At the heart of the mission of the Augustinian Sisters of the Mercy of Jesus in KwaZulu-Natal is a growing commitment to accompany, form, and empower young women facing the realities of poverty, unemployment, and social vulnerability.

In an interview with the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Communication Office on the sidelines of the recently concluded Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life Southern Africa 2026 Annual General Meeting held at the Lumko Institute and Conference Centre, the Prioress of the Augustinian community in Estcourt within the Archdiocese of Durban shared how the congregation is responding to the needs of young people—particularly women—through concrete and faith-based initiatives.

“Our mission is to create spaces where young women can grow,” explained Sr Zonke Mdluli AMJ, describing a pastoral approach that integrates education, skills development, and spiritual accompaniment.

In rural areas such as Pomeroy and the greater Msinga municipality, the Augustinian Sisters have developed small yet impactful outreach programmes to equip young people with tools for self-reliance. One such initiative is a computer training school that offers an ICDL (International Computer Driving Licence) certificate. The programme serves young people who have completed Matric but are unable to access tertiary education due to financial constraints and disadvantaged backgrounds.

Through this initiative, participants acquire practical digital skills that open pathways to employment and enable them to contribute meaningfully to their families and communities. The programme culminates in a graduation ceremony, marking both achievement and renewed hope for the future.

Yet, as Sr Mdluli emphasised, the outreach goes beyond technical formation. The Sisters are deeply involved in the personal and spiritual lives of those they serve. Through regular engagement and accompaniment, they walk alongside young women as they navigate family challenges, build self-confidence, and rediscover their dignity. “It is not only about giving,” she said, “but about walking with them and helping them to see their own worth.”

This holistic approach also addresses the lived realities of families in vulnerable conditions. Through the housing support initiative ‘Home Plan’, the Augustinian Sisters have helped improve housing conditions, restore dignity, and create safer spaces, especially for children.

The congregation also runs an Orphan and Vulnerable Children Programme, which includes a strong focus on psychological care and emotional support. This initiative provides a safe and nurturing environment where children can grow and heal. Monthly gatherings incorporate structured activities, games, and nutritious meals, all aimed at promoting emotional well-being and holistic development. By investing in these young lives, the Augustinian Sisters help to build resilience, confidence, and social skills—planting seeds of hope for a more stable and promising future.

In addition, the Augustinian Sisters organise annual Christmas gatherings, bringing together children from the community for a celebration filled with joy and care. These gatherings include recreational activities, shared meals prepared by caregivers, and gift distributions, offering children a tangible experience of love, belonging, and community.

Sr Mdluli noted that young people today are increasingly searching for meaning and connection, and that religious communities are called to respond with greater presence and openness. “We need to be there,” she said, pointing to the importance of engaging youth not only in formal settings, but also in everyday spaces where they can encounter authentic witness and accompaniment.

This local mission finds resonance within the wider Augustinian family across the continent. Sr Mdluli recently participated in the General Assembly of the Augustinian Federation of Africa (AFA), held in Accra from 2 to 6 March 2026. The gathering brought together men and women religious inspired by the spirituality of Saint Augustine of Hippo, offering a space to reflect on their common vocation and the challenges facing Africa today.

Among the themes explored were the Church’s responsibility to address poverty and inequality, the importance of fostering unity within communities, and the need to strengthen the Church’s witness to justice. Particular attention was given to the preferential love for the poor and the call to translate this into concrete action.

For Sr Mdluli, the Assembly served as both affirmation and encouragement. The discussions in Accra echoed the lived realities of communities in KwaZulu-Natal and reinforced the importance of grassroots initiatives that bring hope and transformation. “We cannot remain in our corners,” she said, reflecting the spirit of the gathering. “We are called to be ambassadors of peace, of justice, and of love.”

According to Sr Mdluli, the Assembly also highlighted the enduring relevance of the spirituality of Saint Augustine of Hippo, particularly his emphasis on community, friendship, and care for others – values that continue to shape the mission of the Augustinian Sisters, guiding their outreach and sustaining their commitment to those most in need.

Listen to the full interview: