16/05/2026
Volmoed Youth weekly update (10 - 16 May 2026)
Dear friends and supporters
This week, the Mother of all storms hit the Western Cape on Mother’s Day nogal! We have had big storms in the past few years (most notably in September 2023, when Volmoed was quite badly affected) but this last storm is now being compared to storms that happened more than 100 years ago. Even a national road was hit, cutting areas such as Worcester and Ceres off from the rest of us. The state may have to use helicopters to get food and water to those areas.
While some of us are affected in particular ways (eg. no electricity, no wifi), other areas where there are predominantly wood and iron shacks were affected the most. Groups such as Gift of the Givers does really good work at times like these. We trust that this will all soon be over, though winter is only starting now. Pray that God and the weather will be gentle with us, especially as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of VYLTP.
Other more unnatural storms also hit South Africa. The unemployment rate, with youth unemployment at more than 60% has gone up rather than down! We are talking about 13 million people without a job. This is very very frustrating and once again proves that government and business are not going to solve this problem alone. A disturbing statistic was that even NGOs contributed to this unemployment figure. We simply have to take the message of the ascension more seriously, take our imagination to gravity-defying heights and use that to say “nothing is impossible with God”. These challenges will be overcome.
Anti-migrant protests are another one of these unnatural storms brewing for a few years now. Some South Africans are engaging in this very Afrophobic activity, blaming other Africans for our challenges as a society. As we approach elections in November, some political parties and groupings will ensure that this rhetoric and activity unfortunately increases. We have no choice but to take a strong stand against it and denounce this populist activity. Not all South Africans took part in the anti-apartheid struggle and therefore not everyone has a solidarity consciousness. We have to work harder as South Africans to welcome our fellow Africans here and to ensure their safety. Africa must be born in each one of us. Let us not make other Africans the scapegoat for our challenges (which are immense). This does not mean that anyone can play loose and fast with our laws, but the main responsibility for the challenges in our society starts and ends with us. Apologies if this sounds like a sermon!
But there are some good news:
1. Bob Faris, who is from Canada but part of the Volmoed community, and his partner, are considering a proposal to work with us to plant perhaps 1000 trees in Mount Pleasant and Zwelihle over the next 5 years. We look forward to clarifying and then implementing this concept. This fits in well with our “Creation and creativity” theme.
2. Indi and Mahalia arrived safely at Taizé in France and have already had some incredible experiences there. We are very happy for them.
3. We also had an amazing Taizé day at Volmoed on Saturday. One of the local young priests (Rev Sheldon Kraak) led a beautiful Bible study and the energy increased as the day progressed. The young people took a walk on the new path to the grotto at Volmoed. Big thanks to Jody for making this possible. For these Taize days, we are probably spending R400 per young person per Taize day, but it is worth every cent as young people are empowered, inspired and given new hope.
4. Our 10th anniversary celebrations from 12 - 16 June: Bishop Edwin Pockpass from George diocese has confirmed his attendance, together with a delegation of clergy and young leaders. So has a young woman from California (Sidney) and several others. We look forward to welcoming them all in Hermanus! We now ask everyone to register here: https://forms.gle/b4PhM6yAqLtrNM8V6
5. The people of St Peter’s parish have been amazing with their organising to host us. Please keep the team at St Peter’s in your prayers as they continue to approach parishioners and others for accommodation and other donations.
6. As we give thanks for all of you, we are excited that Elizabeth from New York will arrive this week to run the 42km Cape Town marathon in our honour on Pentecost Sunday. May the Spirit be with you every step of the way, Elizabeth.
From: Edwin Arrison (VYLTP Director)
[email protected]
The VYLTP Leadership Team invites you to celebrate, participate and reflect on the journey of the Volmoed Youth Leadership Training Programme (VYLTP) 10th Anniversary Celebration, under the Theme: "I call you friends" and Sub-Theme: From fear to Courageous Community. The gathering is primarily for y...
