NWU Faculty of Theology

White Zibophe, Doctor of Philosophy Theology with Old Testament

White Zibophe, the son of Richard and Nora Zibophe was born on 17th September 1987 in Zomba, Malawi. After finishing high school in 2006, he went on to study for a diploma in theology and graduated in 2009. After this, he worked as an Office Administrator for Children for Christ Ministry while also serving in his denomination and as an Assistant lecturer at the Evangelical Bible College of Malawi until 2020. White obtained his Bachelor of Theology in 2016, Bachelor of Theology (Honours) in 2017, and a Master of Theology in 2020, from George Whitefield College in Cape Town.

In his thesis, "Righteousness and hope: An integrated reading of the book of Amos", White employed a unified literary social-historical methodology to investigate the main theological message of Amos. His study interpreted Amos in the context of the ancient Near Eastern world, comparing it with ancient texts from Egypt, Sumer, Assyria and Babylon about order and chaos, and concluded that all these texts follow a similar hierarchical order of righteousness from the deity, the king, through the sanctuary to the community. Using this framework, his study establishes that Amos’s main theological message is righteousness and hope, and not necessarily justice, judgement, and doom as the book has been interpreted. His study is the first to demonstrate the prevalence of hope throughout the book of Amos.

Promoter: Prof G Kotzé

It is our wish that this qualification will make an impact within each graduate's environment as well as in the lives of the people who are within the graduate's sphere of influence. We are proud of your achievement.

Gerrit Jonker Venter, Doctor of Philosophy Theology with Apologetics

Gerrit Jonker Venter is in Desember 1987 in Pretoria gebore en het in 2006 aan Hoërskool Gerrit Maritz gematrikuleer. In 2013 het hy sy studies aan die Teologiese Skool Potchefstroom begin as kandidaatstudent vir die bediening in die Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-Afrika (GKSA). Aan die Fakulteit Teologie van die Noordwes-Universiteit (NWU) het hy die B.Th.-graad (2015), B.Th. Honneurs in Bybeltale (2016), en ’n M.Div.-graad (met onderskeiding) in 2017 voltooi. In 2019 ontvang hy die M.Th.-graad in Apologetiek, met navorsing oor hoe geloofsvorming by voorskoolse kinders plaasvind en wat dit inhou vir apologetiese toerusting. Venter het akademiese artikels saam met sy promotor gepubliseer in Unio Cum Christo (internasionaal) en In die Skriflig (nasionaal), met fokus op apologetiek, geloofsvorming en voorskoolse kategese. Hy het referate gelewer by konferensies van die Cult-caring-inisiatief en die Southern African Missional Society (SAMS), en is sedert 2017 lid van die World Reformed Fellowship. Sedert 2019 is hy ook betrokke by die Scriptura-podsending bediening. Venter dien sedert 2020 as voltydse predikant in die GKSA. Hy is gelukkig getroud en het 3 kosbare kinders.

In sy proefskrif, Apologetiese toerusting in ʼn Christelike wêreldbeskouing tydens geloofsopvoeding van voorskoolse kinders, ondersoek hy hoe kinders van vroeg in hulle lewe af kan leer om dit wat hulle glo te verwoord, te verduidelik, en selfs te verdedig. Daar word ingegaan op wyse waarop apologetiese toerusting geïntegreer kan word in geloofsopvoeding van Christenkinders. Die studie vertrek vanuit die standpunt dat kinders voor die ouderdom van sewe reeds belangrike aspekte van hul wêreldbeskouing vorm en as Christene toegerus behoort te word om hulle geloof volgens hulle verstandsouderdom te verantwoord. Die navorsing fokus hiermee saam op die invloed van naturalisme, ateïsme en ander naturalistiese wêreldbeskouings uit veral Afrika en Asië op kinders se verstaan van die werklikheid en geloofsvorming. Vanuit ’n gereformeerde benadering word die Bybels-Christelike leer oor God, skepping, mens en verlossing antiteties teenoor idees uit hierdie wêreldbeskouings waarmee kinders te doen kry uiteengesit, waarna praktiese voorbeelde van apologeties-begeleidende gesprekke met voorskoolse kinders bespreek word.

