What our graduates say

‘My name is Indileni Hilukiluah and I am currently studying at the University of Kwazulu-Natal thanks to a bursary from the Biko Bowcott Trust. I am a former COTT student.

I come from the Anglican Diocese of Namibia, where I grew up and went to school for most of my life.

In 2002 I felt a calling to serve in church ministry. The aspiration to study theology persisted even though I did not have the financial means to do so. The possibility came when in 2005 I commenced my first year at COTT thanks to funding from St James’ Church New York.

COTT not only fulfilled my academic aspirations, but the multi-cultural environment formed and transformed me in a spiritual, personal and cultural manner – as a woman, a future leader, an African, a human being, a Christian
and a member of the global community.' – Indileni Hilukiluah, Namibia

'I arrived at COTT in April 2002 a devastated person, having fled Zimbabwe and left my family in Harare where things were heating up. In many ways I would describe myself at that point as someone whose faith was on the fringe of disappearance.

There were many things that influenced me and have impacted greatly on me since my time at COTT. One of these things was the Chapel life. I came to realise that with all my passion and energy, I could only do as much as God willed.

And, since I left COTT in 2003, I have been privileged to undertake massive programmes which have changed people’s lives, and mine too: work in training the laity in the Diocese of Manicaland, the intervention to protect thousands of Zimbabweans who were made destitute by the land reform programme, the intervention on Operation Murambistvina where thousands of people were suddenly rendered homeless and jobless, advocating for political change in Zimbabwe with Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition and recently in South Africa for refugees who were affected by the xenophobic attacks.
– Nicholas Mkaronda

'After I left the College I was placed in my home parish (Corpus Christi in Garsfontein) and given the task of creating a new parish in Willow Glen. This has been both joyful and stressful.

'In the context of the seminary, I was challenged beyond myself and learnt to interact with people from very different backgrounds. This experience has probably played the most significant part in my formation as a deacon last year and now as a priest.

'I have no doubt that the experience of College life will continue to influence the way I present Christ to the world.' – Vernon Foster, Pastor, Willow Glen Anglican Church

'My name is Stephen Mazingo and I am a recent graduate of Virginia Theological Seminary. While there, I had the opportunity to attend the Contextual Theology programme at the College of the Transfiguration in Grahamstown, South Africa.

'It was a four-week experience during which I learned many things. I learned about the culture of South Africa and its many complexities, especially regarding race and HIV/AIDS.

'While I was there I attended classes, engaged in outreach with the other students at a TB clinic and an orphanage for street children. My experiences in South Africa have changed my life and because of the Contextual Theology programme, I am now going to return for an extended year long mission experience.

'South Africa was for me a place of intense self-examination and self-discovery. I will always remember my time at the College and hope that others will have the opportunity to experience the programme that I attended.' – Stephen Mazingo

'The past five months have flown by so fast. It seems like Colleen, the boys and I arrived at the College yesterday. The anticipated move to Grahamstown brought with it feelings of uncertainty as we prepared our big scale down, let alone saying goodbye to family, friends and colleagues.

'We arrived at College a week before the other students and were warmly welcomed by Revd Janet Trisk, the acting rector. This welcome would set the tone for the days and months to follow.

'After a month, I was asked by Joshua, my 9 year old son, if we could stay on for another year. This spoke volumes to me as I realised that my family felt at home and accepted Grahamstown, their school and the College as our new home. This made it easier for me to settle down and get stuck into my studies.

'Like any other community, there are tensions, differences and challenges and not everything is plain sailing. In spite of the challenges, I thank God that we are able to encourage and learn from each other.' – Marcus Slingers