOTAL INCOME R R DONATIONS: WCRC AND OTHERS R R ADMINISTRATION DONE FOR COST CENTRES R R INTEREST RECEIVED R R MEMBERSHIP FEES RECEIVED R R TOTAL EXPENDITURE R R COPY AND PRINTING, CONSUMABLE MATERIALS R 5.40 R ENTERTAINMENT & REFRESHMENTS R R FOREIGN TRAVEL & SUBSISTENCE R R LEVY TO UNIVERSITY ON INCOME GENERATED R R POSTAGE & COURIER R R STATIONERY R R SUNDRY EXPENSES R R SALARIES: DIRECTOR AND STUDENTS R R RESEARCH EXPENCES R 0.00 R DEPRECIATION & ASSET LOSS R 0.00 R SURPLUS / (SHORTFALL) FOR PERIOD -R R Plus: ACCUM. FUNDS 01/01/2014 R R Min: Balance sheet items: Loan account bridging funds -R R ACCUM. FUNDS AVAILABLE ON 31/12/2014 R R

30 28 ADDENDUM V ACTEA MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN ACTEA (Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa) and FUTE (Forum for University Theological Education). DATED: January, I - INTRODUCTION - ORIGIN AND PURPOSE OF THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING: This document is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the FUTE (representing South Africa's CHE) and ACTEA in order that ACTEA accreditation can be accepted by CHE and calibrated to South Africa's NQF (National Qualifications Framework) level descriptors. The establishment of this MOU is vital and significant when it is considered that Theology is a specialized field and South Africa's SAQA due to contextual challenges, often finds it difficult to accurately assess theological programmes awarded by institutions from other African countries. Further, due to political reasons, South Africa's SAQA and CHE are hesitant to make value judgments on programs approved by the governments of other African countries so they are not perceived to be playing a big brother role. It is on the basis of these reasons that NetACT sought to mediate between FUTE and ACTEA in order to arrive at an MOU that will see FUTE recognize ACTEA-accredited programs for entry qualifications to South African Universities. The need for an MOU between ACTEA and FUTE was occasioned by persistent frustrations experienced by non-sa theological institutions that are accredited by ACTEA and wish to send their alumni for advanced theological training in South Africa. NetACT took this challenge to work with ACTEA and FUTE to ensure recognition by FUTE of graduates from ACTEA-accredited institutions. The first meeting organized by NetACT in Pretoria between Stellenbosch University, SA's CHE, and NetACT on 6th September, 2006, agreed to pursue an MOU. The recommendations from this 2006 meeting are incorporated into the Terms of Agreement of this MOU. In 2011 additional meetings were held and it was agreed to revisit the agreement to establish MOU to ensure recognition of ACTEA-accredited programmes by all South African Universities. In these meetings, it was determined that the way forward is to put in place an alignment or synchronisation of required standards between the accreditation awarded by ACTEA and the South African theological faculties to whom applications are made. This was not to happen until in the early 2014 when this interest was revived with a series of meetings between representatives of NetACT, FUTE, and ACTEA in which it was agreed to follow through this earlier commitment to submit an MOU to ratify this mutual commitment between FUTE and ACTEA.

