By Zuziwe Ndokweni
Over 2,500 young people from branches of the Christian Catholic Apostolic Holy Spirit Church In Zion gathered in Johannesburg to celebrate the 16 June weekend together.
The youth spent the evening in prayer and praise sessions while daytime gatherings were used for sharing life skills and participating in team building exercises.
This was the church’s response to a rise in crime, gangsterism and drugs associated with the celebration of historic public holidays in South Africa.
The latest crime stats presented by Police Minister Bheki Cele showed that more than 6,200 people were murdered in just 90 days in South Africa.
There is also a proliferation of attacks against young people in social gatherings with numerous unsolved mass shootings in taverns around the country.
It was with this background in mind that the elders at the church decided to host an annual Youth Conference on 16 June.
At this year’s event, youths from all over the country played soccer, netball, and engaged in team building exercises like tug of war and indigenous games.
KwaZulu-Natal youth chairperson Mpilo Busane said young people growing up with Christian values escape the high levels of crime in the townships.
“These events are sacred to the epitome of Inyoni (church) values which speak to unity, living a godly lifestyle, and caring for all at all times.
“Young people look forward to the event as they have a fun packed and informative conference,” he said.
Pictured above: Members of the Christian Catholic Apostolic Holy Spirit Church celebrate the 16 June weekend
Photo source: Zuziwe Ndokweni
