Who we are
The Reformed Churches in South Africa have existed since 1859, and have grown from the original 5 churches to 378 churches in 2024. There are currently 236 ministers. Local churches are spread across the RSA and also in Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. There are currently 240 ministers serving these churches, in approximately 15 languages. The GKSA has its own Theological School which started in 1869 in Burgersdorp and has been established in Potchefstroom since 1905. There are 12 professors and 3 administrative officers attached to the Theological School who have been integrated into the Faculty of Theology of the NWU.
Each Reformed congregation is an independent church that proclaims the Word of the King, in obedience to Him, and act according to His will for the church. Each congregation is, therefore, called “Die Gereformeerde Kerk …”. These churches as a whole form the denomination of the Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-Afrika (GKSA) that gather in major assemblies (classis, regional synod and general synod) in mutual support of the fulfillment of the calling of the church.
The GKSA operates from an efficient building complex that includes a well-equipped auditorium and the denomination’s archives. Ecumenical ties have been established with churches in the USA, Scotland, Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, the Congo, Japan and Korea. The GKSA operates in accordance with Holy Scripture, the three Formularies of Unity and the Canons of Dordt.