FEATURES • SACBC YOUTH LEADERS

MEET THE LEADERSHIP IN THE SACBC YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS MINISTRY

Two youth leaders of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), its National Youth Chaplain, Father Motankane Mahlako, and the president of its Youth and Young Adults Ministry, Lesego Zikhali, converse about the reality of the youth in South Africa, addressing their challenges and capabilities. In this Jubilee Year, they both reflect on the significance today of the events which took place on 16 June 1976 and the ever-present need to empower the youth.

BY KATI DIJANE | CATHOLIC JOURNALIST, JOHANNESBURG PHOTOS BY FATHER MOTANKANE MAHLAKO

Father Mahlako: A shepherd of hope for Southern Africa’s youth

IN A world where young people face increasing spiritual, social, and economic pressures, Father Motankane Mahlako stands as a pillar of hope, compassion and empowerment. Fr Mahlako has dedicated his priesthood to walking alongside the youth—guiding, supporting and igniting a fire of purpose within them.

Born in Burgersfort, Limpopo, and ordained in 2009, Fr Mahlako is no stranger to leadership. As the firstborn of eight children, his early sense of responsibility and care for others became the bedrock of his vocation. “After responding to my priestly vocation, I began my studies in 2001 at St Francis Xavier Seminary in Welkom,” he recalls. “It was a journey that enlightened my vision and helped me experience the beauty of finding life in the priesthood.”

He credits the example of parish priests from other countries—who left the comfort of their homes to serve South African communities—as a powerful inspiration. Their selflessness sparked a deep desire within him to serve his own community through the priesthood. Reflecting on his formation years, he encourages young people considering a religious vocation: “Through formation, you discover your strengths, abilities, and even your weaknesses—and learn how to deal with yourself.”

Championing the youth in the Church

Today, as the SACBC Youth Chaplain, Father Mahlako’s role is both strategic and pastoral. From coordinating national youth programmes to supporting chaplains in dioceses across Southern Africa, his work ensures that the youth ministry remains vibrant, united and impactful. “My day begins with prayer—for chaplains, youth, and all who support youth ministry. I check in with leaders from the Association of Catholic Tertiary Students, attend cluster meetings and collaborate with coordinators and advisory boards,” he explains. “I’m not a lone ranger—our work is collaborative. I’m a support pillar and the glue that binds our youth-related activities.”

Under his guidance, programmes like Education for Life, Theology of the Body, Youth Alive and Alpha are helping youth across dioceses engage more deeply with their faith, while addressing real-life issues. His goal? To ensure that every young person feels seen, heard and valued in the Church.

Responding to real challenges

Fr Mahlako is deeply attuned to the social and spiritual challenges facing Southern Africa’s youth: teenage pregnancy, unemployment, cyberbullying, substance abuse, gender-based violence and human trafficking.

“We are working with stakeholders in the Church and beyond, including the Catholic Institute of Education, to develop programmes that equip the youth with skills and empower them to be self-reliant.”

A Jubilee Year of Hope

The year 2025 marks the Jubilee Year of Hope, a milestone in the Catholic Church celebrated every 25 years. For Fr Mahlako, this year holds profound meaning for the youth.

“For young Catholics, the Jubilee is a chance to walk with a new spirit, mission, and vision—aligned with God’s purpose for their lives.” (Father Mahlako)

He believes that despite the darkness of current societal challenges, young people can be bearers of light. “Hope means making the right decisions, being a source of peace, and maintaining a positive outlook. The youth are not just the future—they are the present voice of God’s hope.”

Honouring the legacy of June 1976

As South Africa commemorates Youth Month every June—marking the brave stand taken by students during the 1976 Soweto Uprising—Fr Mahlako sees a clear link between that historic struggle and the mission of today’s youth in the Church.

“The uprising reminds us that young people are instruments of change,” he says. “The youth of 1976 challenged the status quo. Today, our youth must be encouraged to challenge the ills of society—not necessarily with protest, but with purpose, values and vision.”

He urges young Catholics to find meaning in their existence and to never settle for less. “June must serve as a mirror, reminding the youth that they are dynamic agents of transformation, called to live meaningfully and lead morally.”

The road ahead

Looking to the future, Fr Mahlako envisions a united and spiritually grounded youth movement—one that will shape the Church and society for the better. “We want young people to tap into their talents, give back to their communities and live as true evangelisers of the Gospel.”

