INTER-YOUTH REUNION 2024
By Rev. Kelvin Sauls
On February 24, 2024, BeCoCo had the joy of co-sponsoring the INTER-YOUTH REUNION, a local collaborative partnership between the Methodist and Dutch-Reformed churches in Eldorado Park. Organized through the leadership of Kelvin Sauls, who served as the President of the Methodist Youth Fellowship, this local ecumenical partnership embarked on ministries of liberative and faith formation between 1980-1991, amid some of the most repressive years.of apartheid. This emancipatory faih formation included self-discovery and resiliency, leadership development, cultural enrichment socio-political advancement, fun activities to deepen relationships amd forge deliberagely deep and bold bonds!
After more than 40 years, these bonds were rekindled, rediscover, reset and relaunch after 30 years of democracy in South Africa. Master-minded by a gifted team unders the leadership of Chris, Averil, Gerard, Connie and Tonny, over 50 alumni of this Inter-Youtn Ecumenical movement gathered at the Art Farm for fun and food, singing and dancing, sharing photos, stories and memories! Memory Lane got congested, traffick slowed down, and it was on and poppin’!! Amid democratic fragility and economic insecurity, discrimination and marginalization, we tapped into the reservoir love and light, resisitance and perseverance, reimagination and reinforcement!! Anchored by the scripture that was a beacon of ligh unto our feet, “Let no one look down on you because of your youth, but be an example and set a pattern for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in moral precepts.” (1 Timothy 4:12), and the African Proverb, :If you want to go fast, go alone; If you want to go far, go together, the stage was set for an auspicious occasion!
Kevin reminded us that we are overcomers as South Africans. He urged us to leverage the power of hope that must fuel resilience. With faith in the good that reside in each one of us, we need to continue cultivating strategic partnerships between government, private sector, businesses, NGO’S, NPO’S and FBO’S. We must never forget to organize, mobilize and actualize people power to facilitate community upliftment and betterment. He encouraged leaders to make time for mentorship and coaching young people in the development of character and leadership, spirituality and entrepreneurship. Though we are surrounded by hopelessness and brokenness, hope and resilience are commodities we must continue to elevate and celebrate.
CAN’T!’ is not a word in Chaplin’s vocabulary. From humble beginnings he realised that the only way to change his world was to act ̶ a philosophy that has stood him good stead ever since, first with a 26 year-career in banking from which he took the bold step to establish the South African Ubuntu Foundation, and second to rescue the Amy Biehl Foundation (now Amy Foundation www.amyfoundation.co.za) from the brink of bankruptcy. Located in the Western Cape, The Amy Foundation is now providing life-changing afterschool programmes which develop and empower youngsters, aged 5-35 years from challenged and vulnerable communities of Gugulethu and Bonteheuwel. With a Youth Development Skills Programme based at their Head Office in Sybrand Park, the Amy Foundation helps young adults prepare for the world of work, employment and entrepreneurship.
We gathered in “One Heart… One Way…and One Love to re-member and re-connect. An “In Remembrance” Ceremony coordinated for those who has joined the ancestral cloud of witnesses. Candles were lit in remembrance of the following sisters and brothers:
Sammy Kruger | Clarrisa Olfant | Vernon Smith | Daniel Stevens | Maynard | Pullen
Joseph van Staden | Lorna Solomons | Micheal Joseph
Mother, Fathers & Mentors who provided assistance and guidance on the our multi-faceted journeys.
We were royally hosted by Tonny, Bongani and the entire Art Farm Team!! With DJ’s spinning beatz from Kwaito, House and Amapiono, dancing moves were unleashed in peculiar ways. Rev. Kelvin Sauls joined the Party virtually from Los Angeles via ZOOM with a message of appreciation and celebration, affirmation and invitation – :OUR TIME IS NOW!” We are grateful Warren and Rev. Marlon Fisher for the leadership on the program.
MUCH THANKS TO:
Chris Jacob’s
Avril Rogerson
Gerard Fisher
Rayna Beck
Connie Du Toit
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Rev. Kelvin Sauls
Advocate Tonny Sauls
Beloved Community Coalition (BeCoCo)
Swaliga Foundation
Until next time Masekinders, let’s organize and mobilize to revitalize our democracy and realize the quality of life for everyone!!
AWE!!
Share on your social media platforms