Young Life South Africa

Reaching the young people of South Africa

Because of Young Life, over 2,600 kids in South Africa have heard the gospel message, and an average of 805 kids attend club every week.

As of 2019, 2,645 teens and counting
have been reached in South Africa.

South Africa

  • Population: 59,227,283
  • Main languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu
  • Kids reached by YLA: 2,645

South Africa summary

At the southernmost tip of the African continent resides a country with a very fitting name – South Africa. Up until 1994, it was ruled by a white minority, which enforced a separation of races with its policy “apartheid.” After decades of international isolation, armed opposition and mass protests, it negotiated its way out of power. The now-democratic South African leadership is trying to encourage reconciliation and redress social imbalances, although it is difficult. South Africa currently has one of the continent’s biggest and most developed economies. Official unemployment is roughly 30% of the workforce and runs significantly higher among black youth. Of South Africa's 59 million people, black Africans make up 80.7% of the population. 34% of the population is under the age of 18. There are 11 official languages in South Africa, and Christians make up 81% of the population.

Young Life in South Africa began in 2012, and by the grace of God has grown exponentially. Area Director of Young Life in South Africa is Pierre de Hager (pictured right), a white man who grew up in a farming family during the apartheid era. The Lord did an amazing transformation in the hearts of Pierre and his wife Rentia, moving them from deep-seated prejudice to loving African teens of all colors for Christ. They have trained and mentored Young Life leaders in Zimbabwe and South Africa and oversee 68 volunteer leaders. Because of Young Life, over 2,000 kids in South Africa have heard the gospel message, and an average of 805 kids attend club every week.

Stories from South Africa

South Africa Leader Testimony

Outreach Camp

Shots from the field

The South Africa YL team

YL South Africa - with the cross at the center

Our impact

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Growth (2020)
Avg. Kids at Clubs 70 110 245 716 868
805
-7%
Avg. Kids in Campaigners 20 46 74 282 419
457
9%
Number of Ministries 4 4 9 14 18
18
0%
National Staff 2 2 2 4 4
4
0%
DGL 0 0 0 0 2 3 50%
Kids & Leaders to Camp 118 192 323 577 903 0 N/A

Our ministries

Young Life in South Africa began in 2012, and by the grace of God has grown exponentially. An area director of Young Life in South Africa is Pierre de Hager, a white man who grew up in a farming family during the apartheid era. Yet the Lord did an amazing transformation in the hearts of Pierre and his wife Rentia, moving them from deep-seeded prejudice to loving African teens of all colors for Christ. They have trained and mentored Young Life leaders in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Young Life ministry is established and growing. Young Life South Africa is also registered, which was very instrumental, because leaders have access into schools and can start school clubs.

Country Staff

Ezra Matthews – South Africa

Pierre de Jager – South Africa

Ann Mutiso – South Africa

Prayer Opportunities

Pray that God would open doors for ministry in all nine provinces of South Africa.

Pray that more mature ministry to help us grow the ministry.

Pray that we are able to get permission to do ministry in all schools.

Pray that we are able to get at least three more people on staff.

Pray for our three DGL students, that they may remain strong and serve God and prevail in their studies.

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