Promoter: Prof HG Stoker

Dit is ons wens dat hierdie kwalifikasie 'n impak sal maak binne elke gegradueerde se omgewing sowel as in die lewens van die mense wat binne die gegradueerde se invloedsfeer is. Ons is trots op jou prestasie.

Robert Michael Sivulka, Doctor of Philosophy Theology with Apologetics

Robert Michael Sivulka is the son of Bob and Deanna Sivulka. He is married to Tara and have two children Charis and Zoe and a step-daughter named Madi who is married to Jameson Williams, and they have 2 kids: Felicity and Rusty. He enrolled for several qualifications that includes his B.A. in Biblical Studies at Biola University (1988), M.A. Theological Studies (1989) and another M.A. in Philosophy of Religion & Ethics (1993) both at Talbot School of Theology and an M.A. Philosophy, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, (1993). He enrolled for a Doctoral study in philosophy at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (2007). Among many of his talents and hobbies he is a missionary, apologist, philosopher, theologian, book and article writer and radio host.

In his thesis, "A reformed apologetic examination of perennial racism within Mormonism", he explores the (current) status of racism in the LDS (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). Is it perennial or merely a thing of the past? In his search study for an answer, he traced perennial racism from the LDS biblical documents, LDS Church historical document, its teachings and prophecies. In his findings, he uncovers that the LDS Church racism is not something easily dismissed from simply the 1978 revelation. Racism is still a more fundamental problem for the Church. This research study adds value not only within the LDS Church, for offering an in-depth introspection of the LDS self-knowledge, but also to incentivize a Reformed apologetic approach of biblical truth, prophecy, Christian living and witness in the world.

Promoter: Dr LLIM Fohle
Co-Promoter: Dr TA Muswubi

It is our wish that this qualification will make an impact within each graduate's environment as well as in the lives of the people who are within the graduate's sphere of influence. We are proud of your achievement.

Kamohelo Tshepang Mofokeng, Doctor of Philosophy Theology with Pastoral Studies

Kamohelo Tshepang Mofokeng, the daughter of Malefa Mofokeng was born on the 14th of May 1996 in Tembisa, Johannesburg. She matriculated from Birchleigh High School in 2014 and enrolled for her BTh Pastoral counselling and psychology degree at the North-West University (NWU) in 2016. She obtained her honours degree (Theology) in 2020, her MTh degree (Theology) with distinction in 2022 at the NWU, Potchefstroom Campus. She is an ambassador for Project Exodus (NGO) where she played a role in project development and addiction recovery group facilitation. She is appointed as a post-doctoral research fellow at the faculty of Theology, NWU form 1 June 2026.

In her thesis, "Pastoral counselling of youth with eating disorders as a result of sexual abuse", Tshepang explores the complex relationship that exists between exposure to sexual abuse and the subsequent development of eating disorders that often arise because of such trauma. Attention was given to how these experiences influence an individual’s sense of mental well-being, identity, view of sexuality and spiritual life. This was achieved by drawing a fine balance between scientific knowledge and personal narrative allowing both empirical understanding and lived experience to inform the process of healing. She explored the theme from a multidisciplinary background, as the complexity of the topic necessitated multi-disciplinary collaboration. Based on her findings, she suggested a list of pastoral guidelines and strategies which can be utilized when working with these individuals.

Promoter: Prof AL Du Plessis

It is our wish that this qualification will make an impact within each graduate's environment as well as in the lives of the people who are within the graduate's sphere of influence. We are proud of your achievement.

