About
SCHOLAR. PREACHER. LEADER.
Vuyo Fakudze
MANZINI, ESWATINI · THEOLOGIAN · PREACHER · ACADEMIC
I am Vuyo Fakudze, from Manzini, Eswatini, shaped in the dusty, busy, notorious streets of Mahlabatsini and New Village. I was raised by Fitzpatrick Elvis Vusisizwe Fakudze and Nomcebo Rachael Fakudze, who instilled in me the love and worship of God from a young age. Some of my earliest childhood memories are of us gathering in our small living room in the evenings, singing and listening to a Scripture meditation from our father or mother. It was during these gatherings that I first got the opportunity to speak God’s word — a practice that deeply shaped the trajectory of my life.
Even though our family was in the Assemblies of God Church when I was born, I spent most of my childhood and early adulthood in the Zionist Church — specifically Buhle Bokukhany’okusha Zion Church — where I decided to become a follower of Jesus. I grew as a leader at both youth and senior levels, was ordained as Umshumayeli (Preacher), and my formation there continues to influence my understanding of life, Scripture, and discipleship.
Faith & Academic Journey
The Churches of Christ
I was drawn to the Churches of Christ because of my deep love for Scripture — a key feature of the Churches of Christ and the larger Stone-Campbell Movement. I love the Bible both as an artistic literary work and as the means by which God chose to communicate his divine purpose for creation. At African Christian College, I found a home where questioning, exploration, creative thinking, and innovation are welcomed, not discouraged.
Research Interests
My research interests span New Testament Studies, Early Christian history and Greco-Roman contexts, Second-Temple Jewish Literature, African Biblical Hermeneutics, Ethics, and Discipleship. I am committed to reading the Bible as a unified story driven by the Gospel of King Jesus, exploring how context shapes how we read and interpret Scripture, and the conversation between Scripture and cultural contexts.
Beyond the Desk
Family
I am married to Nonjabulo, with whom we have three girls — Setsabile, Sakhelwe, and Bulelwa.
Interests
I am a fitness trainer specialising in aerobics box and functional training. I also enjoy playing football (soccer) and good conversations over drinks. Cooking is a passion I have picked up in the last few years.
Writing
I write regularly on Scripture Unbound on Substack, exploring what it means to read the Bible as an African, for the mission of God.
