On the eve of the election of the new leadership team for the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Youth and Young Adults Ministry, Bishop Siphiwo Devilliers Paul Vanqa SAC called on young Catholics to embrace leadership rooted in faith, service and responsible participation in society.

In a conversation with the SACBC Communications Office on Saturday, 18 July, during the Youth and Young Adults Leadership Conference held at Maria Trost Pastoral Centre, Witbank Diocese, the SACBC Liaison Bishop for Youth and Young Adults reflected on the Church’s mission of accompanying young people as they discern their vocation as Christian leaders.

The interview took place as delegates from South Africa, Botswana and Eswatini gathered to pray, reflect and elect a new interdiocesan executive committee that will guide the ministry over the next three years.

Leadership as service

Bishop Vanqa described the conference as a moment of listening, discernment and renewal, where young Catholics were invited not only to elect leaders but also to deepen their commitment to Christ and His Church.

“The Church walks with young people because they are not merely the future of the Church; they are the Church today,” he said, adding that authentic leadership begins with a willingness to serve others.

The Local Ordinary of Queenstown Diocese encouraged young people to recognise their God-given gifts and place them at the service of their communities, stressing that Christian leadership is measured not by status or recognition but by humility, integrity and faithful witness to the Gospel.

The bishop also underlined the importance of formation, dialogue and accompaniment, saying the Church must continue creating spaces where young people can grow in faith, ask difficult questions and discern God’s call in their lives.

Forming responsible citizens

Bishop Vanqa’s call to leadership extends beyond the life of the Church to active participation in society. Reflecting on South Africa’s upcoming local government elections, he encouraged eligible young people to register and vote, describing civic participation as an important expression of responsible citizenship and a practical way of promoting the common good.

He urged young people to form their consciences, become informed about the issues affecting their communities and elect leaders who will serve with honesty, integrity and accountability.

His appeal echoes the SACBC’s wider civic education initiative, which seeks to encourage young Catholics to engage constructively in democratic life. During the conference, Philani Mkhize and Sheila Pires from the SACBC Justice and Peace Commission and the Communications Office reminded participants that choosing not to vote is also a decision—one that leaves others to shape the future of their communities.

Young people were encouraged to register to vote, understand the challenges facing their local communities, read and compare political party manifestos, vote with an informed conscience and motivate their peers to participate in the democratic process.

The initiative forms part of the Church’s broader commitment to forming active citizens who seek the common good through peaceful, informed and responsible participation in public life.

Hope amid today’s challenges

Addressing the realities facing many young people in Southern Africa—including unemployment, poverty, violence and social inequality—Bishop Vanqa encouraged them not to lose hope.

“Our young people face enormous challenges, but they also possess extraordinary gifts, creativity and resilience,” he said. “The Church believes in them and wants to accompany them as they become agents of hope and transformation.”

New leadership for the next three years

At the end of the three-day conference, young Catholics elected the new interdiocesan executive committee that will coordinate the SACBC Youth and Young Adults Ministry across South Africa, Botswana and Eswatini for the next three years.

The newly elected executive comprises Mphumelelo Mkhize of the Diocese of Mariannhill as Chairperson, Esinako Sosanti of the Diocese of Queenstown as Vice-Chairperson, Dineo Ramara of the Diocese of Polokwane as Secretary-General, Kgomotso Kgomo of the Archdiocese of Johannesburg as Treasurer-General, and Reotshepile Moroka of the Diocese of Kimberley as Media and Publicity Officer.