“...IN THE
Aswegen
Gratitude
makes the difference!
OUR THEME FOR THIS ISSUE IS GRATITUDE—A READINESS TO SHOW APPRECIATION FOR AND RETURN KINDNESS.
My journey to the 50th Year Anniversary event of KwaSizabantu Mission’s youth conference in June was a profound experience of gratitude. This conference, held twice a year for the past 50 years, has had a significant impact on the lives of the youth, instilling hope for their future. The stories of restored lives that I have discovered at these conferences are truly inspiring and I am eager to share them with our devoted readers. The KwaSizabantu Youth Conference is a beacon of hope and positivity, demonstrating the transformative power of gratitude.
These conferences can transform lives and inspire hope for the future. Imagine two conferences attended by thousands of youngsters every time for 50 years. In this edition, you can read Dr Peter Hammond’s experiences in the news column (pp. 16 & 17). He is a regular speaker at the youth conferences and has many first-hand experiences of this event to share.
I helped in different activities, visited different venues randomly, and spoke with around twenty helpers and volunteers to understand the organisation behind the event and the event’s purpose. I was especially interested in discovering why people would fly and drive from afar to help and serve thousands of young people and children willingly. Most of these youngsters they would never see again in their life! People did not know I would talk to them or observe what they were doing, so I received their feedback on the experience firsthand and unrehearsed!
Those I spoke with were regular helpers, but I understand some came to help for the first time. Those who come regularly to help said they would do it again, God willing, and many of the first timers also. That says something about an attitude of gratitude!
A CONFERENCE WITH A DIFFERENCE
When considering this event’s significance, one must first provide context so the reader can conclude. 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. This realisation led to the Mission opening its gates to help those in need, significantly impacting the community. This commitment to community upliftment, a cornerstone of the Mission’s agenda, continues to inspire hope and confidence in the community.
Since the beginning, KwaSizabantu has hosted the youth who came for an entire week, providing them with accommodation, sharing the gospel with them, and teaching them various life skills to help them with challenges—all free of charge. The Mission’s unwavering commitment to this cause, its collaboration with churches, schools, and charity organisations, and its provision of transportation to and from the conferences demonstrate its dedication and inspire appreciation for its work.
HELPING THOSE IN NEED
Well-experienced mentors are available 24/7 to help those who need support with spiritual or life challenges. An expert medical team is ready for accidents and even more severe illnesses.
On Sunday, 24 June, the workers and helpers were prepared to serve the more than 12,000 people who came to celebrate with the Mission. They were all hosted in giant tents, which could accommodate the thousands who streamed to the event.
I had an hour-long talk with one of the ladies helping prepare the food for the youngsters. 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, stirring the massive pot of food with more vigour than I saw people half her age doing! She told me she enjoys the work tremendously. “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 elderly 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...
But that was not all. 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... I was honoured to sit again next to Graema, the lady who, through actions and not words, had a few life lessons about gratitude and serving God’s people! I asked her how they do what they do and serve others with such love and a great attitude. I told her that if I saw so many people in front of me, waiting to be fed, I would indeed run away. She was visibly shocked and said, “No, you cannot run away. You must feed them. You cannot run away. It is our job to feed them!”
I better change my attitude...
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 CYPSA (the Concerned Young People of South Africa) restoration program was formed. Over 20,000 have since attended the program to date and started a new life afterwards. Devoted has shared life-changing stories on many occasions and will continue to do so. CYPSA is a treasure trove of inspiration!
LIVES RESTORED
Peer pressure and gangsterism are common denominators which contribute to the use of drugs and other dangerous substances. Gangsterism is a significant contributor to crime, especially in South Africa in the Western Cape Province. The Cape Flats are most severely affected by gangsterism and related crimes because of the poor socio-economic living conditions and absent fathers. Kurt van Eeden, a former gangster, knows all about gangsterism and its effects on individuals and the public. He lived that life before KwaSizabantu helped him. When asked to explain the ‘religion of gangsterism’, as he referred to it, Kurt elaborated that gangsters worship the dead and not the living as Christians do.
Kurt’s criminal activities mainly focused on the Cape Flats, where gangsterism flourished from the late 1980s. During this period, youngsters opted to join gangs in reformatory schools and prisons. Kurt was in and out of jail for years, from Robben Island to Pollsmoor Prison. The prison was home to Number 93497896 (his prison number), and he soon joined a gang and later became one of its fierce leaders. He is not only a number at KwaSizabantu, where he now chooses to work and make a difference. He is a responsible adult, contributing significantly to society, and we share his story with great pride in this edition. We also share with pride the inspiring story of Raffiq, who is realising his dreams after hardship.
