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Rev. Dr. Musa Kunene has served in a range of leadership, academic, and pastoral roles within the Church of the Nazarene, with ministry experience spanning Africa and Europe. In July 2018, he was appointed Field Strategy Coordinator for the Africa South Field, and in March 2021, he transitioned to the same role in the Africa East Field, helping shape regional vision and growth strategies across multiple countries. His appointment to Africa South was recommended by Africa Regional Director Dr. Daniel Gomis and approved by Global Missions Director Verne Ward. His leadership philosophy emphasizes church expansion, theological education, and youth empowerment, shaping the future of the Church of the Nazarene in Africa.
Early Life and Call to Ministry
Dr. Kunene grew up attending Ntondozi Church of the Nazarene in Swaziland (now eSwatini), where he received Christ as his Lord and Saviour while in high school. Sensing a divine call to preach, he began serving as local youth president for three years before attending Swaziland Nazarene Bible College (now SANU). While studying, he joined the college Rally Team and began pastoring in his second year.
He pastored a church in the North district, also serving as:
- District NYI President for four years
- District CLT Director for three years
During this time, he also taught Bible Knowledge and History at Endzingeni Naz High School for seven years and later joined SANU as a part-time lecturer. He has contributed to theological education at Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU) and other institutions, mentoring future pastors and leaders.
Ministry and Studies in the UK
In 2003, Dr. Kunene moved with his wife, Prudence, to the United Kingdom. While there, he pastored a local church and pursued further studies, earning:
- MA in Research Methodology from NTC Manchester
- PhD in New Testament from Manchester University
His pastoral and academic journey spans eSwatini, the UK, and Kenya, reflecting his ability to lead in diverse cultural contexts. After a fruitful ministry in the UK, Dr. Kunene returned to eSwatini in 2015 to serve as District Superintendent of the eSwatini Central District, following a call by the District Assembly. His tenure as District Superintendent laid a strong foundation for leadership development and church expansion.
Educational Qualifications
Dr. Kunene holds a robust academic background, with degrees that reflect his deep theological and leadership formation:
- ThB. (Canadian Nazarene College)
- MA Religion (Southern Nazarene University)
- MA Research Methodology (NTC Manchester)
- PhD New Testament (Manchester University)
Leadership and Contributions
As Field Strategy Coordinator, Dr. Kunene has helped shape the Church of the Nazarene’s missional strategies across the Africa South and East Fields. His work in these roles emphasizes church expansion, leadership development, and contextual theology.
He and his wife, Prudence, have also been actively involved in missionary service in Kenya, contributing to leadership development and church growth efforts.
In 2022, he played a key role in the NYI Africa leadership team meeting, where he led devotions and encouraged youth leaders to expand their ministry vision.
He has also been involved in workshops on mental health, leadership training, and cross-cultural orientation, equipping young leaders for ministry.
Church leaders have praised his wisdom, spirit, and passion for missions, highlighting his ability to guide strategic initiatives.
Since returning to eSwatini in 2015, he has laid a foundation for future leaders and strengthened church structures in the region. His influence continues to be felt across East Africa and beyond.
Academic and Teaching Contributions
Dr. Kunene has taught in academic institutions both in Africa and abroad, nurturing future pastors and church leaders. His scholarly work reflects his deep commitment to theological education rooted in the context of communal faith.
Authorship and Publications
He is the author of the book Communal Holiness in the Gospel of John, a contribution to theological reflection within the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition.
Personal Life
Dr. Musa Kunene is married to Prudence Kunene, a dedicated educator and ministry partner. They met at Nazarene Youth Holidays (NaYoHo) and married in September 1995. Together, they have three daughters:
- Sinenkhosi (26)
- Phesheya (22)
- Tiyandza (17), currently in college in Bristol, UK
Rev Prudence previously taught high school Maths and Science and now serves in full-time missionary work. She transitioned from teaching to supporting church leadership and youth programs, contributing significantly to their shared ministry impact. She continues to support church leadership and events, contributing significantly to their shared ministry impact.
