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  • Restoring lives through gratitude

    You will suffer in the long term if you believe you are entitled to better treatment than others or freebies. Entitlement can result in relationship conflict, unhappiness, abuse of many things (because you have money you have not worked for), and a severe lack of gratitude. The world does not owe us anything—we owe the world us all. The KwaSizabantu Youth conferences gave birth to the CYPSA Restoration Program. This program looks holistically at the socio-economic challenges of young people and helps them if they ask for help. The rationale is linked to the principle of attitude, which implies that a person can only change their life for the better if they are committed to the program. That is the only requirement to be accepted for the CYPSA program:  The person who wants to change for the better and commit to the program will be helped, and then change will happen. Change starts with the individual. Due to CYPSA’s work, education departments have formally invited them to conduct campaigns within its jurisdiction. CYPSA provides drug and human trafficking awareness workshops for educators. They visit communities and schools to educate and raise awareness for addictions. Through the goodwill of the KwaSizabantu Mission, the services are free to schools. Youth helped by CYPSA include drug addicts, drug dealers, pimps, gangsters, human traffickers, HIV-infected youth, and pornography addicts. They also visit prisons to bring hope to inmates based on reconciliation. CYPSA runs a Youth Inclusion Programme (YIP) that allows former drug addicts to complete their high school careers or pursue tertiary education. It also provides skills development and employment opportunities. After in-depth discussions with people who have restored their lives and overcome severe challenges, I found that gratitude makes a difference. An attitude of entitlement destroys a person and society. Many of those I spoke with highlighted that people who receive grants and other freebies are encouraged not to work and to use the money for the wrong things. The vicious cycle of entitlement prevents them from positively contributing to their lives. Thamsanqua Mpanza is one of the many who came to KwaSizabantu to seek help and now contributes constructively to society. Drugs, alcohol, witchcraft, ancestor worship, criminal activities and many other challenges previously marked his story. He is now a happy man, healed and working at the Mission. He wants others to learn from his story and help prevent them from taking the wrong path as he previously did. READ THE FULL STORY BY FOLLOWING THE LINK: https://devotedmag.co.za/rejected-from-society-welcomed-by-strangers/

  • Paying it forward…

    The paying it forward principle, also known as ‘repay-in-kind,’ is closely linked to the principle of gratitude. It refers to being kind to someone in response to the kindness shown to you by someone else. Instead of paying that person back directly, you pass kindness on to someone else and do not expect anything back in return. The KwaSizabantu Mission reaches out to communities in countless ways through youth conferences, skills development, assistance through restoration programs, and help to those in need. Its CYPSA restoration program has helped over 20,000 people with all kinds of addictions and related ills, and they visit schools across the country and borders to create awareness. Many who have been helped choose to stay behind and help others by sharing their stories or paying it forward in other ways. Some have also become missionaries and dedicated their lives to helping others. Some people helped through the CYPSA Restoration Program stayed behind and worked at KwaSizabantu, like Qiniso Khumalo. He now works at the Mission’s water bottling plant in Kranskop.    Qiniso said, “I was born in Ntuzuma Township but grew up in KwaDukuza (Stanger), KwaZulu-Natal. In 2015, I arrived at CYPSA (KwaSizbantu’s restoration program) and enrolled in its restoration programme as a drug addict in desperate need of help. “It was then that my friend told me about CYPSA, where I would be welcomed with open arms and be able to get help. God set me free from my drug addiction. I went back to my community and apologised to all the people I had wronged in the past. I was then allowed to work at the aQuellé water bottling factory. After having started as a packer packing loose packs onto pallets, I was appointed to become a machine operator. Now, I am working in the Technical Department as a technician and have received training on the maintenance and repairs of the manufacturing equipment used at the factory. God has truly changed my life.”   READ THE FULL STORY BY FOLLOWING THE LINK: https://devotedmag.co.za/i-was-in-desperate-need-of-help