Hendry Mashile, Doctor of Philosophy Theology with Ethics

Hendry Mashile is married to Pretty Refilwe and blessed with two children, daughter Semakeleng and son Tharollo. He is currently serving as the Registrar and a lecturer at Christ Baptist Church Seminary in Limpopo Province. Hendry’s academic and professional work reflects an interdisciplinary commitment to theological, leadership, and higher education administration. Beyond institutional responsibilities, he is actively engaged in pastoral ministry and community service within Church of the Nazarene. He also contributes to language and biblical scholarship by volunteering as a reviewer for the Sepulana Oral Bible Translation project in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga. His involvement in this initiative reflects a passion for contextual theology, indigenous language development, and expanding access to Scripture within African communities. His interests intersect in theological education, leadership, community transformation, and contextual ministry.

In his thesis, "A theological-ethical evaluation of corporate social responsibility practices on SMEs in Limpopo Province", Hendry investigated the influence of biblical ethics on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Amidst increasing interest in CSR practices as a business strategy and a social responsibility, the research examined how biblical ethics can guide and facilitate Limpopo Province SMEs in embedding ethical values in their businesses while responding to the needs of their immediate society. SMEs unanimously indicated that biblical ethics inform CSR decisions, underpin ethical leadership, and maximize community impact. Quantitative findings validated high agreement on the compatibility of profitability and ethics, CSR as a tool to combat corruption, and the long-term sustainability of CSR programs. Theologically, the research validated that CSR practices are congruent with biblical imperatives of justice, fairness, stewardship, transparency, and perseverance.

Promoter: Prof M Kotzé

It is our wish that this qualification will make an impact within each graduate's environment as well as in the lives of the people who are within the graduate's sphere of influence. We are proud of your achievement.

Hendrik Douw Louwrens, Doctor of Philosophy Theology with Semitic Languages

Hendrik Douw (Henk) Louwrens, after matriculating from Hoër Volkskool in Graaff-Reinet, qualified as a surgeon through the Faculty of Medicine at Stellenbosch University. A strong interest in research led to the first national presentation on limb-salvage surgery using native vessels, as well as the completion of a Doctorate in Medicine. His thesis demonstrated that maintaining a high index of suspicion for early gastric cancer in symptomatic high-risk patients could significantly improve the prognosis of an otherwise frequently fatal disease. A subsequent research fellowship at Northwestern University, Chicago, USA, resulted in a publication in the European Journal of Vascular Surgery and authorship of a chapter in a medical textbook. The Faculty of Ancient Studies at Stellenbosch University and the Faculty of Theology at North-West University made part-time studies in the Hebrew Bible and its languages of composition possible. His thesis in Semitic Languages is his second doctoral qualification.

The Sabbath instruction in Exodus 20:8–11 calls upon the Israelite to remember and keep the Sabbath day holy by serving and completing all work in six days, and by refraining from any work on the seventh. The rationale given for this command is God’s acts of creation. Yet this leaves an apparent conceptual gap between the Sabbath command and the Creation narrative of Genesis 1:1–2:4. In his thesis, "An intertextual reading of the six days of work and the Sabbath command of Exod 20:8-11", Henk argues that, within time, the first created reality—space, which was subsequently formed and ordered—had to be filled in uninterrupted dedication to the Creator. Remembering the Sabbath thus becomes a revisitation of the Creation narrative, in which adam was appointed steward of a perfect world.

Promoter: Prof GR Kotzé

It is our wish that this qualification will make an impact within each graduate's environment as well as in the lives of the people who are within the graduate's sphere of influence. We are proud of your achievement.

Germari Kruger, Doctor of Philosophy Theology with Ethics

Germari Kruger, daughter of Louisemari and Chris, was born on 13 May 1989 in Alberton, South Africa. She enrolled at the North-West University (NWU) for her theological studies and was awarded the Desmond Tutu joint PhD bursary to pursue a joint PhD degree in Theology at the North-West University, Potchefstroom, and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. She completed her doctoral research in 2025. Her research was conducted as part of the "Giving children a Chance for Life" (GCCL) transdisciplinary research project, which aimed to support improved paediatric antiretroviral therapy adherence in Gugulethu and Masiphumelele, Western Cape, South Africa.

