Rev Simon Gqubule was the first African student to obtain a PhD degree at Rhodes University. Born on February 18, 1928, in Eastern Cape (formerly Transkei), Simon Gqubule attended the same school ( the Healdtown Missionary Institution) with Robert Sobukwe, Govan Mbeki and Nelson Mandela.
He was the first Grand Chancellor of Seth Mokitimi Methodist Seminary, a recipient of many awards, including; Government’s National honour, Rhodes University Honorary Doctorate, Fort Hare University Honorary Doctorate, Herald GM Citizen of the Year Award and the Distinguished Old Rhodian Award.
Here are the 6 Powerful Quotes of Rev Simon Gqubule
6 Powerful Quotes of Rev Simon Gqubule
1. I had discovered that struggle sometimes requires strategic concessions. Sometimes there is little to be gained through direct confrontation. I also discovered that the teaching of theology in South Africa is located in a struggle
2. Racism, Oppression, and hatred are three of the most valuable weapons of the weak, as leaders we must teach our people to always embrace love over racism, forgiveness when oppressed and hope in the face of difficulties.
3. To live as Christians in this situation, the students are trained as ‘enablers’. The seminary’s philosophy has been open to misinterpretation by a few who regard it is as a breeding-ground for revolutionaries. ‘I wouldn’t say this view exists as a strong element, But it definitely does exist in certain church circles.
.”Before the Seminary opened we had to agree on what subjects were to be taught, the content of such subjects, the level at which teaching was to be done, the length of the courses, academic integrity, and the standards of admission to the various courses. It was a thrilling time. We were exploring and breaking new ground”
4. As old as I am, there is still so much I would like to do for the city’s children, especially those in township schools where opportunity and resources are a big challenge. We have very bright young people who have the brains, but who just need the right language to articulate themselves, as well as opportunities to be the best they can be.
5. Black Theology is an attempt to present the Christian gospel to the Black man relevantly with all its liberating power in the broadest sense of the word. It seeks to present Christian truth in an African dress, in the African idiom, with African insights, through the experiences of the Black man
6. The Black Theology movement can only have meaning when the ebony sons and daughters of Africa themselves write and sing the glories of Him who called them ‘out of darkness into His marvellous light’