To make this vision a reality, he believes parishes must do more than just accommodate the youth—they must empower them. “Youth need inclusion in leadership. They need mentors who will walk with them. The Church must be intentional in helping them lead, not just participate.”

He concludes with a challenge to parish leaders: “With the right guidance, the youth will become custodians of the Church and of our nation’s future. So, you must guide and mentor them.”

Lesego Zikhali: Leading the youth with faith, purpose and hope

From humble beginnings in Soweto to leading the Catholic youth across Southern Africa, Lesego Zikhali opens up about his journey. As the president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Youth and Young Adults Ministry, Lesego carries a vision deeply rooted in service, community and hope.

What began as a simple desire to be involved, soon transformed into a calling that would shape the course of his faith.

A journey of leadership and learning

One of Lesego’s early milestones was helping the Soweto Altar Servers’ Guild gain recognition as an official ministry in the deanery. “That experience made me realise the power of advocacy and what it means to stand up for the youth in faith spaces,” he says.

Since taking on the role of SACBC Youth Ministry president, Lesego has experienced defining moments that have shaped his leadership.

“Through prayer, discernment, and self-reflection, I have grown as a leader, learning to communicate, empower, and mentor others.” (Lesego Zikhali)

Youth Month: Beyond June 16

As South Africa marks Youth Month in June, Lesego believes it is not just a commemoration—it is a call to action. “June 16 should always remind us of the resilience of youth, especially those who fought for justice in 1976. But it should also inspire us to continue that legacy—spiritually and socially.”

He encourages young people to become agents of positive change by integrating their faith with activism, values like justice and compassion, and a spirit of community. “To keep the spirit of Youth Month alive, we must go beyond commemorations. We need year-round programmes that empower youth, develop leadership and grow faith.”

For Lesego, this includes youth-led projects, inclusive decision-making spaces, and mentorship opportunities.

A Jubilee Year of Hope

The upcoming 2025 Jubilee Year, themed Pilgrims of Hope, resonates deeply with Lesego and his mission to lead the youth. “For Catholic youth across Southern Africa, this theme can inspire a deeper spiritual connection, encouraging them to embrace hope, forgiveness, and joy. By participating in special events, engaging in acts of mercy and deepening their prayer life, youth can experience God’s love and mercy, fostering a sense of community and purpose.”

He adds, “This Jubilee Year offers a powerful opportunity for youth to grow in faith, spread hope, and become beacons of light in their communities.”

Empowering the disconnected

Lesego is particularly passionate about helping young people who feel left behind—those who are unemployed, struggling with mental health or disconnected from the Church. “We need a holistic approach—job training, mental health resources, and, above all, spiritual care.”

The Church, he says, must become a space of healing and belonging.

“If we truly listen to and walk with our youth, we will see their strength. We will witness how faith can restore joy and purpose.” (Lesego Zikhali)

One testimony that continues to inspire him is from two youth members, Tebogo Petja and Gladness Mashubuka. “They spoke about how the youth ministry gave them a sense of purpose after feeling isolated. Their growth in faith was incredible to witness—it reminded me why this work matters.”

Building a Church of tomorrow

Lesego’s vision for the Youth and Young Adults Ministry is ambitious but clear: a vibrant, inclusive, mission-driven Church led by empowered young Catholics. He adds that through this ministry, they are building a Church where youth are not just participants but decision-makers, ministers and leaders.

He stresses the need for inclusive language, cultural sensitivity and leadership that reflects the diversity of the Church.

Inspired by scripture and mentorship

At the heart of Lesego’s ministry is a verse that anchors him through every challenge: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). “It reminds me I am never alone in this work. God’s strength carries me.”

He is quick to acknowledge the people who have shaped his path. “I am forever grateful to Fr Mthembeni Dlamini CMM, who shaped me as a leader, and to Fr Motankane Mahlako, who continues to guide me in youth ministry. And of course, my council members.”

A message to the youth

To the young people of Southern Africa, Lesego’s message is full of encouragement: “May you know that you are loved, valued, and empowered by God to make a difference in the world. May your faith be a source of hope, joy, and inspiration, guiding you to serve others and build a brighter future for Southern Africa and beyond.”