About TEE College

our Story

The Theological Education by Extension College (TEE College) was created under the auspices of the South African Council of Churches at a meeting of church representatives, and others, on 23rd March 1976 to equip people for Christian service within the churches of Southern Africa through accessible, contextual, and ecumenical theological education by extension within a non racist, non sexist, and ecumenical setting. 

The model of learning used by TEE College is “Distance Learning by Extension”. This model began in Guatemala, Central America, when the churches were grappling with the problem of “bringing the seminary to students”, as it was undesirable to uproot adult students in remote and under-resourced areas in order to send them to a residential seminary.

The College continues to carry out it’s mandate through working relationships with several of its founding and participating churches.

Participating churches

The College’s participating churches uphold the Extension relationship through their involvement in the academic work of the College and in their local support for students.

our Mission

We equip people for Christian service within the churches of Southern Africa through accessible, contextual, and ecumenical theological education by extension.

We do this by offering a range of locally designed complimentary programmes that meet the needs for ministry and mission in the Southern African context.

Students, often working in a second language, engage their learning through materials and resources designed for mature people. These guide them in reflection, local application, and personal review of key theological and ministry concepts and the practice of new skills.

This self-paced, community-based, asynchronous distance-mode method, keeps students within their local relationships and support structures while learning and growing through their studies.

Accessible

I am Patricia, a woman who came from the red soil of the Eastern Cape. We lived from the ground and drank water from the rivers that flowed through our fields. I never thought that one day I would stand here and receive a Diploma in Theology. 

Patricia G

Contextual

A significant memory was a contextual course I did that not only looked at the academic stuff, but combined it with practical work on the ground.
A very special skill of dealing with people in a Christian way was imparted to me.

Evernice N

Ecumenical

I was exposed to various church traditions and practices that were different to my own and I enjoyed going out to do field-work, meeting new people and being in new situations of worship. That inspired me in the way I now lead worship. 

Jenny P

the Board of Directors at TEE College

The College is governed by a Board of Directors in terms of the Higher Education Act and the Companies Act. 

College Directors

  • Rev Prof Maria Frahm-Arp (non-executive director)
  • Rev Tiisetso Manoko (non-executive director)
  • Rev Craig Dunsmuir (executive director)
  • Mr Thulani Dube (executive director)

our Legal Status

TEE College ...

is registered as a Non-Profit Company – NPC (Companies Act 71 of 2008)
– Registration No 2007/030481/08

is registered as a Public Benefit Organisation – PBO (Income Tax Act 58 of 1962)
– Registration No 930028166

is registered as a Private Higher Education Institution – PHEI – with the South African Department of Higher Education and Training (Higher Education Act 101 of 1997) – Registration No 2008/HE08/002

Company address

167 Delphinium Street
Brackenhurst
1448 Alberton
South Africa

Our programmes ...

are accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE). Details for each programme’s accreditation appears on the respective programme’s webpage and annual official Yearbook.

are registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) on the National Qualifications Framework. Details for each programme’s accreditation appears on the respective programme’s webpage and annual official Yearbook.

TEE College Bankers

First National Bank
Account: 62871013993
Branch Code: 250655
SWIFT code: FIRNZAJJ

Student payments: For any deposit reference please your Student Number (or national ID number) together with your Surname and Initials.

International students: you must forward your proof of payment to us at payments@teec.co.za so we can identify and allocate your payment (references tend to get deleted on statements for international payments).
All available payment options can be found here.