  • Gratitude makes us better people

    I recently helped with the activities at the 50th anniversary of the KwaSizabantu Youth Conferences, and I have shared some behind-the-scenes information with the Riser’s readers. I visited different venues randomly and spoke with around twenty people to understand the organisation behind the event and its purpose. Those I spoke with were regular helpers, but I know others came to help for the first time. Those who come regularly to help said they would do it again, God willing. Since its inception, KwaSizabantu has been a beacon of hope for young people, hosting youth conferences twice a year. These week-long events, which provide free accommodation, gospel teachings, and life skills training, have profoundly impacted the lives of those who attended. The Mission's commitment to this cause is further strengthened by its collaboration with churches, schools, and charity organisations. I had an hour-long talk with one of the ladies helping prepare the food for the almost 8,000 youngsters who registered for the week-long event.  She caught my attention because of her age and the joy of how she went about doing the work. Greama Kwela is a resident and worker at KwaSizabantu and is in her golden years but as fit as a fiddle. She put a lot of youngsters to shame and worked with more vigour than I saw people half her age doing! She said she enjoys the work tremendously and is thankful for being part of it. “I was here from the beginning when Erlo Stegen started with KwaSizabantu”, she said. “I was part of his ministry when he started, even before that when the revival came to Maphumulo. I got married in 1966 – I was the first to get married here at KwaSizabantu.  I was here from the beginning of the youth conferences and was at all of them.” What a revelation that was – for 50 years, twice a year, this old lady did what she likes the most, and in between conferences: Sharing the gospel with those who want to hear and serve His people literally! What a testament to what it means to be a great servant… The Thursday after the conference, the Mission held a braai  for all the workers, and I have learned my most valuable lesson of gratitude. It was now time for the Mission’s management to serve those who served the others during the event… One of the most inspiring outcomes of the youth conferences is the CYPSA restoration program. Over the years, thousands of young men who attended a youth conference decided to change their lives and asked for help after they were touched by a message. The program was formed to support these individuals and has since helped over 20,000 people start a new life. Some choose to stay behind and help others in need, sharing their experiences to inspire hope and change. My visit to KwaSizabantu for the youth conference was a powerful reminder of the role of gratitude in personal development. I witnessed firsthand that attitude makes all the difference. Attitude is gratitude without the “gr,” and it is this attitude that can help a person overcome all that is wrong in his/her life. Gratitude, being thankful for even the most minor things, has the power to transform us into better, more resilient individuals. Do not miss the following article focusing on the paying it forward principle. TO READ MORE ABOUT THIS CONFERENCE, READ THE SPECIAL PUBLICATION BY FOLLOWING THE LINK: https://online.pubhtml5.com/asxvv/heul/

  • KHOIKHOI WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

    KHOIKHOI MÎDI DI |GAI|GAI!NÂ KHOIKHOI WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT NE GOWAS TI ABOXAN DĪB "This is my Ancestors' Language" HOA DA NÎ !HOA "We all are going to speak" NE GOWAS TA |GAI KAI TE "This Language will make me strong" ||KHA||KHA TE TI ABOXAN GOWABA "Teach me the Language of my Ancestors" SI TA MA DA GA I O; TARE-E? "If we don't; who will?" KHOIKHOI MÎDI DI SAOGUB KHOIKHOI VOCABULARY PEREB - BREAD PIRI - GOAT SARI - VISIT SÎ - SEND SOAS - OPPORTUNITY SON - DISAPPEAR SORES - SUN SOROS - BODY TAR-E - WHAT TARI-E - WHO TOROB - WAR

  • Behind the scenes at the KwaSizabantu youth conference

    My journey to the 50th anniversary of KwaSizabantu Mission’s youth conferences in KwaZulu Natal was a profound experience. Arriving at the mission station in Kranskop, KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday, 15 June, and departing on Saturday, 30 June, I was privileged to witness two weeks of transformative experiences and invaluable life lessons. The impact of these conferences on the lives of the youth over 50 years was truly priceless, instilling hope for their future. Imagine two conferences for 50 years attended by thousands of youngsters every time, each leaving with a renewed sense of purpose and hope for their future. The planning related to event management was significant and mind-boggling on the day of the Thanksgiving event. From managing the parking arrangements for hundreds of vehicles, they accepted and welcomed honorary and other guests and guided them inside the auditorium where the service took place. Then, there was coordination in managing the spillover of the attendees after the 10,000-seater auditorium was capacitated. For this purpose, huge tents were erected by workers and filled with chairs before the time. Afterwards, the tents were used to hand out food parcels for the extra visitors. More than 12,000 received food on this day. About six tents were well prepared for a five-star meal for the expected guests and the dignitaries. Everything happened as if the team of workers and helpers had practised many times before the time. The youth conference can better be described as an event that operates seamlessly through the effective coordination of many parts, leaving me impressed and amazed at the level of organisation and dedication. KwaSizabantu has hosted youth conferences at its Mission station twice a year for fifty years. At first, a small group came to hear the gospel and listen to testimonies of other people’s restored lives. Quickly, the numbers grew, with significant numbers of young people coming to the Mission to get help from a wide variety of socioeconomic challenges, including addictions.  Very soon, the Mission realised that the socioeconomic challenges of the young ones were far more than what the community and government helped with, and it opened its gates to help those in need. The youngsters come in impressive numbers to the KwaSizabantu Mission, with almost 8,000 registering for the celebratory conference in June. They received healthy meals three times per day. They attended services where the gospel was shared with them, and others could share their inspiring stories of life-changing events.  The services and meetings were held three times daily, and highly respected speakers were invited to share messages of hope. The youngsters could also participate in a sports day, where all the activities have been designed to allow them to participate, from general games to more skilled sports activities. To conclude: Attending this event was life-changing, and the rewards were significant and encouraging. Be on the look-out for the next article which will focus on why this conference is different from others. READ MORE ABOUT THIS CONFERENCE IN THE SPECIAL DEVOTED EDITION BY FOLLOWING THE LINK: https://online.pubhtml5.com/asxvv/heul/

