More than 40 students who laboured for years tasted the sweet smell of success when they graduated over the weekend.

They received certificates, diplomas and degrees. The highlight of the occasion was when the first group of degree graduates were presented with their hard-earned certificates since the inception of the college.

The ceremony took place at the Calvary Saints Equipping College, an accredited college, at Lwamondo. The college is the brainchild of the visionary leader, Apostle Maxwell Masakona, a prominent author and man of the cloth.

The college was conceived in 2005 as an unfolding vision that was laid on him by God, some years back. It came about as an answer to the spiritual needs of the local communities who had to travel long distances to colleges in other provinces for the required religious skills.

Masakona said the college came about as a way of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry and that they rightly divide the word of the truth without shame. He added: "The college is going from strength to strength and we have seen a tremendous increase in the number of students over the years. These first degree students are another feather in our cap. God never gives birth to stillborn babies and the growth of the college displays His power."

Addressing the graduates and guests, the dean of the college, Mr Mudimeli, said the road they travelled with students over the years was not that easy as they had many challenges. "It needed a lot of commitment between the lecturers and students. It also needed the spirit of team work".

Mudimeli said they have moved from traditional theology to one which is biblically based, meeting the social and other community needs. He said theology has to address social problems like teenage pregnancies, alcohol and drug abuse amongst the youth. "Theology that does not make a difference in the community leaves much to be desired and is wanting."

He said they were on the right track in delivering on their mandate of equipping the saints for ministry leadership and Christian growth. He credited all their successes to the glory of God.

Representing the students, Dr Thivhafuni, a medical doctor, said he was motivated by his mother who always told him to get a certificate. "At first I never took her seriously, but at some stage it began to ring in my mind." Thivhafuni said billions were being spent to improve education and health in this country but nothing is done to educate the spirit. He said no matter how educated one is, without spiritual education one is nothing.

He said studying at the college opened many avenues in his pastoral work. "If you do things without proper training, you are doomed to fail." He said what they received was just the start as nothing will stop them from climbing the highest ladder in their academic journey.

The occasion was attended by Dr Ronnie Moodley and his wife Prophetess Radha Moodley, pastors from other denominations, the head of the SAPS’s legal wing in Vhembe, Adv Ailwei Mushavhanamadi, and other eminent figures in the community.