Please help me decide: Seriously considering a Dth through The South African Theological Seminary. Today I read twice the threads on SA degrees. SATS says it is accredited by the South African Qualification Authority. It says it is approved by the U of Z. I also thought about UNISA (know it is much more substantial) however(1) registration is cumbersome, (2) there would be a delay in starting, (3) as I am evangelical or fundi SATS is closer I think to my own feelings. But do the accreditation by SAQA and the approval by UZ =USA RA? Thanks, Bill MA in REL, Point Loma Nazarene MDiv(equiv), ThM, Western CB Seminary
This is tricky area. Essential reading for anyone interested in private higher education institutions in South Africa is the SA Department of Education's REGISTRATION OF PRIVATE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS document. This describes in broad terms the process and requirements for registration, and lists the currently registered institutions. SATS is indeed "conditionally registered" (the highest level of registration), though the only programs listed in the registration are the "Christian Life Certificate" and the "Diploma in Biblical Studies." The word "accreditation" is a confusing one in the South African context. Accreditation is a prerequisite of registration, but accreditation is no longer (since mid-2000) the responsibility of SAQA but rather of the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) of the Council of Higher Education (CHE). The quality assurance function of HEQC currently does not appear to be effective. SAQA registration is not a requirement for the public universities (which include Unizul), though in theory CHE will provide quality assurance for these also.
Hi Bill: According to Reuben at the registrars office at SATS, the degrees that are not certified by SATS are issued through UniZulu. This, however, must change within the next year as the Higher Education Commission of SA will no longer allow the dual role. At that time SATS believes they will be able to issue degrees of their own. You might email Reuben. If you enroll now your degree, if you choose, will be issued through the Unizulu. They certainly seem to be the SA university that is most student friendly.
I should remark that there are people (e.g. Cory Seibel, North, Russell Morris) on the board who know far more about South African theological programs than I do (not hard, actually, because I know nothing about them). So you should get an answer from them. One problem with your post is that people are likely to think that it's about the SAT exams. Might be best to repost under "South African Theological Seminary" or something similar. Also, if your degree would be awarded by University of Zululand, then this would definitely be an accredited degree (according to GAAP -- Generally Accepted Accrediting Principles). If the degree would be awarded by SATS then I presume that this would be OK per GAAP, but I would check with SATS that the degree you want to pursue is covered by their SAQA registration.
Hi Howard: When I was notified that you had weighed in on this i mumbled "Oh good;it's Howard." I had read your contributions re SA on another thread. So, if I enrolled into SATS next week then when I finish-say two years from now, my degree would be sort of from UZ? Do you thinks SATS is "credible" (a tem popular on this forum)? Thanks, Bill
Bill, I do not understand the whole SAQA thing. In fact, at one point John Bear posted a friend of his (South African member of parliament) opinion on SAQA. John called him the Jesse Ventura of SA. He did not seem very positive in his opinion. From what I have seen SATS is legitimate. However, as Howard points out, the best thing is to register through SATS for the University of Zuluand D.Th. I don't know what the deadline means. If it means that as long as you have registered by the deadline your degree can be issued by UNIZUL then great. It is not *sort of approved* my understanding is that it is an actual UNIZUL degree (like Greenwich/PUCHE). As you are aware UNIZUL is one of the state universities in South Africa & therefore you end up with an equivalent of accredited (GAAP D.Th.). UNIZUL/SATS have been extremely helpful, quick to respond, and customer service oriented. North
Hi North: You and the others who replied to my concerns are very, very kind to give your time. I have emailed sooo many folfs in South Africa today that tonight (Oregon Time) the system may overload by their responses. I just want to get it right this time, dammit! Bill
Good luck! Based on what you want to do with your degree (personal satisfaction) and cost, SATS/UNIZUL is probably your best bet. Just make sure that it can be awarded by UNIZUL. North
North: Thanks again. Hope to get things somewhat nailed down in next few days. I'll post to let you know. Just exchanged e mails with Ric Walston who gave the sama advice as you!
I enjoy Ric's *Coffee Talks* which he posts regularly. He is also a very accessible and helpful guy. North
Hi Bill, According to Reuben at SATS, if you register now the degree will be issued by Zulu. So, register now---you can do it on line, if you choose not to go, so what! That way you are one step ahead. I am working on a dual degree in physchology and religion and I have registered pending the outcome of the two departments. No harm, no foul. Good Luck.