I’ve learned firsthand by this experience that attitude makes all the difference. Attitude is gratitude without the “gr,” meaning that with the right attitude, a person can overcome all that is wrong in his or her life. Being thankful for even the smallest things makes you a better person. Period.
Thank you for reading our stories and sharing them with others. Together, we can change the world.
Gerda
IS MAINSTREAM MEDIA SACRIFICING
JOURNALISTIC
ETHICS TO THE GUTTER?
THE THREATS OF CLOSURE OF SEVERAL MEDIA24 NEWS OUTLETS CREATED A STIR ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND OTHER PLATFORMS. IT SERVES AS A STARK RED FLAG, SIGNALLING SOMETHING IS AMISS. I SAW SEVERAL THEORIES ABOUT THE REASON BEHIND THE DECISION TO CLOSE THE PUBLICATIONS, BUT I WONDERED IF A LACK OF ETHICS AND THE PUBLIC’S LOSS OF TRUST IN THE MEDIA ALSO PLAYED A ROLE. I HAVE INTENSIVELY RESEARCHED MAINSTREAM MEDIA’S LACK OF ETHICS FOR OVER FOUR YEARS AND FOCUSED ON THE NEWS OUTLETS OF MEDIA24. I FOUND SEVERE RED FLAGS IN ITS NEWS REPORTING. IRONICALLY, IN THIS CASE, MEDIA24 OUTLETS ACTIVELY SUPPORTED CLOSING THE CHRISTIAN MISSION AND LAUNCHED INTENSE AND PERSONALLY PAINTED MEDIA ATTACKS ON IT. THEY EVEN WENT SO FAR AS TO CALL FOR A PUBLIC BOYCOTT THAT SEVERELY IMPACTED THE LIVELIHOODS OF THOUSANDS OF INNOCENT PEOPLE!
In previous Devoted editions, we briefly focused on media ethics and how important it is for the media to uphold ethical standards in news reporting. The current state of mainstream media, with its potential sacrifice of journalistic ethics, is not just a problem for the industry. It’s a serious issue that directly impacts public perception and trust in the media. It affects you, the news consumer.
BACKGROUND
Several serious allegations were made without evidence in countless Media24/ News24 media reports, documentaries, and podcasts about a Christian mission. More importantly, the Mission’s side of the story was not published, and I wondered why the Mission was not given the right to reply. my research ended in a book about the lack of ethics in mainstream media.
The lack of balanced perspectives in reporting is a severe issue that media consumers should be aware of. We are not just passive recipients of news; we can demand change in these practices. It’s our responsibility, and we can make a difference.
Unethical practices, such as weaponising untested information (cognitive hacking), can significantly alter recipients’ perceptions and cause harm.
CONSEQUENCES OF FAKE NEWS
Misusing power can lead to severe consequences, highlighting the importance of ethical standards in news reporting. The claims made against the KwaSizabantu Mission were categorised as untested information because no credible evidence was provided. No arrests were made for any of the allegations since the media started attacking them. An independent panel of law experts has exonerated them from all the serious allegations and questioned most of the ‘evidence’ News24 relied on.
The CRL Rights Commission investigated the allegations for over three years and concluded that KwaSizabantu is not a cult as framed by News24 and that the media abuse the word ‘cult’. Despite this, the onslaught continued, and the CRL and anyone with an alternative and optimistic view of the mission became the target, aiming at gagging them to silence.
Undisputable evidence demonstrated that the allegations were rife with intentional falsehoods (misinformation), which were journalistically framed to paint the mission as a cult where children and women are abused. The founder was implicated, discredited, and painted as evil through sensationalism.
The gap in the mainstream media market is an opportunity for alternative, more ethical journalism, and thankfully, there are a few to choose from. This magazine is one good example – we share “ feel-good” stories but expose unethical journalistic practices and other ills – Read page 18, which explains why context is essential in news reporting.
>> Read the book A JOURNEY TO THE TRUTH, THE CASE OF KWASIZABANTU MISSION, BY GERDA POTGIETER, 2023.
KURT VAN
KURT VAN EEDEN
HAS TURNED HIS BACK ON WORSHIPPING THE DEAD!
“I was always a control freak, searching for the power which gangsterism provided for me,” says Kurt van Eeden.
That is why he got involved in high school, at the age of 13, in drinking and smoking cigarettes. He left school in 1986 after failing Standard 8 (Grade 10) and started working at his familyowned business. At the same time, he qualified as a sewing machine mechanic and learned several other practical skills. It was these skills that he later used effectively during his criminal activities.
Kurt met a friend who was part of a gang. He said he “craved the power that person had even though he knew he was evil”. This ‘friend’ killed Kurt’s girlfriend’s mother at the time, but the murderer married the girl, so she could not testify against him in court!
