Africa U. to celebrate 20 years of progress

Where are they now?

One of the goals of Africa University has been for its graduates to go back into their communities and use their education to improve the lives of as many as possible. Like a single tree providing fruit for many, Africa University graduates are able to "pay it forward" with the knowledge they've gained. The following provides a sample of many Africa University graduates having a positive impact on the continent.

The Rev. Joao Sambo (Mozambique), pastor of Liberdade United Methodist Church in Maputo, Mozambique, and recently appointed as The United Methodist Church Mozambique's Flood Relief Task Force coordinator. Bachelor of divinity, 2007.

Dr. Tshiani Kasombo (Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC) is the medical superintendent at the Nyadire Mission Centre in rural Zimbabwe. Master's degree in public health, 2007.

The Rev. Tolbert Thomas Jallah, (Liberia) secretary general of the Fellowship of Christian Councils and Churches of West Africa. Master's in peace and governance, 2006.

Alima Hussein, (Mozambique) principal adviser, Government Relations for Rio Tinto Coal, Mozambique. Bachelor of business studies (Management), 2005.

Martha Mutisi, (Zimbabwean but based in Durban, South Africa) Manager of the Interventions Department of ACCORD (African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes). Master's in peace and governance, 2004.

 

To learn more about
Africa University or donate,
visit www.support-africauniversity.org/

The Rev. Mazvita Margaret Machinga (Zimbabwe) is engaged with mental health support, pastoral care and counseling services at the community level and active in prison ministry. She is an ordained deacon and earned her doctorate in pastoral care and counseling at Claremont School of Theology in 2010. Bachelor of education degree, 2000.

Steven Mutsongodza (Zimbabwe) founded First Class Academy, a school for high school seniors in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Bachelor of education degree, 1999.

Zivayi Nengomasha (Zimbabwe) is director of programs and planning for ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) Africa Regional Office. She is the former country director of ADRA Zimbabwe and took over the regional post in April 2012. Bachelor's degree in agriculture and natural resources, specializing in animal science. She is one of the pioneering graduates in 1994.

*Gilbert is a multimedia reporter for the young adult content team at United Methodist Communications, Nashville, Tenn. She is part of a team traveling to attend the March 22-24 celebration and will be reporting on those events in the coming weeks.

News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or [email protected].


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Local Church
United Methodists stand in front of the new Mont Morija United Methodist Church in Golf Plateau III, a fast-growing district of Lubumbashi, Congo. The new building can accommodate 800 worshippers. Photo courtesy of the Jerusalem District.

Family donates funds to build South Congo church

The new United Methodist sanctuary with room for 800 worshippers is helping grow membership and ministries in the South Congo Conference.
Violence
Nurse Franck Onamemba shows broken windows at United Methodist Irambo Health Center in Bukavu, Congo. The church hospital was ransacked by armed men during the weekend of Feb. 14-16 as fighting between M23 rebels and the Congolese armed forces continues in eastern Congo. Photo by Philippe Kituka Lolonga, UM News.

Violence, vandalism strike church in Congo

Fighting in eastern Congo has affected United Methodist families and ministries, including an attack at United Methodist Irambo Health Center in Bukavu.
Central Conferences
The United Methodist Church is getting a new map in Africa. When the Africa Central Conference meets March 13-17 in Johannesburg, the central conference will split to form the Southern Africa and East Africa central conferences. Central conferences are responsible for electing bishops and making adaptations to the Book of Discipline for their missional context. Graphic by Ben Ward, UM News.

Church gears up for new bishops, new map

Four United Methodist central conferences are scheduled in the coming months. By the time they conclude, United Methodists expect to have eight additional new bishops and one more central conference.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved