Article provided by Gerda Potgieter; Kwasizabantu Missionary
The annual Malelane Youth Conference in Schulzendal, near Malelane, was held from 24 to 27 September. The theme was “Guard your heart,” drawn from Proverbs 4:23. Pastor Khumalo from the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) arrived with a group of young people from his homeland. The Honourable Prince of the Kingdom, Prince Mguqiso, son of His Majesty, King Sobhuza 11, also attended, and the Queen of Nkosi Shongwe from the local area visited the conference on Sunday. Some local pastors from nearby churches attended, and a total of 645 children were registered for the services, along with several adults.
This conference is part of the extended youth development programme of the Kwasizabantu Mission in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The Mission holds the conferences twice a year at its station in KZN, but it has extended its reach far beyond its borders. The Malelane conference is one of its many branches across South Africa, and beyond. A week or two before the conference began, the Mission’s first team arrived at the Schulzendal Mission. They visited schools, shared the Gospel, and invited learners to the conference. At Schulzendal, they helped prepare for the conference. They set up tents for services and accommodation. More buses and helpers from KZN arrived as the date approached. The buses then went out to fetch all the children from places such as Oshoek, Lochiel, Badplaas, Barberton, Matsulu, Kanjamazane, Phola, Chlau Chlau, Thulamahashe, Nogobotsi and Magogeni.
The conference, which began on Thursday evening and ran until Sunday evening, had many highlights. The organisers said after the conference: “We are full of gratitude and thank the Lord for His working among the youth and His presence throughout the conference. Many young people stayed behind after the services and made their lives right with God. We thank God for His grace and mercy in keeping His hand over the vehicles and everyone travelling to and from the conference.”
Dr Elsa Bosman from KwaSizabantu is well-known for assisting during outreaches such as this one, despite her ripe age. Each event is close to her heart and brings purpose. She was one of the many volunteers at the conference and shared her experience as follows: “It is always a blessing to see the Lord at work. He works in miraculous ways. Right from day one, His presence could be felt, and His work experienced. The children were calm, and everything went smoothly. I thank the Lord for His grace.”
This Christian conference has been far more than an annual gathering; it has been a place where faith is strengthened, lives are transformed, and generations come together to encounter God. What began over 50 years ago as a small gathering, spearheaded by Lidia Dube, a missionary who had dedicated her life’s work to the Lord, has grown into a cherished tradition.
In the early days, Lidia gathered a few young people to share her testimony and to give them a platform to share theirs. Now the conference is held twice a year at different venues, drawing believers from near and far to worship, learn, pray, and build lasting friendships rooted in Christ. The conference still honours the tradition of sharing life stories to inspire others and to inviteattendees to share their testimonies. Year after year, attendees return to these conferences with stories of renewed hope, spiritual growth, and life-changing messages, honouring the foundations laid by those who faithfully served before them.
As the KwaSizabantu conference celebrated another milestone, it stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness through the years and to the enduring power of His word to inspire, equip, and transform lives. This year’s conference continues that rich legacy, reminding us that God’s will continues and that the best chapters of this remarkable journey are still being written, filling us with hope for the future.
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Date published: 08/10/2026
Feature image: Provided KwaSizabantu Missionary
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