31 29 II - BACKGROUND INFORMATION OF THE THREE ENTITIES INVOLVED IN THIS MOU: Here below is brief background information of the three organizations who prepared and approved this MOU: A) About ACTEA ACTEA was formally organized in 1976 as a project of AEA (Association of Evangelicals in Africa) under the direction of Dr. Byang Kato to assist theological institutions in Africa in areas of common need. ACTEA is run by a Council and a management team and offers accreditation services, facilitates inter-institutional and intercontinental collaborations, and offers support services to its member institutions. ACTEA's Mission Statement: "To promote quality evangelical theological education in Africa by providing supporting services, facilitating academic recognition, and fostering continental and inter-continental cooperation." In its accreditation services, ACTEA offers academic accreditation at the postgraduate, the post-secondary, and the secondary levels, in order to stimulate the improvement and standardization of such programmes, and also to secure academic recognition for such programmes wherever possible. ACTEA's accreditation services have earned wide-spread respect both in Africa and overseas. For example, in 1981 a task force in North America, representing all dimensions of evangelical higher education there, issued a formal document advising admissions officers that applicants with theological first degrees accredited by ACTEA should be considered eligible for direct entry to post-graduate theological programmes in North America. In addition, London Bible College, the distinguished British centre for theological studies, has issued an official statement affirming recognition of BTh degrees awarded by ACTEA-accredited schools. And the University of South Africa (UNISA) and the University of Stellenbosch have also stated formal recognition of ACTEA-accredited BTh degrees for direct entry to post-graduate studies. B) About NetACT NetACT Mission: NetACT is a network of theological institutions in Sub Saharan Africa, created and directed by these institutions, to assist them in preparing leaders for missional congregations. NetACT s Major Goals: Upgrade curriculum standards at our member institutions. Develop an effective system of communication, consultation and networking among all member institutions. Provide scholarships to advance the theological training of our institutions lecturers. Create an affordable and welcoming living environment for lecturers who are receiving advanced training. Organize lecturer exchanges among our institutions to provide needed expertise, and to create space and time for lecturers to further their studies. Maintain an adequately staffed coordinating office. Publish theological handbooks relevant to the African context. Ensure that an HIV/AIDS course is developed and maintained as a routine part of the normal curriculum at each NetACT institution. NetACT s mission is integrally linked to empowering its member institutions to develop towards acceptable accreditation standards. Since mid 2000, NetACT has accepted

32 30 ACTEA accreditation and continues to encourage and help its member institutions to work towards ACTEA accreditation. The World Communion of Reformed Churches and the World Council of Churches requested NetACT to expand to network protestant theological institutions in Anglophone, Francophone and Lusophone countries in Africa. This process began in 2013 when the theological schools of the Universities of Pretoria, Free State and North West joined. Thus the network is in a dynamic expansion mode in which ACTEA is an active partner. C) About FUTE: The Forum for University Theological Education (FUTE) was founded in the late 1990 s as an initiative of Fika J. van Rensburg in his capacity as the South African Universities Vice-Chancellors Association (SAUVCA) representative on National Standards Body (NSB) of South African Quality Authority (SAQA). FUTE is thus a SAUVCA-initiated (presently HESA - Higher Education Forum for South Africa) forum of Faculties/Schools/Departments of Theology and/or Religious Studies of universities affiliated to SAUVCA/HESA, which acts as advisory body to SAUVCA/HESA members serving on the SGB (Standards Generating Body) for Christian Theology. All the Universities offering Christian Theology are represented on FUTE in the person of the Dean (or: head of the School/Department/Section) or his/her delegate. Most of the Christian churches in Southern Africa are either linked to these providers in terms of official agreements, or make use of them for purposes of training and obtaining recognized qualifications. In considering market trends and requirements FUTE thus plays an important coordinating role on national level in professionally assisting providers to implement the Higher Education Qualification Framework (HEQF) (HIGHER EDUCATION ACT, 1997 (Act No. 101 of 1997, and October 2007) and Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF). From the beginning FUTE played an important role in generating standards for whole qualifications during the Standards Generating Body (SGB)/NSB-era of SAQA. Since the demise of the NSB/SGB-structure, FUTE continued its work, especially on developing a qualification matrix for Theology on the HEQF, on the basis of the relevant HEQF and Interim Committee documents. The mission and mandate of FUTE is to: Coordinate all matters relating to the (National Qualification Framework) NQF process. Acts in collaboration with the South African Council for Theological Education (SACTE). Advises the SGB for Christian Theology, through SAUVCA/HESA members serving on it, on criteria/standards/qualifications for theological education matters as determined by the stakeholders from time to time. FUTE continues to fulfill this role within the present HESA, HEQC, and SAQA structures. It is in light of this background that FUTE requested for a document showing similarity or favorable comparison between ACTEA's and HEQC's qualification and accreditation standards which will form the basis for recognition of qualifications from ACTEA member institutions to SA Universities. III - ALIGNMENT OF ACTEA AND SAQA/HEQF STANDARDS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

