Historic Milestone for Africa’s Military Chaplains

20 Jul Historic Milestone for Africa’s Military Chaplains

A chilly morning in eastern Zimbabwe marked a proud moment for Lieutenant Colonel Reverend Dr. Samba Mosweu of the Botswana Defence Force. Surrounded by family, he celebrated earning his Doctor of Ministry degree from Africa University (AU)—one of 10 military chaplains from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to achieve this historic milestone.

This is Africa’s first doctoral program designed specifically for military chaplains, equipping them to address trauma, moral injury, and spiritual resilience among service members and their families.

“This program has empowered me to serve better,” said Lt. Col. Mosweu. “From interacting with chaplains across the region, I’ve gained insights that will strengthen how I care for soldiers and their families.”

The program was inspired by retired U.S. Army Chaplain Col. David Wesley Lile, who saw the urgent need for Africa-focused chaplain training as wars and peacekeeping missions continue to impact soldiers’ mental and spiritual health. Before AU’s program, African military chaplains had to study abroad, often in the U.S.

Currently, the UN has 11 peacekeeping missions, five of them in Africa—MINUSCA in the Central African Republic, MONUSCO in the DRC, UNISFA in Abyei, UNMISS in South Sudan, and MINURSO in Western Sahara.

Of the UN’s 105,000 peacekeepers around the world, close to 85,000 mostly from the continent, are serving in Africa. 

“Africa has high standards for who can lead the training. So, to develop leadership models, they needed a program. That is the base level,” says Colonel (Retired) Lile.

Now accredited in Zimbabwe, AU’s program combines rigorous academic study with hands-on experience, preparing chaplains to guide troops through the trauma of war, peacekeeping, and family separation.

Mr. James Salley, president and chief executive officer of Africa University (Tennessee) Inc., says the program, which has now been accredited by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education, (ZIMCHE), is continuing.

“We will have not only the option for specialization in Chaplaincy in our Doctor of Ministry program, but we also now have four additional areas of specialization to offer—Mission and Evangelism, Liturgical Theology, Church Administration, and Church and Society,” said Salley. 

For graduates like Brigadier General Reverend Dr. Shadreck Mwale of Zambia, the training is transformative: “Chaplains must be equipped for the extreme stress soldiers face. This program came at the right time.”

Despite pandemic disruptions, all 10 chaplains completed their studies and are now back on duty, delivering pastoral care, counseling, and moral support where it’s needed most.

“This program strengthens my ministry to soldiers and their families,” said Mosweu. “I encourage others to take this path—it changes lives.”

—Adapted from an article – Faith on the frontlines – by award-winning journalist Farai Matiashe, who is based in Mutare, Zimbabwe.