A wonderful and heartwarming conference, filled with many amazing accomplishments, occurred at St Bernard Mizeki, eMbekweni from the 9th to the 11th of May. We started on Friday as we were warmly welcomed with an opening service that was presided over by the Rector of the Parish, Revd Luyanda Nyubuse. After the Eucharist service, we had a spiritual praise and worship session led by one of the students, Azola Nosilela, We felt the presence of the holy spirit with us during this time.

After the praise and worship service, we had the AGM, where former leaders of the Federation gave guidance on the formalities of the AGM and encouraged members to participate and ask questions regarding the different reports which were presented. Shortly after, elections were held with the current chairperson being re-elected for a second term.

Despite now having enough sleep due to the previous day’s events, Saturday’s programme kicked off bright and early with a short morning prayer session led by Nathan Poswa and Ayola Ngambu. Food was definitely a highlight of the day, with the starters and mains being served as more and more people arrived. A rather insightful and educational discussion with Hope Africa followed led by Jenny Dick which focused on GBV and Femicide in South Africa particularly in our church communities. We were encouraged as young leaders to try and be advocates as well as educate those around us. We were split into groups and instructed to write about the talk Mrs Jenny provided and later presented it with a song. Despite the horrid weather, the entire group of students, associates and visitors went out into the streets of eMbekweni to march in solidarity with the GBV and Femicide movement and educate the community on the role of the church and how they can seek help.

We devoured a quick lunch and went straight into one of the main talks of the day, a former ASF leader, Solomzi Nyezi, who spoke on how as young Christians who are about to enter the big corporate and worldly life can try and find their feet and set themselves apart. A wonderful and heartwarming exam prayer and candle lighting Eucharistic service was led by Rev Earl Richards, where we prayed for the upcoming examinations as well as the donated clothing being given to the church for those who have unfortunately lost their homes due to a fire.

Mr Mbulelo Nqoko led us in unpacking the powerful theme of Ephesians 6:13, encouraging and explaining what it means to take up the armour of Christ in this world. Minds and hearts were changed as we moved into the praise and worship session led by Sisipho Nyaba, where we sang, praised and prayed for ourselves and each other as we reflected on the sermon provided by Mbulelo. Our wonderful visitors provided us with wonderful words of encouragement and wisdom during the Fraternal Greetings, followed by the ASF branches in the Umjikelo session, where we were able to raise money towards the Federation. The night ended with revival led by Nathan Poswa, where we had our very own, Zizinwe and Ayabonga, reflecting on the theme of the revival from the book of Nehemiah 2:17 and how we can rebuild the federation.

Toby provided us with a short course on Anglicanism and its formation before we moved to our visitors, providing us with their different interpretations of the theme of rebuilding.

We kicked off the final day bright and early with the closing Eucharistic service led by Rev Luyanda Nyubuse where our newly elected REC was blessed and installed. A short mandatory photo was taken, and the conference had officially ended. Sad faces and tears were shed as the weekend came to an end; however, relief and grateful hearts left as this conference contained the largest number of attendees.

The newly elected REC is as follows:

Lionel Mokgata: Chairperson Lilitha Kalipa : Secretary Zicwengile Qwane: Tresurer

Ayabonga Ncobo: Media and Projects Officer

Anelisiwe Gebuza: Gender, Education and Transformation Officer

Revd Lundi Joko: Chaplain