33 31 This section highlights the various levels which shows the alignment of key aspects of accreditation between ACTEA and SA's HEQC in order to advise FUTE member Universities as to the recognition of qualifications (towards gaining entrance to SA University programmes) from ACTEA accredited programmes (and the relevant Schools), namely, to which qualification at SA Universities each qualification should give access. These alignment or synchronization of ACTEA and HEQC Standards of Accreditation is categorized into 3 key areas which go to show close similarity of accreditation standards and procedures between FUTE and ACTEA: (1) Qualification Types, Levels, Credit Hours, and duration of the study program. (2) Admission qualifications to the various academic levels, at both undergraduate and postgraduate. (3) Alignments in the Criteria for Accreditation (A) QUALIFICATION TYPES/LEVELS/LENGTH/CREDITS: (i) At the Undergraduate Levels: (ii) At the Postgraduate Levels:

34 (B) ADMISSION QUALIFICATIONS TO VARIOUS ACADEMIC LEVELS: The following are the academic ACTEA requirements for admission into various academic program levels: (i) Admissions to Under-Graduate Programmes: Dip. Th.: Completion of secondary schooling and attained qualification set by local country s national accreditation body to enroll in Diploma program. Mature entry: 10% to bona fide cases B.Th.: Attained set minimum qualification for admission to First University degree in the local country Mature entry: 10% to bona fide cases. Admissions of students with Theological qualifications & Transfer of Academic Credits: Priority is given to students who completed their secondary schooling in a government or ACTEA recognized institution or similar agency. No credit of lower programme is transferable to higher programme unless: (a) academic entrance requirements of former program are equivalent to the latter; (b) rigor of classroom instruction & course requirements of former and latter are equivalent. (ii) Admissions to Postgraduate Programmes: PGD: Recognized (non-theology) first, postsecondary degree by national accrediting body. Upper 3rd of class in preceding academic programmes Undergraduate deficiencies work in theological or social sciences to be made up on non-credit basis Mature entry: limited to 10% bona fide cases. M.A: ACTEA or nationally recognized first degree PGD (with up to 1 year advanced standing for comparable work) Master of Divinity (M.Div.): ACTEA or nationally recognized First degree PGD or equivalent (with up to 1 year adv. Standing) Master of Theology (M.Th.): Recognized M.Div. (1 year studies) M.A. (2 year studies) B.Th. (4 year studies) PGD (3 year studies) (iii) Admissions to Doctoral Programmes: D.Min.: Recognized M.Div. or equivalent Ph.D./Th.D.: Recognized 2 years of theological Master s degree Demonstration of research & writing competence in the field of specialization 32

35 33 1 year probation until competencies are confirmed or terminal Master s (M.Th. or M.Phil.) is awarded. (C) ALIGNMENTS IN THE CRITERIA FOR ACCREDITATION: The following are key academic programming fields that form important criteria for accreditation assessment by ACTEA (see details in Appendix 1, "ACTEA Standards") which goes to show the shared alignment areas with SA's HEQC: Educational Programme Aims & Objectives: This should be written and integrated into the overall program curriculum. Graduation requirements: Key emphasis given to academic; character; and proven competence. Qualifications of teaching staff: Teaching staff should have one level higher than class taught; acceptable teaching workload; and provision for research time and resources. Library holdings: The totals of both books and Journals. In addition, 5% of total theological department budget to be dedicated to new acquisitions and meet stipulated volume-to-student ratio. Other Areas of Alignments in the Criteria for Accreditation for both SAQA/HEQC and ACTEA: In assessing academic programs for accreditation, both HEQC and ACTEA have closely comparable criteria for accreditation and include the following: (i) Programme design; (ii) Student admissions; (iii) Staffing; (iv) Teaching and learning strategy; (v) Student assessment policies and procedures; (vi) Infrastructure and library resources; (vii) Programme coordination and administrative services; (viii) academic development for student success; and (ix) Criteria for Programme review. IV - TERMS OF AGREEMENT: In this MOU, these two organizations agree on the following 3 Terms of Reference: 1) It is hereby Agreed That, FUTE recognizes ACTEA Standards of Accreditation and allows its graduates for admission to relevant programs in SA Universities. In light of Part III of this document showing the alignment of academic standards and criteria of ACTEA and SAQF/CHE as well as synchronized academic level indicators between ACTEA and South Africa's NQF (National Qualifications Framework) level descriptors (Appendix 2, "ACTEA-SAQA/HEQF Academic Level Standards and Qualifications"), FUTE formally recognizes the quality of ACTEA's 2011 Standards and Procedures for Accreditations (Appendix 1, "ACTEA Standards and Guide to Self-Evaluation") and its synchronization with SAQA's levels of NQF qualification. The rationale for this is because ACTEA Standards favourably compares with those used by the South Africa's theological faculties. It is thus concluded that academic degrees from ACTEA accredited organizations should be treated alike by FUTE members and according to the standards set by the HEQC and NQF.

