KwaSizabantu in KwaZulu-Natal is a place where miracles happen, and lives are restored
July 2021 has been a very turbulent time in South Africa with the third wave of Covid-19 spreading and the worst lootings and riots democratic South Africa has experienced. The riots happened across the country, but especially in KwaZulu-Natal where the KwaSizabantu Mission is situated. However, KwaSizabantu is a place where miracles happen, and lives are restored.
During the riots KSB and its communities have worked in unison to safeguard livelihoods. The community members came to protect the mission, the local shop, and the local people’s jobs. The local amakhosi and political parties have assured Reverend Erlo Stegen, founder and director of the Mission with these words: “I want you to know anything that happens, or anyone (who) tries something, we are a phone call away, we are even prepared to be of over watch (sic) should the shop open. No one will loot the shop.” This affirmation was echoed by another message: “Sanibona if it happens that you need more security personnel in your company, do not hesitate to contact us. We are ready to protect what we have in our area.” The local councilor also promised protection.
Emseni Farming at KSB, and the Mission’s other projects, are ensuring various income streams that benefit the community directly. These projects also ensure sustainability for the Mission’s many outreach and upliftment programs and missionary work. The community could not allow it to be destroyed as thousands of households benefit from the farming projects.
The commander of the defense force in KwaZulu Natal, Major General Patrick Njabulo Dube, and his team, visited KwaSizabantu recently. Major General Dube was interviewed by Khwezi Radio, situated at the Mission, and said, “The purpose (of the visit) was to come and meet with you, as we all know that besides being a mission, Kwasizabantu also produces many things like the water, aQuelle, and vegetables. Now, as our country was experiencing all the unrest, we realised that if this place should be destroyed in the unrest, there are many areas that will be destroyed. Job opportunities, food security will be harmed”.
He also acknowledged the huge impact KSB has on the community. “It is important to us that our country’s economy needs to continue growing. It will be a problem to us and the community of South Africa if an incident were to occur where people come here and do harm to this place. Therefore, it is in our hands to protect this place, together with all of KwaZulu Natal in collaboration with the police force”. KSB shows us how we can rebuild our country if we all work hard and join hands in doing so. Together, we can do so much more to restore lives.
NOTE:
Our work is His work and when you seek to give glory to God, your work becomes your calling.
Matthew 5:16 dictates, “In the same way let our light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” We will bring you regular stories about restored lives that reflects His greatness.
About Restores Lives
The Concerned Young People of South Africa (CYPSA) is housed on the premises of the KwaSizabantu Mission and runs a three-week programme for people fighting addictions. Marcel and Romeo (stories below) both attended the programmes and are no longer broken people. The young men are now free from drugs and alcohol, and they willingly participate in the programmes. They still interact regularly with the pastoral caretakers, and they choose to work at the Mission as they feel driven to help others like they have been helped.
