WhatsApp weekly update: 17–23 May 2026

Dear friends

Today I start this weekly update with a special appeal (with tears in my navy-blue eyes!) to those who have indicated that they wish to attend VYLTP’s 10th anniversary celebrations from 12 to 16 June: please make sure that you REGISTER online at https://forms.gle/b4PhM6yAqLtrNM8V6 by May 29 for the latest, but please do not wait until then.

While at least 70% of the conference will consist of young adults, we are leaving space open for others to also join as we wish to ensure that there is some intergenerational conversation, with the clear understanding that the voices of the young adults will be given priority. The challenges faced by the young adults in South Africa cannot be faced by them alone. We need to listen and empower.

1. We are now privileged to announce that Dr Allan Boesak, probably South Africa’s top orator and preacher and now also a “Volmoed fellow”, has agreed to be the keynote speaker on June 16 at12pm at Volmoed. Thank you, Dok! We look forward to your challenging, inspiring and encouraging words to us during this year of your 80th birthday and the 50th year of your first book “Farewell to innocence”. If possible, we will livestream it. At the very least, we will record it.
2. We are also especially proud of one of our Volmoed patrons, Prof Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, for having been awarded the Order of Baobab by the President of the Republic. This is normally given to those who have made outstanding contributions to our life together. Many congratulations! Arch Tutu would have been especially proud of you.
3. Speaking of which: the new film, TUTU will be premiered on 7 June at the Labia Theatre and the V&A Ster Kinekor cinema. One of our VYLTP leadership team members (Rev Rene August) will share her thoughts about the film at the Waterfront.
4. Special thanks to the “Gift of the Givers” who will keep us hydrated during the conference. Thanks for the great work you do across the country and globally.
5. We are now 3 weeks away from our 10th anniversary celebrations. Most of this last week was spent filming a short documentary for the 10th anniversary. A really big thank you to the film-makers Gustav and Mariska, who are doing this labour of love for virtually nothing. We look forward to seeing the final product!
6. We continue to thank God for the people of St Peter’s Hermanus who are planning to host us from 12–15 June. We pray God’s blessing on all your efforts.
7. We ask you to please offer this prayer daily as we prepare for the 10th anniversary:

Lord Jesus Christ: as a young adult in 1st century Palestine, you emptied yourself and gave your life for all creation;
Thank you for your example of victory over death that has inspired so many to follow you and build beloved community;
Thank you also for giving your Spirit to all people, to all creation;
Bless, we pray, the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Volmoed Youth Leadership Training Programme
Based at the southern part of Africa;
Guide and strengthen its leaders
Guard and empower the young people
And give them your peace, justice and reconciliation;
your faith, hope, love and grace
That your kindom may indeed come
And your will indeed be done
Here on earth as it is in heaven;
Even now….. Amen and amen.