History

Dumisani Theological Institute and Bible School began in 1979 as the Dimbaza Reformed Bible School. The main emphasis then was on lay training and the provision of basic literature in English and Xhosa. In 1985 the work moved to King William’s Town. In 1991 Diploma classes were started for men studying for the ministry and in 1997 the link with what is now North-West University was forged.

The founders of Dumisani were Bill and Elizabeth Graham (left), who were then missionaries with the Free Church of Scotland.

"We feel a great sense of gratitude to God that we were in at the beginning of this work and we rejoice to see how it has developed. As we look back we thank God for all the good people who have helped Dimbaza/Dumisani through the years.

It was great when the Bible School opened in Dimbaza in February 1979. The Correspondence Courses got underway as well as the conferences we held both in Dimbaza and out in the various Districts. Getting literature translated, printed and distributed was always a busy time. During those early years the Correspondence Courses went out to many hundreds of people all over the country and the Bible Reading Notes as well. We are sure they helped a lot of people during the very troubled times through which the country passed at the time.

While it was sad leaving Dimbaza, we were sure it was better to move into King William’s Town when we did. So since we had a new base we needed a new name. Dumisani was opened, continuing the same work but also developing into what it has become today – a Theological College for which we give thanks to the Lord."

 In their recent 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. Their book can be purchased from the Free Church of Scotland bookroom.