WhatsApp weekly update 16-20 March 2026

Today is South African Human Rights Day. This day was previously called “Sharpeville day” to commemorate what happened in Sharpeville – about 60 km south of Johannesburg – on 21 March 1960, when several protestors who wanted to burn their passbooks (or dompas) were shot and killed in the back by the apartheid police. Today, we continue to honour the courage and memory of the victims, some of the many martyrs and first seeds of our democracy.

The best way to honour them is to build the best possible democracy on this planet. And that will require that we do all we can to fight youth unemployment, the deep deep shame of our nation and unrealised hope of our constitution (apparently the best in the world). Hopeless young people are not a statistic to be thrown around: these are real human beings who want to honour the creativity inherent in them and honour their families but for whom there are no or very little opportunity to do so. We are proud to say that VYLTP is one institution that works every day to ensure that their human rights are affirmed. (Apologies for this sermon!).

Some news of the week

The choral concert with a Canadian choir last Saturday at St Peter’s church in Hermanus was phenomenal! At least 70 people came to watch the performance at St Peter’s church. What a joyful afternoon was had by all. Thank you Bongani and the St Peter’s fundraising team!

On Monday, we visited Work4aLiving in Hermanus. They present short courses that prepare young people for the world of work. We are seriously thinking of partnering with them in some way…. Afterwards my local NG brothers and I met and we look to deepen our co-operation and friendship, especially with their mission team.

A really big thank you to those who help us make this work possible. We had some wonderful donations for our “Little by little campaign” and we can only thank you to y’all for that! Here is a note that Doug Hiza from London (whose wonderful wife Joan passed away recently) wrote:

“I have visited Volmoed many times with my wife, Joan. We have known Edwin since this wonderful/creative programme was first conceived. It’s taken a lot of hard work and commitment, but it is growing by leaps and bounds. We also know some of those who have come through this amazing programme. May it continue to go from strength to strength and may God continue to bless and guide you along the way!”

Yesterday, we had 10 Canadian visitors and 9 Dutch students drumming and walking through Zwelihle with us. What a great group of visitors! Siya was excellent in his drum-circle leading and also in sharing his insights in the afternoon. One can also see the growth in young people such as Inathi and Masixole, who led the Taize prayers so beautifully on Thursday.

Special thanks to Jody (the new Volmoed office manager) for all his assistance this week. He is so talented and we can all see it, especially after the Thursday morning service. Volmoed is VYLTPs mother and needs all our support. We hope that all those who support the Youth programme will also continue to support the beautiful place and liminal space, Volmoed. At the very least, please keep Volmoed in your prayers as we celebrate 40 years this year.

Blessings for the week!