Christian discipleship, which by its very nature is a call to radical witness, is inextricably linked to the 'five marks' of mission theology/praxis, namely proclamation, nurture, loving service, social transformation and care for creation. My paper will critically examine the ways in which colonialism has impacted upon and the extent to which neocolonialism continuous to influence identity and vocation in discipleship and mission within African Christian/Church contexts in southern Africa.