St. Joseph’s Theological Institute (RF) NPC
Who we are
St Joseph’s Theological Institute (RF) NPC is a Catholic Institute of Higher Learning, situated in the African context, which seeks to Advance the philosophical, theological and the human and social development enquiry through researching issues of faith, culture, experience, tradition, and other human and social contemporary questions.
St Joseph’s Theological Institute (RF) NPC (then Scholasticate, henceforth the Institute or
SJTI) was founded in 1943 by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) to prepare their candidates
for ministry in the Roman Catholic priesthood. Today the Institute is an intercontinental, panAfrican and ecumenical, academic, spiritual, and pastoral facility for students (both male and
female) from many different religious and cultural traditions. The Institute aims to prepare
students for ministry in the church and the society at large.
Vision Statement
St Joseph’s Theological Institute (RF) NPC centred on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and situated in
the African context, seeks to:
Empower people through philosophical, theological and social enquiry and learning
based in the Catholic tradition, yet always in a living and creative dialogue with other
religious and cultural traditions.
Provide men and women with the philosophical, theological and social education
necessary both for ordination and for a variety of other ministries in church and
society.
Advance the philosophical, theological and social endeavour through researching
issues of faith and culture, experience and tradition, and other contemporary
questions, so that the Word of God may be more effectively proclaimed.
Foster co-operation within the Pietermaritzburg Cluster of Theological Institutions
as well as with other theological institutions both national and international.
Recent News
SJTI Staff Year-End Function 2025: Celebrating Community and Service
GreenHearts SA x Thrive Christian School | Spring Awareness Run – Magwababa
Rekindling Ecumenical Dialogue: Student Exchange Program 2025
Church Alive Debate: Is It the Role of Christians to Be Involved in Politics?
Green Hearts South Africa Sanitary Drive Reaches Local Schools
Our Courses Include:
BA Human and Social Development
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human and Social Developmentwing community.
- Development of critical skills to analyze and respond to social issues.
- Preparation for diverse career opportunities in development, community work, and related sectors.
- Growth in personal, social, and academic maturity.
- Foundation for further academic studies in development fields.
- Engagement with contemporary development theories and practical community facilitation.
- Opportunities to contribute to social wellbeing and positive community transformation.
BA Theology
Bachelor of Arts in Theology
Explore the Depths of Faith and Knowledge!
- Build a Strong Foundation: Immerse yourself in Scripture, doctrine, ethics, and pastoral studies
- Build a Strong Foundation: Immerse yourself in Scripture, doctrine, ethics, and pastoral studies.
- Engage in Meaningful Dialogue: Dive into rigorous discussions at the crossroads of faith and reason.
- Enrich Your Understanding: Expand your insight into faith, tradition, and religious thought.
BA Philosophy
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Acquire a comprehensive understanding of both classical and contemporary philosophy.
- Enhance your critical thinking and analytical abilities.
- Cultivate transferable skills that are highly esteemed in various academic and professional domains.
- Learn to communicate and articulate arguments with clarity and confidence.
- Engage in a tradition of rigorous intellectual inquiry and critical discourse.
- Examine the ethical and existential questions that influence society.
Post Graduate Diploma In Theology
This is a one-year programme focused on providing candidates for ministry with knowledge and the skills
required to perform their pastoral duties in a professional, ethical and efficient manner. In addition to the
theological training and pastoral skills which are the main focus of the programme, it also provides students
with training in research that is relevant to fulfilling the pre-requisites for admission to Masters programs in
Theology and Ministry. Students preparing for priestly ordination in the Catholic Church must, in addition
to having a degree in Theology, provide proof of having completed at least two years of philosophical studies.
Note: No qualification may serve as an early exit from any other qualification.
For further information, please contact:
The Academic Dean
Patrick Aleke SPS, Ph.D.
Tel.: +27 33 492 0246
E-mail: dean@sjti.ac.za
Formation for Formator’s Program↗
Purpose:
To help formators understand, guide, and strengthen community life in formation houses, especially within intercultural and international contexts. The module equips participants with theological, cultural, psychological, and pastoral tools to build healthy, collaborative, and life-giving communities rooted in African and Christian values.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Demonstrate knowledge of consecrated life topics, including vocational discernment and candidate formation.
- Gain skills to plan vocational orientation and accompaniment processes.
- Knowledge of Church Teaching on Interreligious Dialogue.
The Daniel Corijn Center For Leadership Formation ↗
- STATUS
The Daniel Corijn Centre for Leadership Formation (DCCLF)is a formal structured unit within St Joseph’s Theological Institute (RF) NPC. It was established in 2024 with the purpose of advancing community engagement activities primarily through leadership skills development and training, collaborative research, or creative endeavours. St Joseph’s Theological Institute (RF) NPC, centred on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and situated in the African context, seeks to:
- Empower people through philosophical, theological and social enquiry and learning based in the Catholic tradition, yet always in a living and creative dialogue with other religious and cultural traditions.
- Provide men and women with the philosophical, theological and social education necessary both for ordination and for a variety of other ministries in church and society.
- Advance the philosophical, theological and social endeavour through researching issues of faith and culture, experience and tradition, and other contemporary questions, so that the Word of God may be more effectively proclaimed.
- Foster co-operation within the Pietermaritzburg Cluster of Theological Institutions as well as with other theological institutions both national and international.
Gallery
Our Cluster Partners
Evangelical Seminary of Southern Africa
Enrich our growing community.
University of Kwazulu-Natal
Support special exhibitions.
Seth Mokithi Methodist Seminary
Take support to the next level.
