Written by: Gerda Potgieter
Article source: Supplied
The well-known KwaSizabantu Youth Conference plays a vital role in promoting spiritual growth among young people. The upcoming conference, which will be held from 10 to 16 December at the mission station in Kranskop, is no exception. Don’t miss this inspiring chance to strengthen your spiritual roots! There is still time to attend if you want to.
Youth enjoy the Sports & Fun Day during the KwaSizabantu Youth Conference
The KwaSizabantu Youth Conference is a Christian gathering of young people that focuses on spiritual growth, fellowship, mentorship, community support, and learning life skills, the conference is part of the mission’s youth outreach programme. It is offered free of charge for a week twice a year during the long school holidays. The programme provides a healthy balance of regular services, spiritual support, and fun activities during a sports day. By taking part in all activities and listening to the speakers, you will develop a deeper connection with God and a passion for faith. There is also an opportunity to seek help with personal and social challenges.
The conference attracts young people from various provinces, which is evidence of its national support. Following the previous youth conference in July, more than 8,000 young people registered to attend. On Thanksgiving Day, the community and young people gathered in large numbers, filling the auditorium. The overflow was accommodated in a large tent at the back of the building, where they could follow the service on a large television screen. It was an incredible experience to see over 12,000 people, most of them young, come together to praise the Lord and to sing hymns.
This conference is one of the most sustainable youth gatherings. It began in 1974 and has been expanding every year. Many of the young people who attend come from difficult circumstances that present numerous challenges. The opportunity that KwaSizabantu provides them to attend a Christian conference for free, for seven days, is enormous. The mission organises buses to pick up the groups that come from afar and travel as far as Umtata to bring them to the mission station to share the Lord’s message. Buses made over 56 trips in July to collect them from the drop-off points. After the conference, they were returned home. This, I believe, exemplifies genuine Christian love, and I pray that more organisations will do the same.
The KwaSizabantu Mission auditorium seating 10 000 is full to capacity
During the previous conference, I frequently wandered around and spontaneously engaged in conversations with some of the young people to hear about their experiences of the event. It was important for me to understand what was happening in their hearts. They tell us how welcomed they feel and are grateful that someone is paying attention to them. Too many of them do not receive the attention they deserve at home. It is incredible to them that people they do not even know can act so lovingly towards them, and share with them the Good News that all is not lost. It is painful to see how many of our young people lack hope for a better future, but the week-long conference has rekindled hope for many.
At the youth conference, young people are taught skills on how to handle life challenges and where to seek help. The topics discussed are very relevant to the issues young people are facing. KwaSizabantu regularly collaborates with schools to launch awareness programmes on the dangers of drugs and social problems. They found that over 50% of students today are involved in vaping. What caught my attention at the previous conference was the evidence shared with young people about how dangerous vaping is, which contradicts what the mainstream media tries to tell us, namely that it is a “healthier” alternative to smoking. This is simply not true, and many young people sometimes discover this too late.
Addiction among young people is a rapidly growing problem that harms the future of those affected and their families. I have spoken to several young men who have overcome addiction and now live better lives. I would like to share their stories with you to encourage seeking help and taking action. If you would like to attend the next youth conference or if your church wants to send a group of young people to participate, please visit the websites for more information: www.ksb.org or email: reception@ksb.org.za. You can also call: (032) 481 5727.
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Date published: 08/12/2025
Feature image: The KwaSizabantu Mission auditorium seating 10 000 is full to capacity
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