Forty-two representatives of the AFM Province of the Salesian Cooperators (Southern Africa: Lesotho, eSwatini, and South Africa) gathered for their annual congress at the Bosco Youth Centre in Walkerville from October 1–4, 2026.
In the 150th anniversary year of their Association, founded by St John Bosco in 1876, the Salesian Cooperators chose the theme “BE THE YEAST,” echoing their 6th World Congress held in Rome in May 2026.
According to the Provincial Coordinator, Ms Imelda Mace, the three main fruits of this provincial gathering are a clear focus on three priorities: fostering a solid culture of formation in each local centre (Formation), fostering a closer presence among the youth—especially those in need (Youth), and growing in economic solidarity as an Association to sustain their formation and mission (Solidarity).
The Association of Salesian Cooperators has a long history in South Africa, dating back to the early 1900s in Cape Town. Following Vatican II, the Association focused on autonomous growth, directing the formation of its members and lay leadership.
The Provincial Congress marked a key step on this journey through a clear synodal method of discernment and spiritual process: Look – Listen – Choose and Act. Alongside reports shared by each centre, discernment and planning were guided by the annual theme for the Salesian Family (Strenna), “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5), animated by Salesian religious (SDB Priests and Brothers, and FMA Sisters).
The Association of Salesian Cooperators currently has 65 promised members and about 15 aspirants across established and emerging centres in Lesotho (Maseru, Maputsoe), eSwatini (Manzini), Cape Town, Limpopo (Malamulele), and Gauteng (All Saints Ennerdale, Booysens, and Bosco).
To encourage vocational growth, copies of the newly printed New Biography of Don Bosco by Fr Teresio Bosco (translated into some 40 languages worldwide) were presented as spiritual nourishment and inspiration for every member.
As they departed for their home centres, participants shared a growing sense of belonging to a worldwide association spanning 115 countries. They expressed deep gratitude to all who have contributed to this lay Salesian vocation over the years, pledging mutual support across Southern Africa to bring their daily mission for young people to life.
- Become the Yeast – Salesian Cooperators Congress 2026 - October 9, 2026
- Salesian Leaders Gather in Angola to Map Out Future of East-South Africa Region - October 7, 2026
- First induction workshop of Salesian Mission Partners in Southern Africa - May 11, 2026