  • “Growing up, I faced profound challenges like depression and fear…”

    Slasenger Dingole Mokone , (23) is an author and entrepreneur from Turfloop, Mankweng Unit A, Limpopo Province in South Africa. His journey began with a book titled " I Conquered ," which delve much into psycho social challenges such as depression, loneliness, and fear, offering insights on overcoming them through relatable short stories. “My writing was inspired by profound challenges that I have to face growing up. It was not easy to deal with loneliness and fear. Drawing from personal triumphs over these obstacles, I aimed to share my experiences and support others in similar situations. I penned down " Show Me the Light ," my first book, inspired by Sylvia Maleka's organisation called "Show me the Light" which helps the children and youth. The book explores how to transform oneself using the mind, mouth, and heart—the three organs that shape our state of being. It serves as a guide to engineer personal growth and achieve a better state of being”, he said. Beyond writing, Slasenger is also passionate about entrepreneurship and currently focused on building his clothing brand called Priest Amare ®. Priest here does not mean a religious leader but someone who stands for those who can't stand for themselves in any given situation. The word "Amare" means to love in latin . “Standing for myself and others in love is  embodied  by determination and success as our slogan is "success is mine", he added. He recently released a third book titled, " I Am Preparing Myself for Marriage and This Is How... ," motivated by his observations of broken relationships. “Through research, I uncovered that personal character deficiencies often contribute to marital failures example lack of self control can lead to cheating which leads to divorce. This book offers insights into developing essential characteristics  for sustaining marriage, for a successful marriage is a marriage that is or has been well maintained”, he concluded. His message to all aspiring authors is to keep writing and forget about finance issues, write down what you want to achieve and look at it time to time one day it will manifest and develop habits that lead to your goals. His books are available and costs only R 150,00. More information can be found:  0798336414 | Facebook : Thapelo Slasenger or TikTok as wordsmith.

  • “It is hard to make music without funds - talented Gospel Artist, Tumelo B”

    Another Mankweng township pride! Tumelo Mantsi Jocomina Bopape is a Gospel Artist from Unit F, Mankweng, Polokwane, Limpopo Province in South Africa. A single mother of a baby boy named Blessing started her school at Makeketela Primary School, Makgongoana High School and Mamabudusha High School. Later on she went on to acquire Certificate in call center Communication Marketing and Advertising. She went to Northern Computer School to do Diploma in Cashier, Project Management Certificate Preparation Programme with Saltiq College and Intel Learn Easy steps course with University of Limpopo.   “My love for music started at an early age at church, it is infact a talent from God. One day a guy named Kennedy Malifonde  from Zambia recognised my talent and featured my music. In 2021, I recorded my single titled “Mighty God” and it was online from August 2021”, she said.   Beautiful songstress told us about challenges in the music industry such as finding the right people who understand the type of music, making music without funds, lack of gigs and difficulties to find radio interviews. She is currently rehearsing and planning to record 3 or 4 songs next year.   “My advice to aspiring Gospel artist is to keep pushing, it has never been easy to make it in the music industry. Perseverance is a mother of success, keep praying, God will never fail you. I want to see myself winning more awards and my music being played on all platforms, radios and television. I want the world to know Christ through my voice and change people lives through my singing/my voice ”, concluded Tumelo.   Her music is found on Youtube, Itunes, Boomplay, (search song titled Mighty God - Tumelo B | Facebook: Tumelo B Smallgirl.   Rise Africans Newspaper wishes her all the best in her career.

