Dr Nomatter Sande, University of South Africa, United Kingdom
Dr. Nomatter Sande is a religion and society scholar passionate about the role of faith in social transformation. With a special focus on migration, diaspora, interfaith dialogue, and ethnic minorities, his work bridges theory and empirical research across interdisciplinary contexts. He has contributed significantly to understanding how religion fosters belonging, integration, and advocacy in marginalized communities. Currently a Research Associate at the University of Glasgow and a Research Fellow at the University of South Africa, Dr. Sande is part of major international research projects, including the ESRC-funded RASTAY initiative. His scholarly output spans numerous peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes. Driven by philanthropy and equipped with strong interpersonal skills, Dr. Sande is committed to community impact and academic excellence. He frequently presents at international conferences and collaborates with global research networks. His research not only explores theology but also informs policy and practice for inclusive, just, and diverse societies.
Publication Profile
scopus
Education
Dr. Nomatter Sande’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Religious Studies (2006–2010) at the University of Zimbabwe, where he developed a strong foundation in religious analysis and African theology. He pursued a Master of Arts in Religious Studies (2010–2012) at the same institution, where his interest in religion and marginality deepened. His doctoral work at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (2014–2018), culminated in a PhD in Religion and Social Transformation. His dissertation focused on the transformative role of faith within African diaspora communities. Dr. Sande is currently advancing his academic practice through a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PgCAP) (2025–2026), further enhancing his pedagogical and curriculum development skills. His education has laid a solid foundation for his interdisciplinary research, combining theological insight with sociological frameworks to address contemporary challenges faced by minority and migrant faith communities.
Experience
Dr. Sande brings over a decade of research experience at the intersection of religion, migration, and social change. As a Research Associate (2023–2024) at the University of Glasgow, he led ethnographic research for the ESRC-funded RASTAY project, focusing on youth experiences in Birmingham and London. He designed fieldwork strategies, conducted interviews, and facilitated training workshops. From 2021–2024, he served as a Research Fellow at the University of South Africa (RIIT), authoring culturally nuanced scholarly works addressing gender, disability, and ecclesiology. His collaborative work with international teams has yielded significant academic output and community engagement. Dr. Sande has also presented at prestigious conferences and published widely across top journals. His interdisciplinary approach is enriched by his commitment to applied research, philanthropy, and intercultural dialogue. He continues to influence both academic discourse and grassroots initiatives that promote inclusion, justice, and human dignity through religious and social transformation.
Awards and Honors
While specific awards and honors are not explicitly listed, Dr. Nomatter Sande’s academic profile reflects significant recognition through prestigious roles and funded research. His appointment as a Research Associate on the ESRC-funded RASTAY project at the University of Glasgow is indicative of his scholarly reputation and leadership in social transformation studies. His role as a Research Fellow at the University of South Africa’s RIIT underscores recognition for his expertise in theology, diaspora studies, and intercultural research. He has been invited to present at international conferences and contributes regularly to high-impact journals—further validating his academic standing. His work is often cited for its originality, depth, and contribution to contemporary debates in religious studies. With multiple peer-reviewed publications and collaborative authorship with scholars across Africa and Europe, Dr. Sande continues to build a distinguished record that may position him for future awards, keynote invitations, and honorary academic titles.
Research Focus
Dr. Nomatter Sande’s research sits at the confluence of religion, migration, and social transformation. He explores how faith traditions shape and are shaped by the experiences of diaspora communities, especially in the context of African Pentecostalism. His scholarship investigates the role of religion in identity formation, integration, and community resilience among migrants and ethnic minorities. He also engages deeply with topics such as interfaith dialogue, gender, disability, ecological theology, and human rights—examining how religious beliefs both support and challenge social inclusion. Dr. Sande combines theoretical reflection with ethnographic fieldwork, offering grounded insights from interviews and participant observation. His interdisciplinary approach connects theology, sociology, and political science, addressing global challenges such as xenophobia, mental health, and gender inequality. He is especially interested in how diasporic churches adapt to and influence their host societies. His work is policy-relevant, aiming to inform religious leadership, academic discourse, and social cohesion strategies.
Publication Top Notes
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📖 Building Homes in Babylon: Jeremiah 29:4–7 and African Diasporic Activism in the UK
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👩🦰 Theologies of Women’s Submission and the COVID-19 Pandemic
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🔮 African Diaspora Pentecostals Deliverance Practices and the Lived Reality in the UK
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🧠 Women Mental Health Illness and COVID-19 in Zimbabwe: A Gendered Perspective
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🛐 Theologies for the Welfare of Church Ministers: Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe
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🌿 Ecology and Theology Together within African Pentecostal Worship Liturgy
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♿ Going Beyond Christian Doctrinal Disability Discourses to Embrace Human Rights in Zimbabwe
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🌍 Spirit-led Missions: African Pentecostal Missions Theology in Diasporic Contexts
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🗣️ Hate Speech as a Politico-Religious Tool in Contemporary Zimbabwe
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🧼 ‘Wash and Pray’: Christianity and Science During COVID-19 in Zimbabwe
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🙏 Do Persons with Disability Need Healing? African Pentecostal Perspective in Zimbabwe
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💒 Pastoral Ministry from the Margins: Pastors’ Wives in Apostolic Faith Mission
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👥 Youth Identity Crisis in the Diaspora: Christian Zimbabweans in the UK
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🕊️ African Pentecostal Practices and Cultural Adaptation in a Changing World
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🌱 Greening Faith and Herbology in Pentecostalism in Zimbabwe
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🚪 Disability Theology and Liberation Praxis in Apostolic Faith Mission of Zimbabwe
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🌐 Diaspora Practical Theology: Culture, Ethnicity and Identity in UK-African Churches
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🛐 Pastoral Ministry and Disability: Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe
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📜 Historicizing the Apostolic Faith Mission in the United Kingdom