From Radio to Real Connection: Meet the New HOD of Johannesburg’s Youth

by Kati Dijane · November 13, 2025

Tiiso Mosoeu is the new HOD of JHB Archdiocese youth department

Tiiso Mosoeu is the new HOD of the JHB Archdiocese youth department

By Kati Dijane – Before joining the Archdiocesan Youth Department in Johannesburg, the Soweto-based Tiiso Mosoeu spent 12 years as a presenter on Radio Veritas, South Africa’s only Catholic radio station. This was, coincidentally, the same number of years his predecessor, Dillon Naiker, served as head of youth.

“I actually applied for this same position back in 2008 or 2009,” he recalls. “When I saw the post again, I thought, this feels like an extension of what I did at Radio Veritas.”

The new youth HOD says stepping into this role represents both continuity and growth.

“At Radio Veritas, it was all about connecting with people through sound. Now it’s a full-on, face-to-face engagement with the youth of the Archdiocese, and that excites me,” he says.

“The reason I applied for this post boils down to a passion for working within the church structure, within the church space and of course working with young people. When I got the call that I’d been appointed, I was both excited and nervous.”

“I feel like I’m playing for the national team”

Tiiso describes his appointment as a calling and a privilege.

“I feel like I’m playing for the national team,” he laughs. “This role carries a huge responsibility because the youth ministry is so important to the life of the Church.”

His vision is simple yet powerful: to help young people deepen their relationship with Christ, grow in prayer and rediscover joy in their faith.

“I want our ministry to be dedicated to Our Lady of Good Counsel, and for our young people to embrace prayer, especially the Holy Rosary. One day, I’d love to see a stadium filled with young people praying the Rosary together.”

Faith at the centre of the youth ministry

For Tiiso, the key to youth engagement is authentic communication.

“During my time on radio, I learned the importance of being relatable. Whether it was a five-year-old or a 65-year-old listening, they needed to feel connected to you. The same applies in youth ministry, people connect to sincerity,” he explains.

He believes that reintroducing Christ into daily life is essential, especially for a generation facing challenges such as unemployment, mental health struggles and uncertainty about the future.

“Young people are navigating so much. That’s why mentorship is vital; guiding them to find their purpose and passion,” he says. “And once you know your ‘why,’ everything changes. You need to ask, is it for fame and likes, or is it something deeper? Once you find that inner fire, nothing can stop you.”

Making faith and family cool again

As a family man, Tiiso hopes to show young people that marriage and family life are beautiful vocations — not burdens.

“Marriage isn’t jail,” he says. “It’s a gift from God. I was inspired by families attending Mass together. That made me want to build a prayerful home. This is why I want to help promote vocations in our archdiocese. It’s important to be an example and be faithful to your vocation either in marriage or religious to make it attractive to young people.”

Tiiso also speaks proudly of his involvement with the Sacred Heart Sodality, which he joined in 2010.

“Seeing men pray together during retreats inspired me deeply. It reminded me that we must make faith attractive again, whether in married life or religious life.”

A united and prayerful youth

Looking ahead, Tiiso hopes to foster unity among young people across the Archdiocese, from suburbs to townships, through service, prayer and fellowship.

“Six months from now, I’d love to see a more unified youth. We’re all one in Christ, and together we can do so much more.”

He concluded the interview with his message of hope and courage to the youth:

“It’s possible. Don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be done. Believe in yourself and in God’s plan for you. Pray without ceasing because as Scripture says, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.”

Uncle Abundance, as he is affectionately known, steps into this new role ready to listen, guide and inspire the youth of the Archdiocese. He adds that this ministry is a calling to walk with young people on their journey of faith, helping them see that Christ truly is the centre of their lives.