ACTS hosts national conference at Mother of Mercy Shrine in Magaliesburg

by Kati Dijane · December 23, 2025

ACTS hosted its national conference at Mother of Mercy Shrine in Magaliesburg

By Kati Dijane – More than 70 members of the Association of Catholic Tertiary Students (ACTS) gathered for the association’s annual national conference, held at the Mother of Mercy Shrine in Magaliesburg in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg.

The week-long conference took place from Monday, 8 December, to Friday, 12 December 2025, bringing together Catholic tertiary students from various provinces for formation, discussion and organisational planning. The conference was held under the theme “Transforming and shaping the world with hope.”

A number of priests accompanied the delegates throughout the conference. These included Fr Motankane Mahlako, the national youth and young adults chaplain, as well as Fr Gracious Lombe (Free State), Fr Charles Mundia, Fr Hosias Makibi (Free State, QwaQwa branch), Fr Temi Eyeowa CMF (Western Cape), Father Sandile Mnguni (KwaZulu-Natal) and Father Charles Mundia (Gauteng). The chaplains provided spiritual guidance and participated in discussions related to leadership, faith formation and the mission of ACTS within the Church.

The conference programme included a series of presentations and workshops aimed at strengthening members’ understanding of the Church, the association’s identity and their role as young Catholic leaders. Fr Dikotsi Mofokeng presented on the final document of the Synod on Synodality, focusing on the Church’s call to participation, communion and mission. ACTS alumni also addressed delegates, reflecting on the origins of the association and its development over the years.

Mr Vincent Williams delivered a presentation on the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society, highlighting opportunities for students to become involved in service and outreach initiatives. Media practitioner Kati Dijane presented on media etiquette and Church content, offering guidance on responsible communication, digital platforms and storytelling within a Church context.

In addition to presentations, delegates engaged in discussions on the ACTS constitution, organisational identity and feedback from the National Executive Council. Sessions were also held on the role of chaplains within ACTS structures, leadership responsibilities at branch and provincial level, and future planning for the association. The conference concluded with prize-giving and a formal closing Mass on 12 December 2025.

ACTS president Vusi Njomo said the conference was important for leadership development and organisational growth.

“The conference was successful in bringing our members together and training them to become good leaders,” Njomo said. “It also helped members to understand themselves better, build relationships and work together towards a common goal.”

Njomo noted that the 2025 conference recorded the highest attendance since the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This was our biggest group since hosting conferences post-Covid. Attendance shows that members are gradually returning and participation is improving,” he said.

He added that many of the delegates were first-year students, which he described as significant for the future of the organisation.

“Having many first-year students at the conference provides a strong foundation. These members will go on to lead in their branches and provinces with a clearer understanding of where the association comes from and what it represents,” Njomo said.

He also acknowledged the logistical challenges involved in organising a national conference and expressed gratitude to those who supported the event.

“We are thankful to the National Executive Council for their continued commitment, to the chaplains for their guidance and especially to our sponsors and donors,” he said. “ACTS alumni and the St Vincent de Paul Society assisted financially, which helped ensure that members who needed support were able to attend.”

Njomo said feedback received from participants and members outside the conference had been positive, and he expressed hope that future conferences would attract even greater participation.

“Our goal is to continue impacting young people positively and to form leaders who will serve the Church and society,” he said.