By Gerda Potgieter
More than 6,000 young people attended the first 2026 KwaSizabantu youth conference in KwaZulu-Natal from 30 June to 5 July for teaching, fellowship, reflection, personal growth and recreation.
This year’s theme, “Above all else, guard your heart”, addressed the choices and pressures young people face today. Many attendees returned from previous years, reflecting the continuing influence of these conferences after more than five decades.
The conference is known for value-based teaching, worship, prayer, reflection, and the encouragement of positive life choices. Held for decades, it attracts thousands from South Africa and abroad, with week-long accommodation, meals, and attendance provided free of charge.
KwaSizabantu’s conferences encourage forgiveness, reconciliation, responsible decision-making, and personal growth. They also offer practical guidance and mentorship to help young people overcome destructive lifestyles and addictions and become positive influences in their families, schools, churches, and communities.
The twice-yearly conferences also create volunteer service opportunities. As thousands arrive from South Africa and other countries, hundreds of volunteers from KwaSizabantu branches locally and abroad help manage logistics, serve three meals a day, and care for attendees in organised workgroups.
Since beginning in 1974 as small testimony gatherings, the conference has grown into a major event drawing young people from many provinces. Listening to and sharing stories of hope remains central to its impact, especially for those from challenging backgrounds.
Participants also learn practical ways to face issues such as drugs, peer pressure, and social challenges, gaining tools to make safer, more confident choices.
The conferences have welcomed well-known speakers and leaders from the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government and beyond, who have recognised their contribution to youth development through moral values, discipline, mentorship, and positive choices.
KwaSizabantu’s youth development and community outreach have grown steadily since the Mission opened decades ago. Each year, thousands visit to seek help or serve others, while children’s and youth projects remain part of its wider outreach programme. The youth conferences have become a keyway to reach young people facing serious personal problems and addictions. Many first hear about the Mission’s Concerned Young People of South Africa (CYPSA) restoration programme there, which has already helped thousands struggling with addiction.
(Note: If you have challenges and need help or plan to attend future conferences, visit the website: www.ksb.org.za)
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