On World Youth Skills Day, a Catholic skills centre offers South Africa’s young people a pathway to hope

by Sheila Pires | Jul 15, 2026 | Featured, Youth Department

In South Africa, where almost half of young people aged 15 to 34 are unemployed, learning a practical skill can mean the difference between dependency and dignity, despair and hope. On 15 July, the international community marks World Youth Skills Day, observed...

South African Catholic youth challenged to become active builders of democracy

by Sheila Pires | Jul 2, 2026 | Featured, News, Youth Department

Forming young people to become responsible citizens is an essential part of the Church’s mission, participants at the Association of Catholic Tertiary Students (ACTS) Annual National Conference heard during a civic participation session jointly organised by the...

Archbishop Tlhagale: “The youth of 1976″ rekindled South Africa’s “Love for freedom”

by Sheila Pires | Jun 25, 2026 | Featured, Communication and Media, News, Youth Department

As South Africa marks fifty years since the Soweto Uprising of 16 June 1976, retired Archbishop Buti Joseph Tlhagale OMI has reflected on the pivotal role played by young people in confronting apartheid and reviving a spirit of resistance that had lain dormant for...

Bishop Vanqa to South African youth: “This critical right to vote was fought for, suffered for and died for”

by Sheila Pires | Jun 19, 2026 | Featured, Youth Department

As South Africa prepares for the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) Voter Registration Weekend on 20 and 21 June, the Liaison Bishop for Youth and Young Adults of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), Bishop Siphiwo Paul Vanqa...

“Accompanying the Future Church”: Fr Mahlako on Youth Formation, Collaboration and Hope

by Sheila Pires | Feb 25, 2026 | Featured, Youth Department

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...

“The reality of the youth is a shared responsibility” – Bishop Vanqa calls for a united response to youth challenges

by Sheila Pires | Feb 25, 2026 | Featured, Youth Department

Youth chaplains and diocesan coordinators from across Southern Africa have gathered at the Lumko Institute and Conference Centre in Benoni for the annual four-day conference of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Youth Department. The 23 to 26...