We are called to be salt of the earth and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16) - let us influence our communities positively and reflect the love of Christ.
The Faculty of Theology is uniquely situated in the aim to provide support, spiritual care to and sharing expertise with society. Various projects form part of our community engagement initiatives. Each is driven by an academic and sometimes in collaboration with our students.
Below follows a list of these projects. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any ideas for projects or would like to get involved in existing initiatives.
For more information contact the Community Engagement Coordinator:
Prof Elma Cornelius
Email: Elma.Cornelius@nwu.ac.za
Ongoing Projects
Our colleagues are continuously striving to make an impact in their various unique focus areas. Below is a list of projects that are currently ongoing.
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A faculty who cares (Fazel Freeks): impacting and supporting learners at schools
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A life beyond Iron Bars (Fazel Freeks): impacting and building resilience with inmates
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The Values and Character-building programme (Fazel Freeks): Building and instilling values and character at schools
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The Total Life programme (Fazel Freeks): strengthening and giving hope to congregations and correctional facilities
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Civil Society development (Vhumani Magezi): Pastor's forum - strengthening community health through church leaders
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Women Empowerment (Amanda du Plessis): conducting pastoral counselling and empowerment sessions at church meetings
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Church Advisory and leadership/ Eco-theology/ Contributions to church communities/ Pastoral Care/ Equipping sessions for congregations (Sarel van der Walt): Advise and support for Reformed churches
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Equipping church leaders (Elma Cornelius): presenting workshops to share expertise and equip church leaders
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Strengthening community health (Elma Cornelius): sharing Christian life skills with community groups
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Share research results with the public (Elma Cornelius): Sharing research with communities
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Church advisory not limited to the Reformed Churches (Elma Cornelius): Church advisory and leadership
Latest Projects
Equipping church leaders, a workshop: ‘In dialogue with Job’
The two-day seminar, themed ‘In Dialogue with Job,’ aimed to equip ministers and church members with a deeper understanding of the text and interpretation of the biblical book of Job. The session focused on helping ministers and church members develop an awareness of possible signs of depression, enabling them to respond pastorally and responsibly when individuals approach them for support. Emphasis was placed on the importance of referring individuals who may exhibit symptoms of clinical depression to qualified mental health professionals for appropriate assessment and care.
Women’s gathering of Reformed Churches in South Africa
On 7 March 2026, Prof Albert Coetsee represented the Faculty of Theology at the Women’s Gathering of the Reformed Churches in South Africa, held in Stilbaai. The event brought together 130 women from congregations across the Southern Cape and Eastern Cape for biblically grounded encouragement, spiritual reflection, and fellowship. This engagement shared accessible theological insight while strengthening relationships between NWU and faith-based communities.
Further Studies English and Classics Colloquium
The Further Studies English and Classics Colloquium was held online via Zoom on Saturday, 7 February, and brought together 41 participants from 22 high schools and higher‑education institutions. Coordinated by NWU staff member Dr Natasha Ferreira, the event featured contributions from internal and external academics and engaged high‑schoolteachers and learners in exploring FS English themes through classical texts and reception studies. The colloquium supported academic enrichment, pedagogical development, and meaningful engagement between secondary and tertiary education communities, in line with NWU’s community engagement mission.
Past Projects
PAST 222 excursion visiting Hebron Farm
On Monday, 13th October 2025, Professor Fazel Ebrihiam Freeks visited the Hebron Farm with his pastoral students as part of the PAST 222 excursion planned and arranged for the second semester of 2025. It was an uplifting and instructive outreach experience, empowering and teaching the people of Hebron about Pastoral Principles and the notion of Pastoral Counselling. Read more.
Study Methods & Motivation for the Grade 12’s at Potchefstroom Secondary School
On Monday, 20 October 2025, Professor Fazel Ebrihiam Freeks, with his pastoral students, visited the Potchefstroom Secondary School to give motivation and study methods to the Grade 12’s before they start with their final examination. Time management, group study, flashcards, note summarisation, and other practical study approaches were also presented. Read more.
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NWU’S School of Christian Ministry and Leadership partners with local churches
As part of its community engagement and stakeholder relations, the School of Christian Ministry and Leadership at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus recently [May 2022] partnered with church leaders in the Vaal area to create a forum to recover and strengthen ethical and moral leadership within the church and community. Read more.
Female inmates received letters of attendance
The Faculty of Theology has once again experienced a special year with regard to its community engagement programs and projects. On the 20th of November, the female inmates at the Potchefstroom Correctional Services received recognition for attending and completing one of the courses presented by Prof. Fazel Ebrihiam Freeks. This day was a very special occasion for the female inmates when they received their letters of attendance with great gratitude. On this occasion, one of the officers of Correctional Services (Klerksdorp region) expressed his gratitude for the positive partnership between Correctional Services and the NWU. Mr. Sipho Mahlangu, Head of the Correctional Services mentioned the positive relations between the Faculty of Theology and Correctional Services. In particular, he emphasized the community projects of the Faculty that contribute immensely to the Correctional Services’ WHITE PAPER which pertains to the rehabilitation of prisoners. Prof. Freeks was also assisted and supported by some of his Pastoral students, namely Brighton Mojapelo, Lianca Liebenberg and Dineo Seleke.
PAST 222 Excursion 2019 – Potchefstroom Remand Detention Facility
On Tuesday, 13 August 2019, Prof Fazel Ebrihiam Freeks once again undertook an excursion to the Potchefstroom Remand Detention Facility to the Potchefstroom Remand Detention Facility with his Pastoral Counseling students. The female inmates were very excited and appreciated the students' participation and the interest they took in them. Some of the themes treated during this year's excursion were the importance of time; resilience; forgiveness; a relationship with God and the value and worth of a human being. The students regarded the event as a valuable opportunity to work with the inmates and to gain experience. The excursion was not only about motivating, inspiring and encouraging inmates, but it was also a very emotional experience for both inmates and students.
PAST 222 Excursion 2019 - House Hebron
On Thursday the 10th of October 2019, Professor Fazel Ebrihiam Freeks organized the PAST 222 group's second excursion for the year at Hebron. The PAST 222 group is seventeen (17) in total and their theme on this occasion was: Have you ever tasted Jesus? with the sub-themes of repentance; hope; a new path to follow, and a focused life. This excursion was once again an unforgettable event and experience for the students. The Hebron people also enjoyed the discussions and motivation of the students immensely and worked well together. These Pastoral Counseling students have developed a great love for community engagement and -involvement. They mention that it is worthwhile helping, supporting and walking the extra mile with people, because that is the Will of God.
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