  • “Special thanks to Lonwabo (Shots), sports photographer who bought me a new soccerboots…”

    One cannot ignore a talent we see on our local soccer grounds. Ayanda Mkhize is only 17 years old but ready to play nationally and internationally. Talented rising soccer star is from Kwa Makhutha township, Durban in South Africa and a learner at Adams College.   When speaking to Rise Africans Newspaper , Ayanda said her career started back at the age of 10 playing with boys on the streets until finding a team called Senzokuhle FC. “I was doing Grade 7 and selected to represent KwaZulu Natal in national tournaments. In 2021, I was scouted by Durban Ladies coach to play for the club. I have been part of Under 17 and Under 20 Womens’s national team. This career have brought me numerous achievements such as playing in the Engen Knockout Challenge 2024. I enjoy my football and willing to play at varsity” she said.   The sad part about our community is to have doubts about our local talents. Ayanda faced lot of challenges, she was denied a chance of playing soccer because people thought she is a lady and must act like one. They thought playing soccer is only meant for boys.   “I will never let negative minds to distract my talent, I avoid that by working harder, I am very passionate about football. I just keep quiet because I believe that silence is a best response. I also ask for advices from women in sport. My dream is to play abroad and gain lots of experience”, added Ayanda.   Her last message to aspiring women soccer players is to have passion and have more space to learn more.   “I would like to thank all people who supported me. Your support is pushing me to do more. A special thanks to Lonwabo Shots , best sports photographer in KwaZulu Natal, for buying me soccer boots after watching me playing with old boots. Thanks to each and every soul that supported me, may God Bless you all”, she concluded.

  • I lost my parents when I was young – Coach Sazi

    Rise Africans Newspaper brings you another wonderful story by brave young Africans who do much for their community. Sazi Mthethwa is from a small town called “iLfracombe”, KwaZulu Natal Province in South African. Coach Sazi  or Coach Neymar  as popularly known, is very passionate about football and love to see every kid given a chance to prove his/her talent. “I was raised by my grandparents after my parents passed away when I was young. Like any other kid, I started playing soccer at the age of 5. It is in my veins, and it is like a culture. Sazi Lions Football Club is busy inspiring and encouraging Youth to showcase their talents and never give up their dreams. I am proud of my self even though its hard because of lack of equipments. I still use stones and shoes to size the field so that the players can enjoy playing football”, said coach Sazi. Ladies are also enjoying playing football at Sazi Lions Ladies FC. “Anything is possible, our ladies team is doing much better. There are lots of challenges however, there were few players who shown interest in the beginning till inviting girls to come to join the team”, he added. Around November 2023, ladies team became strong and challenged a team from Umlazi called Young Lions Ladies. They lost by 5 – 2 but it was a motivation for them. Sazi Lions Ladies FC just won the tournament making Coach Sazi one of the best coaches around. A hope is to attract more sponsors because players do not have soccer boots and use same soccer kits with the boys. Coach Sazi is pleading to anyone who want to sponsor a club to contact him: Contact :0602137613 Facebook :Sazi Mthethwa Instagram :sazi_mthethwa.10 TIK tok :Sazi_way and Sazimthethwa.

  • “Record label can build or destroy your career…”

    This is a follow up interview with Uginn Pilusa, a (21) from a village called Dan, Tzaneen, Limpopo Province in South Africa but currently residing in Midrand, Gauteng Province.  Populary known as “ Elvirgo ”, completed his matric at DJZ high school in Nkowankowa.  “It is always good to be back to our family newspaper, I have been busy making music as always. Exciting news is that I just signed a contract with big record label, Gallo Records and will be releasing a hot debut album this winter”, said Elvirgo.   Lots of upcoming artists think that you are a star if your music appears on small screen. His song with TallexQ title Malume 2.0  ft Makhadzi, Kabza De Small & Lxrd Mordeca was big and loved by his fans.  “We were being exploited by Makhadzi Entertainment  so we just left since we were not signed but she claimed we were signed. However, it was a great feeling to be part of Malume 2.0  music video since it was a big song” he added.  It is never easy to make it big in the music industry, artists fall into wrong people’ s hands or bad record labels with a hope that their work will reach a massive audience. It is always wise to make research before falling into traps.  “Record labels use their capital to make artist’s work to reach out, so it is hard to make it as an independent because you cannot do all this by yourself if you do not have enough capital. My advice to upcoming artists is to keep working harder and release music, it can take long time but will make sense at the end”, concluded Elvirgo.  Fans can expect an album with 12 hit songs featuring legendary Sello “Chicco” Thwala, Jsmash, Philarmonic, Tye Waves, Lwami, Mphoel, Crooswavee and Mango Groove. We are proud to see an African child pushing hard to the top.

