​​"This signals our continued commitment to our role in society and to what the University can do in terms of redressing our divided past."

This was how Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU), described the signing of an agreement between the University and Die Volkskerk van Afrika on Tuesday (10 May 2016). Prof De Villiers and Dr Donald Katts, Moderator of Die Volkskerk van Afrika, signed the agreement on behalf of the two institutions at SU's Faculty of Theology.

In terms of the agreement, Die Volkskerk van Afrika becomes a church partner of SU to train ministers of the Church in church ministry at the Faculty of Theology.

​The parties also agree, insofar it is reasonably possible and academically justifiable, that SU will acknowledge the needs of Die Volkskerk van Afrika in all the University's theological courses for the training of Christian leaders and ministers, as well as those for church ministry. 

Stellenbosch University also declares its willingness to make it facilities and infrastructure available to the church. In addition, Die Volkskerk van Afrika, may also appoint, in accordance with the requirements of the University, full time or part-time lecturers to teach students of the church.

Dr Donald Katts described the signing of the agreement as an historic occasion and said it also tells something about the Church's struggle for justice over the years.

​"It is also a sign of our commitment to build the country and to set it on a path of reconciliation and human dignity."

Reverend Simon Adams, a former Vice-Moderator of Die Volkskerk van Afrika, said "one of the dreams we had since 1972 came true today."

Prof Hendrik Bosman, Acting Dean of SU's Faculty of Theology, said the Faculty is not only privileged to have a special relationship with Die Volkskerk van Afrika, but is also willing to continue the journey with the church.

Students from various denominations have long received their theological training – undergraduate and postgraduate – at the University's Faculty of Theology.

The Faculty has signed similar agreements with the Dutch Reformed Church, the Uniting Reformed Church, the Presbyterian Church and the Anglican Church.

• Photo: Dr Donald Katts, Moderator of Die Volkskerk van Afrika, and Prof Wim de Villiers, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, sign the agreement while Prof Hendrik Bosman, Acting Dean of SU's Faculty of Theology, looks on.
  
• ​Photographer: Anton Jordaan