The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Communication Office recently spoke with the SACBC Interdiocesan Youth and Association of Catholic Tertiary Students (ACTS) National Chaplain during the annual gathering of youth chaplains and coordinators underway at Lumko Institute and Conference Centre in Benoni.

The four-day meeting, organised by the SACBC Youth Office, brought together 40 representatives from across South Africa, Botswana and Eswatini for ongoing formation and collaboration in youth ministry.

In the Tuesday, 24 February interview Fr Motankane Mahlako explained that the gathering forms part of a long-standing annual process of formation, now in its eleventh year, aimed at supporting both new and experienced chaplains and coordinators in understanding the mission, vision and practice of youth ministry within the Church.

“The aim of this meeting is ongoing formation,” he said. “It gives chaplains and coordinators the opportunity to understand what youth ministry is all about, to share experiences from different dioceses, and to strengthen the support we give to young people.”

A United Youth Ministry

This year’s gathering was marked by a broader sense of unity, with the inclusion of representatives from the Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life – South Africa (LCCL.SA). According to Fr Mahlako, this reflects a growing commitment to building a common vision for youth ministry across the entire SACBC region.

“It is not only about the conference structures,” he explained, “but about uniting youth ministry from all corners — dioceses, religious congregations, sodalities, and movements — so that we may have something common for our young people.”

Accompaniment at the Heart of Formation

At the centre of the formation process, Fr Mahlako emphasised the Church’s call to accompaniment, a key theme in a synodal Church.

“Our main focus is accompaniment,” he said. “To accompany young people is to accompany the future Church.”

This accompaniment, he explained, is holistic — spiritual, psychological, educational and social. It includes spiritual formation and faith development, educational and academic support, social and emotional support, skills development and vocational training, discernment of vocation to priesthood, religious life and lay leadership.

Fr Mahlako highlighted practical responses to youth unemployment, including skills development initiatives and vocational programmes that empower young people not only to seek employment, but to become self-sustaining and entrepreneurial.

“We want young people to know that they cannot only rely on being hired — they can also be able to do something for themselves.”

He also stressed collaboration between SACBC departments, particularly in addressing serious social challenges such as gender-based violence, human trafficking, and youth vulnerability, noting the importance of shared resources and coordinated action.

Faith That Transforms Life

A key dimension of accompaniment, he said, is helping young people to recognise their gifts and purpose:

“We are helping young people to realise what they are good at and to use what God has given them for the betterment of their lives and for others.”

Preparing for the Blessed Benedict Daswa Pilgrimage

Fr Mahlako also spoke about preparations for the 21 to 22 March 2026 pilgrimage in honour of Blessed Benedict Daswa, which will take place at the Mother of Mercy Shrine in Magaliesburg, Johannesburg Archdiocese.

He described the pilgrimage as a powerful moment of evangelisation and spiritual awakening for young people:

“By knowing Blessed Benedict Daswa, young people come to understand sainthood — what it means to live a transformative faith, a faith that changes lives and gives meaning.”

The pilgrimage, he said, inspires young people to believe that holiness is possible in today’s world, even in the face of hardship and adversity.

Gratitude and Collaboration

In closing, Fr Mahlako expressed gratitude to the dioceses, bishops, chaplains, youth coordinators, and religious congregations for their growing commitment to youth ministry. He gave special thanks to the Salesians of Don Bosco, whose members participated in the formation gathering and shared their experience and charism in working with young people.

“We are encouraged by the response from the dioceses and the support of our bishops,” he said. “Together, as Church, we continue to work for the growth, dignity and future of young people across our region.”