  • I grew up with boys, soccer was my first love

    It is very interesting to see people getting involved in different sports varieties and bring back to the community. Rise Africans Newspaper caught up with no nonsense professional referee from KweNkulu (Gamalakhe), KwaZulu Natal Province in South Africa. Nomthandazo “ Nomtha ” Mavundla (39) studied Sports Management at Boston College but did not complete due to work. In 2022, she went on to study for Health and Safety course at Oxbridge College. “Thanks a lot for the wonderful opportunity, I am currently working as a Field Ranger at Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and am a qualified soccer referee. My love for football started long time ago, I grew up with boys, so I ended up playing soccer too. I joined a club called “Teenagers” in my community and was a vice captain, even in high school I played soccer and was a captain . I then joined “Young Heroes” but the team was far”, she said. Soccer fans used to give her hard times when she officiates some games. “Many people doubted me until they saw my actions. They will shout and be against my decisions, other were saying I must go and cook dumpling , this is a men’s sport. Funny part they will come to me after a game and congratulate me”, added Nomtha. This brave woman is also a qualified beach soccer referee at South Beach. Her wish is to see lots of soccer scouts visiting rural areas because there is lots of talents out there. “Local coaches must be informed before scouts visits so the young players can get a chance to participate. This will assist the players to not fall into scams because they are so desperate. I am getting a training as a match commissioner, big thanks to SAFA. My message to someone who want to be like me is to love their work. People will talk with the aim of destroying your talent but one can go far with only respect”, concluded Nomtha We really had much fun with our African sister, we wish her all the best and hope lot of ladies will be inspired.

  • Saleh Amisi , a former international football player from Burundi.

    Saleh  is one of the most experienced and talented players in Africa (born in Burundi), currently residing with his wife and three beautiful daughters in Cape Town, Kenilworth, South Africa. “Thanks a lot for this opportunity, my love for soccer started at the age of 5.  I used to kick a ball around in the location Chibitoke (Burundi) and taught myself the game by observing big players. I am inspired by Malik Jabil, (left footer) and one of the top players in Burundi”, said Saleh. This legend has conquered the soccer fields of Hong Kong from 2008 – 2012 . He played for one the best clubs as follows: 1988-1990  ( Vital’O FC Juniors , Burundi), 1990-1993 ( Bragito FC , Burundi) , 1993-1995 ( Inter FC , Burundi) , 1995-1996  ( Ubombo Flyers FC , Swaziland), 1997-1998 ( Transnet Football School of Excellence , SA), 1998-1999 ( RAW Kaizer Chiefs Youth Development , SA), 1999-2002 ( Santos FC , SA), 2003-2004 ( Maritzburg United FC , SA), 2004-2005 ( Dangerous Darkies FC, SA),  2006-2007 ( Fidentia Rangers FC , SA), 2008-2010 ( Fourways Athletics FC , China), 2010-2012 ( Hong Kong Rangers FC , China( Player/Coach). “Soccer industry needs a strong heart, I faced so many challenges in my career, including breach of contracts from certain clubs but that could not kill my passion for soccer. I inspire upcoming soccer players to be persistent, hungry to learn new skills and willing to improve their technical abilities”, he added. Saleh is currently running a soccer academy named UNIT AFRICA CAPE STARS SOCCER ACADEMY (UACSSA), an NPO in the Western Cape province in South Africa. The academy is running on zero sponsorship but still manage to produce star players who also play abroad. “I am also working with teenage girls and boys from Delft, Elsies and Ravensmead (all Cape flats areas) and urgently in need of transport to get the players to and from the ACADEMY in Kenilworth. The players are between the ages of 7-20 years old”, concluded Saleh. Enquiries can be directed to : salehamisi569@gmail.com

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