By Chalotte Mokonyane
The College of the Transfiguration, a cornerstone of theological education in Southern Africa, recently celebrated its Feast of Title, marking 32 years of ministerial training and theological education.
The event drew alums, current students, and faculty together to reflect on the college’s history and its mission of spiritual formation and community engagement.
Reverend Canon, Dr Percy Chinganga, Rector and Principal of the college, explained the name’s significance. It’s rooted in the biblical narrative where Jesus takes three disciples up a mountain and is transfigured, revealing his divine nature. The experience affirmed Jesus’s ministry and his followers’ role, which, for Chinganga, mirrors the college’s purpose. “The Feast of Title is a message of hope, encouragement, and affirmation,” he said, “as we go into the community, we are going with this conviction that God is with us and that Jesus remains working in our midst.”
Established in 1993, the college was created through the amalgamation of St. Bede’s and St. Paul’s Colleges, with its name influenced by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. It is the sole provincial residential college of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, providing a contextual approach to theological studies. Chinganga highlighted the college’s ongoing task to address historical challenges and work toward transforming South Africa and beyond.
Among the visitors for the celebration was alumnus Revered Dr Meshack Mariri, now the dean of Johannesburg. Mariri shared how the college transformed him personally and professionally. “The college moulds us and prepares us, even for circumstances or challenges that you’ve never thought you’d be able to deal with,” he said. He advised current students to remain open-minded and to focus not just on classroom learning but on the spiritual, social, and academic formation that happens within the community. He noted that the Feast of Title reminds them to descend from the “mountain top experience” and serve in the “valley” alongside people in their struggles and joys, just as Christ did.
Third-year theology student Phikolomzi Dlanjwa spoke about how the celebration inspires him, “It reminds us of who we should be when we go out into the community,” he said. Moving from the mountaintop to the valley ignites a sense of purpose, urging him to leave a positive mark wherever he goes. Dlanjwa also expressed a desire to see the celebration become a bigger, community-wide event, welcoming the people of Makhanda to witness the passion and inspiration that drives the students in their service