In her thesis, "Addressing HIV stigmatisation within faith communities in South Africa", Germari explores how faith communities can improve their contribution to addressing HIV stigma. Using a multi-method, multi-phased approach, she integrates theological inquiry with empirical research, drawing on focus groups, interviews, and questionnaires conducted between 2016 and 2018. Her research moves between disciplinary boundaries, merging theology and healthcare to construct practical knowledge based on lived experiences. The study culminates in the development of an ethical framework for addressing HIV stigma, grounded in the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights (UDBHR) and the Christian 'golden rule'. Based on her findings, Germari provides practical strategies for both faith communities and healthcare centres, including the establishment of community advisory boards to facilitate ongoing collaboration.

Promoter: Prof R Rheeder; Prof E Van Der Borght
Co-Promoter: Prof AM Tutu-van Furth; Dr S van Elsland

It is our wish that this qualification will make an impact within each graduate's environment as well as in the lives of the people who are within the graduate's sphere of influence. We are proud of your achievement.

Dubois Du Toit, Doctor of Philosophy Theology with Apologetics

Dubois Du Toit, the son of Dubois and Alida du Toit, was born on 24 August 1988 in Potchefstroom, South Africa. He completed his secondary education at Stellenbosch High School in 2006 before enrolling at Stellenbosch University in 2007 for his theological studies. He obtained his BTh (2010), MDiv (2011), Licentiate (2012), and MTh in Systematic Theology (2015) at Stellenbosch University. Dubois has consistently demonstrated an academic interest in the intersection of philosophy and Christian dogmatics, focusing on the apologetic challenges posed by contemporary secular thought. For this purpose, he established a youtube channel called D**k Bybels. Dubois is married to Elida du Toit since 2012 (13 years), and have a son, Christiaan (8 years old). He is minister at Suiderhof Dutch Reformed congregation in Windhoek Namibia.

In his thesis, "Die post-moderne self en die Imago Dei : `n Gereformeerd-teologiese analise van kontemporêr-progressiewe opvattings oor identiteit en menswaardigheid", (The postmodern self and the Imago Dei: A Reformed-theological analysis of contemporary progressive views on identity and human dignity), Dubois examines the profound shift in contemporary Western culture toward an inward-focused identity consciousness. He investigates how subjective experience and self-definition have replaced traditional ontologies as the primary measures of meaning, morality, and human dignity. The research critically evaluates how these postmodern constructs challenge the traditional Reformed understanding of human dignity, which is rooted in the Imago Dei (the image of God) and divine self-revelation. By conducting a systematic theological analysis, he highlights the tension between self-determined identity and an identity grounded in creation and grace. His study offers a critique of current progressive identity theories and suggests a theological framework for reclaiming a robust, biblically-grounded view of human dignity and personhood in a post-secular context.

Promoter : Prof HG Stoker
Co-Promoter : Prof AL Rheeder

Dit is ons wens dat hierdie kwalifikasie 'n impak sal maak binne elke gegradueerde se omgewing sowel as in die lewens van die mense wat binne die gegradueerde se invloedsfeer is. Ons is trots op jou prestasie.

The Faculty of Theology wants to congratulate Nelson Vhukani on their achievement to obtain the following degree, namely Master of Theology with Pastoral Studies.

Title: The interplay of leadership change and ministry effectiveness at the Fellowship of Christian Union Students in Zimbabwe (FOCUS)

Supervisor: Prof V Magezi

It is our wish that this qualification will make an impact within each graduate's environment as well as in the lives of the people who are within the graduate's sphere of influence. We are proud of your achievement.

The Faculty of Theology wants to congratulate Priviledge Tafirei on their achievement to obtain the following degree, namely Master of Theology with Pastoral Studies.

Title: Interplay of prophetic voice and pastoral care within a complex socio-political context: The case of the Church in Zimbabwe

Supervisor: Prof V Magezi

It is our wish that this qualification will make an impact within each graduate's environment as well as in the lives of the people who are within the graduate's sphere of influence. We are proud of your achievement.