Southern Africa Nazarene University launched in Swaziland

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Manzini, Swaziland

David W. Graves, general superintendent in jurisdiction of the Africa Region, and E. LeBron Fairbanks, Church of the Nazarene education commissioner, joined Africa Regional Director Filimao Chambo and other regional leaders on October 22 for the official launch of Southern Africa Nazarene University in Manzini, Swaziland. Approximately 1,300 persons attended the ceremony at the Nazarene College of Education in Manzini.

The creation of the university is the final step in the transition from three separate Nazarene colleges in Swaziland - College of Education, College of Nursing, and the College of Theology - to the Nazarene Higher Education Consortium (NAHEC) to Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU). The International Board of Education (IBOE) chair, Kent Brower, has served as consultant to the NAHEC Board throughout this transition.

In addition to Graves, Fairbanks, and Chambo, representatives from the Church of the Nazarene globally included Africa Regional Education Coordinator Mark Louw, Africa South Field Strategy Coordinator Collin Elliott, Swaziland National Board Chair Philemon Dlamini, SANU Board of Governors Chair Anderson Nxumalo, Brower,  Africa Nazarene University Vice Chancellor Leah Marangu, retired Africa Regional Director Richard Zanner, and retired Africa Regional Education Coordinator Ted Esselstyn.

Swaziland government officials present for the festive occasion included Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini, his deputy, and government ministers of Education and Training, Public Works and Transport, and Information, Communication, and Technology. Members of Parliament and representatives of the royal family were also present.

Winnie Nhlengethwa was installed as the first vice chancellor of SANU by Education Commissioner Fairbanks. He noted: "Dr. Nhlengethwa is an outstanding Nazarene educator. She has served as the NAHEC rector and Nazarene College of Nursing principal. She serves on the 13-member International Board of Education and recently participated in an IBOE consultation with the Nazarene Nursing Training College in Washim, India. She earned her doctoral degree in Nursing Education from the University of Manchester, England. What a jewel!"

Fairbanks presented the keynote address prior to the installation of the new vice chancellor. General Superintendent Graves prayed the installation prayer for Nhlengethwa.

For more on this story, see the following Swaziland newspaper reports by clicking one of the following story titles:
 "Dr. Winnie is new Vice Chancellor of Nazarene University" (Times)
"Queen Mom Thanks Nazarenes" (Observer)
"Inkhosikati applauds Nazarene community" (Observer)
"SA Nazarene University launch" (Observer)

--International Board of Education

 

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