Southern Africa’s Catholic youth leaders confront unemployment crisis, call for shared mission

Catholic youth leaders from across Southern Africa have gathered in Benoni to confront what they describe as a stark and urgent reality facing young people in the region.

Around 40 youth chaplains and diocesan coordinators from South Africa, Botswana and Eswatini are meeting at the Lumko Institute and Conference Centre from 23 to 26 February for the annual conference of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Youth Department.

Diocesan reports presented during the meeting painted what organisers described as an honest picture of youth ministry, highlighting high unemployment, limited financial sustainability for youth programmes, and challenges around formation and defining pastoral priorities for young people, youth and young adults.

“The reports that we had today were really touching in many ways,” said Bishop Siphiwo Devilliers Paul Vanqa SAC, Liaison Bishop for the SACBC Youth Department. “They showed clearly what is happening in our dioceses — the struggles, but also the progress. And what became very clear is that the reality of the youth cannot be the responsibility of one diocese alone. It is something we must face together as a conference.”

Rural dioceses were identified as facing particular difficulties in creating employment pathways and sustainable youth structures, while some metropolitan areas are reporting encouraging progress.

“Some clusters are doing very well, and we must learn from them,” Bishop Vanqa said. “We must share experiences and work together, so that what is working in one place can help another.”

As the Church in the region marks 75 years since the establishment of its hierarchy, Bishop Vanqa said the focus must shift from infrastructure to people.

“It is no longer about building buildings,” he said. “It is about building people. Forming our young people to become the next missionaries of the Church.”

With Catholic institutions no longer enjoying the same access to schools and formal structures for faith formation, he stressed that responsibility now lies closer to home.

“We now have to rely on our own communities our parishes and our families,” he said. “Formation must become the responsibility of everyone in the Church. If we want to form our youth, we must all be part of that mission.”

The bishop also highlighted the upcoming SACBC Youth and Young Adults pilgrimage in honour of Blessed Benedict Daswa, describing him as “a saint for all the people of Southern Africa.”

“He belongs to all of us,” he said. “We must invite everyone without fear  to walk together in faith, unity, and hope.”

The conference continues with discussions focused on collaboration, shared formation programmes and practical responses to the social, economic and spiritual challenges confronting young people across the region.