Young Life South Africa

Reaching the young people of South Africa

The Lord has moved in big ways in South Africa! In 2023, Young Life leaders knew nearly 16,000 kids by name and over 700 kids attended Campaigner groups each week!

In 2023, leaders knew 15,830 teens by name in South Africa.

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. The 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. 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 317 volunteer leaders. Because of Young Life, kids all over South Africa have heard the gospel message, and about 1,300 kids attend club and over 700 kids attend Campaigners every week within 43 ministries!

Stories from South Africa

Shots from the field

The South Africa YL team

YL South Africa - with the cross at the center

Our impact

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Growth (2023)

Kids Known by Name

2,093

10,094

13,661

15,830

16%

Avg. Kids at Clubs

868

805

417

1,369

228%

Avg. Kids in Campaigners

419

457

267

304

735

142%

Number of Ministries

43%

National Staff

DGL

n/a

Kids & Leaders to Camp

992

162

463

1,534

231%

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

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.