ACIPS Newsletter | July 2025 Edition (Issue #004)

Afrika Centre for Intangible Phenomena Studies (ACIPS)

Opening Message

Warm greetings to all our supporters, collaborators, and knowledge seekers.

As we move deeper into 2025, the Afrika Centre for Intangible Phenomena Studies (ACIPS) continues to grow as a hub for Afrocentric thought, decolonial scholarship, and transformative knowledge rooted in our ancestral wisdom. This July issue reflects on recent milestones, announces upcoming initiatives, and reaffirms our commitment to centring Africa in the global dialogue on spirituality, development, and healing.

Recent Highlights

🧭 Orientation Workshops (May 2025)

In May, we successfully hosted more orientation workshops for our research fellows. These sessions reinforced the value of grounding academic work in Afrocentric and Afrikological frameworks. We trust that our researchers will take this forward in their writing, with the aim of reshaping global narratives through an African lens.

🌍 Next Phase: Exploring African Cosmology

ACIPS and DUT Logos

Our upcoming research focus delves into African Cosmology across diverse regions of the continent. Scholars and practitioners interested in tailored sessions are welcome to reach out. This journey is set to deepen our understanding of African spiritual systems and cosmic interpretations.

🗣️ Expanding Our Opinion-Feature Page

We are proud of the steady growth of our Opinion-Feature page, which now publishes near-monthly reflections on critical topics. These pieces challenge dominant paradigms of religions' affront to African Spirituality and philosophy that have historically sidelined the African spiritual voice. ACIPS remains dedicated to centring African perspectives in global dialogues on spirituality, cultural and economic development, and the pursuit of ecological sustainability.

Institutional Appreciation

We extend our sincere gratitude to our Board of Trustees for their unwavering support, especially during the foundational stages of ACIPS. Their dedication—particularly during our weekend executive meetings—has been instrumental in shaping our strategic direction.

A special thanks goes to Baba Menzi KaGudu Maseko, (Nguni Cosmology guru and Founder of Green Ankh Wroks) whose tireless efforts were vital in initiating our first workshop projects and securing a key support partnership with one of the leading Universities in KZN Province and South Africa.

Upcoming Workshop: African Spirituality & Traditional Healing

ACIPS and DUT Logos

Led by our Research Coordinator for African Metaphysics & Development, Gogo Zanemvula, this workshop series was conceived from a deep commitment to creating inclusive, culturally rooted, and spiritually affirming spaces. The workshops are designed for spiritually gifted individuals to gather, reflect, and share experiences without fear or marginalisation.

Originally scheduled earlier, the workshops have received support and will be held on August 25 and September 25 2025 at the Durban University of Technology, thanks to the partnership facilitated by Baba Menzi. We view the delay not as a setback but as a part of our unfolding journey. In the spirit of uBuntu and resilience, we look forward to welcoming all who resonate with this indigenous sacred gathering.

Conference Update: Looking Ahead to 2026

ACIPS and DUT Logos

We regret to share that our anticipated gathering, "African Spirituality—The Past, Present, and Future in the Fourth Industrial Revolution Epoch," has been rescheduled to 2026 due to unforeseen venue challenges. We remain committed to curating a profound, high-impact experience. Updated details will follow soon. Thank you for your continued support and trust in this sacred journey. 🕊️

Organisational Updates

  • New Trustee Appointment: We are pleased to welcome Mrs. Thabile Shelembe-Mtsahe, a renowned Pietermaritzburg entrepreneur, to the ACIPS Board of Trustees. Her appointment marks an important step forward in strengthening gender representation, bringing the number of female Trustees to two. We remain proud and committed to expanding the presence of women in leadership within ACIPS.
  • Banking Milestone: We are pleased to announce that our FNB account is now open, marking a major step in operationalising ACIPS. Additional banking partners will be added in due course to strengthen financial inclusivity and support.
  • Personal Travel: Our Manager, Mad. Ntombi Mabindisa, recently returned from a one-month visit to her family in the USA. We welcome her back and thank her for her ongoing dedication.

Other Exciting Updates

  • Volunteer Opportunities: We will soon be opening applications for volunteers in roles such as research, writing, design, and admin support. Stay tuned for details!
  • Resource Donations Welcome: We are accepting donations of laptops, software, and professional services (such as website development) to help build our capacity.
  • Partnership Invitations: ACIPS invites universities, research centres, and cultural institutions to partner with us in advancing African indigenous knowledge systems and metaphysical insights. For collaboration inquiries, please reach out via our Contact Page.

Closing Message

Thank you for standing with ACIPS.
Together, we are restoring, reclaiming, and advancing African indigenous wisdom and mysticism for future generations.

ACIPS Communications Team
📬 info@acipssa.org.za