Young Adults Ministry Gather for First-Ever Conference
SACBC Young Adults Conference
By Kati Dijane – In a historic milestone for the Catholic Church in Southern Africa, the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Youth and Young Adults Ministry hosted its first-ever Young Adults Conference. The event opened on 2 October 2025, the Feast of the Guardian Angels, at the Don Bosco Youth Centre in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, and will run until Sunday, 5 October.
The conference brings together young adults from across South Africa, Eswatini and Botswana to reflect on their faith, share their experiences and discern their place in the life of the Church and the world. Organised under the mandate of the SACBC bishops, the gathering signals a renewed commitment to walk alongside young adults at a crucial stage of their lives.
Opening Mass and message of hope
The conference began with a vibrant opening Mass, celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Masilo John Selemela of the Archdiocese of Pretoria, who represented the liaison bishop for the Youth and Young Adults Ministry, Bishop Siphiwo Vanqa. He was joined by Fr Tshiamo Makaba from the Diocese of Gaborone, Fr Sibusiso Sithathu from Eshowe Diocese and the Archdiocese of Johannesburg’s youth vicar, Fr Abel Maluleka.
Reflecting on the Gospel of Matthew 18:1-5,10, Bishop Selemela reminded the young adults of God’s enduring care and guidance.
“Dear friends, God loves us and constantly cares for us. He never leaves us unattended. He is not distant or abstract; He continues to write our life story,” he said.
The bishop reflected on the biblical promise of angels who accompany believers as guides and protectors:
“God provides us with angels so that we can be fully human like Christ His Son. As young adults today, you face challenges that can draw you away from God—such as the lack of job opportunities, substance abuse and toxic relationships. But God calls you to move away from what is destructive and embrace the life-giving covenant He offers through obedience to His will.”
Emphasis on obedience and faith
Bishop Selemela’s homily drew on the theme of obedience to God’s commandments as an expression of love and trust. He noted that while obedience can be difficult, it is central to the Christian journey:
“Jesus taught that obedience is a natural expression of love for Him: ‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments.’ Obedience is linked to divine favour and prosperity.”
The bishop encouraged the young adults to see their guardian angels as companions who intercede for them and guide them closer to God’s will.
A Warm welcome to young adults
Following the Mass, the young adults shared supper and took part in a session of introductions from the various dioceses and archdioceses present, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Klerksdorp, Gaborone, Tzaneen, Witbank, Eswatini, Eshowe, Mariannhill, Mthatha and Queenstown.
Lesego Zikhali, president of the SACBC Youth and Young Adults Conference, expressed excitement at hosting the historic gathering.
“Young adults are at a crucial stage of their lives, navigating questions of identity, purpose and faith. The Church recognises this and is committed to accompanying them on their journey,” he said.
He highlighted that the conference aims to help young adults deepen their faith, build meaningful relationships, discern vocations and develop leadership skills.
Zikhali also thanked the Salesians of Don Bosco, custodians of the youth centre, for their hospitality and praised their founder, St John Bosco, for his enduring legacy of loving and guiding young people.
A spirit of gratitude and anticipation
The national chaplain for youth and young Adults, Fr Mahlako Montanyane, extended a heartfelt welcome to the those in attendance, especially those who crossed borders and travelled long distances.
“Your presence makes this first conference truly special. We are united by our faith and our desire to grow as leaders in the Church and society,” he said.
Also in attendance is Fr Nhlanhla Mchunu, the coordinating secretary of the SACBC’s Department for Formation, Life, and Apostolate of the Laity. As the first day drew to a close around 9:30 pm, more young adults continued to arrive, ready to take part in the weekend’s programme of prayer, reflection, workshops and fellowship.
A milestone for the church in Southern Africa
This inaugural Young Adults Conference marks a significant milestone for the Catholic Church in the SACBC region. By launching the gathering on the Feast of the Guardian Angels, the Church highlighted its hope that young adults will feel accompanied, protected and inspired as they grow in faith and service.
The weekend promises to foster spiritual growth, leadership development and a renewed sense of mission among the young adults of Southern Africa.
