Pioneer Leader of South Africa Honored Internationally

 Richards Bay, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa

On 18 December 2023, at 19h00 Mr. Jacobus Nicolaas van den Berg (Mac) was conferred with an honorary Doctorate in Christian Leadership from United Graduate College and Seminary International. Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakuntala Rose Reddy conferred the degree at this online event. A big thank you to Prof. Michal P. Pitzl, Chancellor of UGCSI for chairing and to His Royal Highness Sir Clyde Rivers who was the keynote speaker.

Dr. Jacobus Nicolaas van den Berg, an awesome human being, in all humility has been walking the walk and talking the talk of the Kingdom through his initiation and establishment of Christian Schools. He is a qualified teacher, with 44 years of teaching experience. He is the principal, who established Eagles’ Nest Christian School in Polokwane, South Africa in 1994. It was the first multicultural, inter-denominational Christian school with boarding facilities. He began with 4 teachers and 28 students, now the school has 850 students and a staff of 90. 

 

They have also established the first FOUNDATIONS FOR FARMING STEWARDSHIP MODEL @ EAGLES’ NEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL. The aim is to train the community to farm God’s way.

Dr. Van den Berg is one of the founding directors of the Kingsway Institute and South African Higher Education Trust. They have just registered a Christian university called The King’s University. It is an on-line university with face to face contact sessions.

Dr. Jacobus Nicolaas van den Berg has partnered with these organizations that believe in having a Biblical Worldview -

● FOUNDATIONS FOR CROSS CULTURAL EDUCATION

● ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL

● FOUNDATIONS FOR FARMING

● OPEN SCHOOLS WORLDWIDE

Their mission is to equip learners through Christ-centered education, and to develop them holistically, spirit, body and soul. They are based on these 3 pillars-

1. PRAYER - Not only praying without ceasing, but to meet with students, teachers and parents on a weekly basis to pray and seek guidance.

2. CHRIST- CENTERED EDUCATION - They believe that everyone’s life has a story to tell, everyone’s life has a song to sing, and if we mentor one individual we will change a nation and create disciples for Christ.

3. COMMUNITY AND INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH

● Pre-schools in rural areas

● Orphanages in Tzaneen

● Mission work in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Botswana

● They also have a sister – school in Malawi called EAGLES’ NEST CHRISTIAN ACADEMY.

● They also have a STUDENT’ SEXCHANGE where students go to and come from Canada and America.

Dr. Mac has just completed his Masters’ Degree in Education from  Morling College in Perth, at 70 years old.

  

       Vice Chancellor UGCSI                                               

          Children & Youth Development                                    

Prof. Shakuntala R. Reddy PhD.                       

 

                                                   Principal

                                                  Eagles’ Nest Christian School

                                                  Dr.  Jacobus N. van den Berg

Dr. Mac, you are a visionary leader, who has been instrumental in bringing about reconciliation despite the diversity in education in South Africa. Thank you for doing God’s will on earth as it is in heaven. CONGRATULATIONS!

UNITED GRADUATE COLLEGE & SEMINARY INTERNATIONAL