SACBC Youth, Young Adults, and Association of Catholic Tertiary Students (ACTS) Office

After two and a half years of accompanying young Catholics across Southern Africa, Fr Motankane Mahlako is returning to parish ministry, bringing to a close his service as the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC) Interdiocesan Youth Chaplain and Association of Catholic Tertiary Students (ACTS) National Chaplain. Reflecting on his…

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…

As South Africa prepares for its local government elections in November, the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC) Justice and Peace Commission has launched a new initiative aimed at encouraging greater youth participation in the democratic process. On Friday, 17 July, the SACBC Justice and Peace Commission, in partnership with…

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 globally this year under the theme "Skills for…

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 Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC) Justice and Peace Commission, Citizens ZA and…

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 years. In an interview with the…

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 SAC, has called on young people to honour the sacrifices of previous…

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 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 February meeting, which brings together around 40 participants from South Africa,…

By Kati Dijane  The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Youth and Young Adults’ Ministry made history this month by hosting its first-ever Young Adults’ Conference, bringing together 61 young adults from across the 29 dioceses in South Africa, Botswana  and Eswatini. Held from 2 to 5 October 2025 at…