HISTORY

Dumisani Theological Institute and Bible School was initiated by a group of leaders who met together in March, 1978 to form a four-way partnership to start a Bible School in Dimbaza in what was then known as Ciskei (not far from King William’s Town). The four partners were:  the Gereformeerde Kerk East London, the Gereformeerde Kerk eMonti, the Free Church of Scotland, and the Free Church in Southern Africa.

The work formally began in February, 1979 on location in Dimbaza, on property provided by the Gereformeerde Kerk and was named The Dimbaza Reformed Bible School. The planners for this work included Rev. Bill Graham and Dominee Paul Kruger amongst others. The Bible School conducted training workshops, conferences (both on site in Dimbaza and out in villages and districts) and training courses; prepared and distributed literature (chiefly in Xhosa); and, operated a Bible Correspondence programme.

As the years passed, the work progressed more formally to also include a diploma-level training course for evangelists and pastors.  In late 1986, The Dimbaza Reformed Bible School acquired new premises in the former St. Chad’s Church on Leopold Street in King William’s Town. This came about through a 50/50 ownership arrangement between the Dimbaza Reformed Bible School and the East London Reformed Church. With the relocation in 1987, it was necessary to change the name and thus the relocated work was called Dumisani Bible School.

In 1995 the name was changed once again to reflect the growth in what Dumisani was doing. It was now renamed Dumisani Theological Institute and Bible School. The name Dumisani reflected its Xhosa context as “Dumisani” is Xhosa for “praise”. What a beautiful name for a theological institution to be named, as giving praise unto the Lord—Psalm 146:1 Dumisani uYehova. Over time the premises were able to be expanded from the one building (the former church building) to also include two other properties and thereby form “a campus” on Leopold Street.

In 1996 a formal arrangement was made with the then Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education (now known as North-West University) to offer their undergraduate theological degree through Dumisani. This has remained in effect through to today, so we are approaching our twentieth year to be a partner for theological degree-level education here in the Eastern Cape. Yet the new name, Dumisani Theological Institute and Bible School, continued a commitment to the vision of Bible School work and so non-degree programmes of training have remained a constant. Thus Dumisani continues to train at a variety of levels as it prepares Christian workers for many denominations and organisations.

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Bill and Elizabeth Graham

We thank the Lord for our early leaders who had the vision and foresight to form what is today Dumisani Theological Institute and Bible School. We rejoice that in now over 38 years of ministry in educating and training Christian leaders and workers, our alumni can be found ministering across the Eastern Cape and beyond.

Also, we thank the Lord for all who locally, across the country of South Africa, and globally have generously contributed to the advancement of this institution in a variety of ways over these almost four decades. Many have worked together for the common cause of seeing Christian workers go forth prepared for ministries. Dumisani Yehova - to God be the glory, great things he has done.  

In their book The Ochre and the Blue, the Grahams have written a thrilling account of the history of the missionary work of the Free Church of Scotland in South Africa in the twentieth century, including the story of Dumisani. The book can be purchased from Dumisani Theological Institute & Bible School.