New National President Elected For Society of St Vincent De Paul

by Admin · Published April 25, 2023 · Updated April 25, 2023

Vincent Teboho Williams

The Society of St Vincent de Paul, a worldwide organisation of lay Catholics who want to express their faith through service to the poor – and run mostly by volunteers – has elected a new President in South Africa. Vincent Teboho Williams, will lead the non-profit, public benefit organisation established in France 190 years ago and in South Africa since 1856 for a three-year term beginning in September 2023.

Williams says, “Every day, our 2500 members and volunteers reach out to vulnerable and marginalised people in their local community. We aim to provide a hand up, not just a hand out. At the core of our work are over 200 parish committees known as ‘conferences’. These are groups of members from all walks of life who join together to relieve suffering and promote human dignity amongst the poor.”

Williams, a 69-year-old IT professional who runs his own business, has served the SSVP in his native Soweto. He is passionate about uplifting the poor and ensuring that young people are encouraged to volunteer and serve this vulnerable group in our country.

Of his new role, he says, “My predecessor has laid a strong foundation on which I would like to build so that we can expand our work throughout the country. My dream is that no person ever goes hungry. To achieve this, we need committed people from all corners of our country to work together and we need generous donors who want to make a difference.”

The Society works with those in need on a person-to-person basis, seeking to cooperate in shaping a more just and compassionate South African community. The preferred option in this mission of service is to work with the poor in development, by respecting their dignity, sharing our hope and encouraging them to take control of their destiny. Potential volunteers can read more on www.ssvp.org.za or contact the Society by emailing .