The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Youth and Young Adults Leadership Conference concluded on Sunday, 19 July, with a powerful call for young Catholics to embrace their mission as “good seeds” in a world filled with challenges and to courageously answer God’s invitation: “Lord, send me.”
The three-day conference, held from 17 to 19 July at Maria Trost Pastoral Centre in the Diocese of Witbank, brought together youth chaplains, diocesan youth leaders, and young adults from across South Africa, Botswana and Eswatini. It was a weekend marked by prayer, dialogue, leadership formation, discernment and the election of a new interdiocese executive committee that will guide the SACBC Youth and Young Adults Ministry over the coming term.
Celebrating the closing Mass, SACBC liaison bishop for Youth and Young Adults Ministry, Bishop Siphiwo Paul Vanqa SAC, reminded the youth that every baptised Christian is a precious seed planted by Christ, called to bear fruit despite the realities of the world.
Good seed planted in difficult soil
Reflecting on the Gospel of Matthew 13:24-43, Bishop Vanqa recalled the Parable of the Sower and explained that while Christ has planted a good seed in each believer through Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist and the hearing of God’s Word, Christians are not removed from life’s struggles.
“Jesus sows a very precious seed, and that seed is us,” he said.
Like the seed that falls on rocky ground, among thorns or on the roadside, young people encounter different environments and circumstances that test their faith.
He challenged delegates to recognise that the quality of their witness depends on how they respond to the circumstances in which God has placed them: in their parishes, dioceses, schools, workplaces and communities.
Rather than allowing difficulties to destroy their faith, Bishop Vanqa encouraged them to transform obstacles into opportunities for mission.
Becoming light for others
Building on the Gospel’s message about wheat and weeds growing together, Bishop Vanqa acknowledged that evil remains present in the world despite humanity’s desire to do good.
“Our parents taught us to be good people, the Church taught us to be good people, our schools and our surroundings taught us to be good people,” he reflected. “But what brings evil into the world? What brings those things that hurt others?”
Instead of becoming discouraged by suffering or injustice, he urged young leaders to accompany those carrying heavy burdens.
To illustrate this, he shared the moving story of a young man diagnosed with cancer who decided to swim across part of the ocean to raise funds before his illness claimed his life. Although he died before completing the journey, someone else took up the challenge and finished the swim in his honour.
For Bishop Vanqa, the story perfectly captured the essence of Christian discipleship.
“When others can no longer continue, we must take up the challenge and finish the race,” he said.
The bishop explained to the youth that they possess different gifts and face different struggles, but all are called to support one another so that God’s work continues beyond any individual.
Passing on the baton
His message resonated deeply with the outgoing leaders preparing to hand leadership responsibilities to a newly elected executive committee.
Drawing on the image of a relay race, Bishop Vanqa described leadership not as personal achievement but as faithfully carrying the baton entrusted by previous leaders.
“For three years, others have carried this ministry,” he said. “Today, you are taking up the baton to run the part of the race that remains.”
He stressed that responsibility for youth ministry does not rest solely on those elected.
“This is not only for those who have been elected,” he said. “It is for each and every one of us to support them so that our youth and young adults’ ministry may flourish in our parishes, dioceses and throughout the conference.”
He acknowledged that those assuming office would encounter difficulties, criticism and many demands, but reminded them that authentic Christian leadership is always sustained by the support of the wider community.
“Somebody must do it for us,” he said, encouraging every young person to become an active participant in the Church’s mission rather than a spectator.
Three days of listening, learning and leading
The closing Eucharist brought to a close three days of meaningful conversations centred on strengthening youth and young adult ministry across the SACBC region.
The conference opened on Friday with a call for young leaders to become missionary disciples capable of responding creatively to the realities facing young people today. More than 60 leaders who were present reflected on leadership, collaboration and the importance of building vibrant parish communities where young people encounter Christ and discover their vocation within the Church.
Saturday focused on practical leadership formation and spiritual renewal. In his homily during Mass, Father Welcome Maluleka, youth chaplain for the Wipotza (Witbank, Polokwane and Tzaneen dioceses), reminded the youth that authentic leadership begins with a personal relationship with Christ. He challenged young leaders to lead through humble service, integrity and compassion, encouraging them to become credible witnesses who accompany other young people with hope and joy.
Throughout the weekend, young leaders engaged in small-group discussions, including the mission of young people and how they can spread hope, as well as being active citizens in the country by voting. As the day drew to a close, diocesan reports were also shared, especially the successes and challenges of youth ministry.
New executive elected
One of the major highlights of the conference was the election of a new SACBC Youth and Young Adults Ministry executive committee, which will provide leadership and coordination for the ministry over the next three years.
The newly elected executive comprises:
Mphumelelo Mkhize (Diocese of Marianhill) – Chairperson
Esinako Sosanti (Diocese of Queenstown) – Vice-Chairperson
Dineo Ramara (Diocese of Polokwane) – Secretary-General
Kgomotso Kgomo (Archdiocese of Johannesburg) – Treasurer-General
Reotshepile Moroka (Diocese of Kimberley) – Media and Publicity Officer
During the closing Mass on Sunday, the new executive committee pledged their commitment to their office, while Bishop Vanqa and the outgoing national youth chaplain, Father Mahlako Motanyane, blessed them.
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