Malelane Youth Conference 2026 still bringing hope after more than 50 years of ministry
From September 24 to 27, the annual Malelane Youth Conference took place in Schulzendal, focusing on the theme “Guard your heart.” Hundreds of young individuals and several dignitaries were drawn to the conference. There were 645 children, a few adults, and a total of 645 children registered for the services. Additionally, a few pastors from nearby churches were present. The Honourable Prince of the Kingdom, Prince Mguqiso, the son of His Majesty, King Sobhuza II, arrived with a group of young people on Sunday, while the Queen of Nkosi Shongwe from the local area visited.
Pastor Khumalo from the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) arrived with a group of young people. The Malelane conference is a component of the extensive youth development initiative of the KwaSizabantu Mission in KwaZulu-
Natal (KZN). The Schulzendal Mission was the first team to arrive at the mission a week or two before the conference began. They made visits to schools, shared the gospel, and invited students to the conference. They played a crucial role in preparing for the conference at Schulzendal. As the date approached, KZN’s buses and helpers arrived. The buses then went out to fetch all the children from places such as Magogeni, Nogobotsi, Phola, Chlau Chlau, Thulamahashe, Oshoek, Lochiel, Badplaas, Barberton, Matsulu, Kanjamazane, Phola, and Chlau Chlau. The three meetings were well attended on a daily basis. The Lord saved them and what He had done for them, according to the testimony of young people.
All were allowed to participate in the fun and games with sporting activities on Saturday morning. The young people were asked to nurture the seed planted during the conference during the closing service on Sunday evening. In their walk with the Lord Jesus, they were also challenged to guard their hearts. We are full of gratitude and thank the Lord for His presence throughout the conference and His work among the youth,” the organisers said after the conference.
After the services, many young people stayed behind and made their lives right with God. We thank God for keeping His hand over the vehicles and everyone who travels to and from the conference with His grace and mercy. Despite her advanced age and health challenges, Dr Elsa Bosman from KwaSizabantu is well-known for her exceptional assistance during outreaches like this one.
Every event brings purpose and is close to her heart. During the conference, she was among the numerous volunteers who shared her experience. She stated, “Seeing the Lord at work is always a blessing. He works in miraculous ways. From the moment of his arrival, His presence could be felt, and His work experienced.
The kids were calm and everything went smoothly. KwaSizabantu has grown over 50 years into an event far more than an annual gathering, and I thank the Lord for His grace. The Malelane conference is one of the many outreaches. It has become a place where generations come together to encounter God, faith is strengthened, and lives are transformed.
As the KwaSizabantu conference at Malelane celebrated another milestone, it is a reminder of God’s faithfulness over the years and of the power of His word to inspire, equip, and change lives. This year’s conference continues that legacy, and a new generation will be able to hear the same life-changing message. It serves as a reminder that God’s will persists and that the most remarkable journey is still being written, rather than merely a celebration of the past.