36 34 Consequently, FUTE and SA Universities officially accept the proposal that ACTEA accreditation and guidance on NQF levels will be their chief guiding principle for qualification standard control of theological degrees in Africa. 2) Further, it is Agreed That, ACTEA will make available on its official website ( and upon request, important information on its Accreditation Standards and Procedures and the List of all its accredited institutions and programs. The vital accreditation information items should include: "ACTEA Standards and Guide to Self-Evaluation" (Appendix 1); Synchronized "ACTEA-SAQA/HEQF Academic Level Standards and Qualifications" (Appendix 2); and an Updated "List of Accredited programs and their Institutions". Ready access to this information will assist SA Universities and theological institutions to know and determine into which level of academic programs to admit applicants who have graduated with ACTEA-accredited study programs. Further, FUTE, NetACT, and SAQA/HEQF will provide a link to ACTEA website to assist its constituents to easily access the necessary ACTEA information in order for them to make informed decisions on qualifications by ACTEA graduates applying to their institutions. And finally, FUTE commits to share this MOU with all SA Universities with faculties/schools of theology and all other SA theological institutions so that the same standards can be applied at all SA theological institutions. 3) And finally, it is Agreed That, FUTE and ACTEA (together with NetACT) commits to share with each other the various challenges and opportunities that will from time to time affect theological education in Africa and seek innovative ways to address them. Such concerns and opportunities would include, but not limited to: 1) Inviting representatives of each of the 3 organizations to each other's relevant forums; and 2) Sharing and exchanging ideas on certain contextual topics that need the attention of African theological scholarships, such as, reviewing curriculums by introducing new, relevant courses; information on impact of the growth of Christian Universities; librarians network to share information on current African literature and library technologies; holding continental or regional forums to motivate research on relevant themes affecting African societies and nations; among others. V - CONCLUSION: It is the hope of the three organizations involved in preparing and approving this MOU that it will go a long way in improving quality theological training in Africa through collaborative partnership, mutual recognition of each other's standards, and sharing of relevant quality assurance initiatives with each other and their respective constituents. Further, both FUTE and ACTEA commit to fully implement the terms of this MOU in view of the mutual benefits it has for the development of theological education in South Africa and entire African continent. And finally, we trust that the signing of this MOU will inspire and usher in a new spirit and era of collaborative initiatives and arrangements among key stakeholders and players in theological education throughout the African continent for the enhancement of excellence in the quality of African theological education. VI - APPENDICES:

37 35 APPENDIX 1: ACTEA STANDARDS AND GUIDE TO SELF-EVALUATION (2011) APPENDIX 2: ACTEA - SAQA/HEQF ACADEMIC LEVEL STANDARDS AND QUALIFICATIONS SIGNED ON (Date) (August) (Year) BY: NAME: Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chemengich NAME:??? POSITION: ACTEA Executive Director POSITION: Chairman, FUTE WITNESSED BY: NAME: Prof. Jurgens Hendriks POSITION/ORGANIZATION: NetACT Executive Director APPENDICES APPENDIX 1: ACTEA STANDARDS AND GUIDE TO SELF-EVALUATION (2011): "See Attachment" APPENDIX 2: ACTEA-SAQA/HEQF ACADEMIC LEVEL STANDARDS AND QUALIFICATIONS: (i) At the Undergraduate Levels:

38 (ii) At the Postgraduate Levels: 36

39 ADDENDUM V: Living with Dignity 37