“Gangsterism is a religion. Gangsters worship the dead and not the living, as Christians do. It significantly contributes to crime, especially in the Western Cape Province. The Cape Flats are most severely affected by this due to the poor socio-economic living conditions and absent fathers.”
Kurt got involved with the Pipe Killers gang. He eventually lost his right thumb in a fight, but that was not a serious enough warning for him to leave the gang. He says his thought pattern back then was that the taxi drivers should die because they wanted to take over the gangsters’ territory.
He then joined the killers in the Heideveld territory. They were feared by many. They robbed people and stole from everybody who was in their way, and the cases accumulated. Kurt was 20 when he landed in jail again, and during this time, his first daughter was born. The mother of his child was only 17.
The birth of his daughter affected Kurt, and he decided to leave the gang and be a father. But he had court cases pending, which eventually landed him a 16-year prison sentence (he served only four years with a 12-year suspended sentence.) He celebrated his 21st birthday anniversary when he was sentenced. He served his prison sentence first in Pollsmoor and then in Robben Island.
In prison, he became a target because of his gangsterism history. Around eight months into his prison sentence, his daughter’s mother got involved with another man, and that threw him over the edge. It motivated him to start with intense studies about how to harm not only himself but also other people. “I now know exactly how to bring great bodily harm to people,” says Kurt. “I was fully committed to becoming a gangster again. The gangsters recruited me, and I became a leader. I was a big guy in the gangster world, giving me the power I craved.
“Gangsterism flourished in the late 1980s in the Cape Flats. During this period, youngsters opted to take up gang membership in reformatory schools and prisons.”
EEDEN
“After I left jail, I hooked up with the mother of my child, and we went to Rhodes Memorial. I planned to hurt her, but I could not follow through. We instead got married and welcomed another child into our lives. I continued with my criminal activities and stole cars. Very soon, I was back in jail, but out again.
“In the meantime, I studied criminology and psychology informally to become the best gangster ever. I learned it for all the wrong reasons, for evil reasons! So, when I was out of jail again, I committed myself fully to the devil’s work. I grew up in a Christian house and knew right from wrong. I thought my life would be changed after I became a father for the first time, but instead, I committed myself fully to gangsterism.
“In 2004, I made another woman pregnant, and my son was born. I was living a complex life. I kept contact with the gang while working and being a dad. I still used drugs at the time because it kept me going. In 2008, my ex-wife wanted to divorce me – I was now in my 30s and lived a useless life. I went to Manenberg on the Cape Flats and then lived a difficult life of drugs, sex, and crimes. I became homeless. In 2011, I started to change my life for the better. I started with counselling first. But at the time, I was still using drugs and had several court cases pending. I moved to a home for homeless people in 2009.
“It was in 2011 that I met a pregnant girl. She was carrying twins and eventually went for an abortion, and I did not stop her. To deal with all the guilt, I kept myself drugged all the time, so I spent lots of time in the presence of absolute evil. I could not commit suicide and was wishing that others would kill me.
It was not long before I was back in jail in 2013. When I was in prison this time, I was with a man without legs, and he was talking to me throughout the night and the next day. After supper, he fell asleep for the first time between four and eight the next day. I was awake alone in the cell when God spoke to me. I was touched and started to pray, for the first time in absolute earnest. From that day, I have prayed every day until today. I still pray daily.
“When I got to the court for my crimes and drugs, I pleaded guilty. However, the judge found me not guilty. I could not believe it. When I left, the gangsters wanted to recruit me again, but I refused. I told them that I feared God more than I feared them, and they started to beat me for hours and hours on end. I was able to tolerate that and told them I was finished with gangs, and they let me go. After that, I went to Hanover Park because God sent me to stop a gang fight, which I did.
“From there, I went to my Auntie’s house and slept nonstop for three days. While I was staying with my Aunt, I was still using drugs. To get more money, I turned to the world of prostitution. I went to the rehabilitation centre in Mooreesburg for a time, but that did not help me at all. I even got drugs from the inside. From there, I lived a little with another lady but stole from her. I then walked to Kalbaskraal and stayed with my Auntie Rose until 2014.
“In 2015, things began to change for me slowly. I visited my Uncle Bruce, who is a pastor, and I told him that I was ready to give my life to the Lord Jesus. He took me to the branch of KwaSizabantu Mission in Malmesbury. After I finished the program, I even started to work at the aQuellé factory in Franschhoek.
“Sadly, I ran away from them in February 2019. During the pandemic, I was smoking and using drugs and still involved in prostitution activities. My uncle came to the house where I lived then, telling me he wanted me to change. He booked a ticket to KwaSizabantu in Kranskop. I thought I would only stay for two weeks, but I am still here years later, working at the aQuellé factory.
“It was intimidating for me at first because the people told me they loved me. I thought they lied to me because I thought I was not loveable. After a while, I realised that it was true. They love me unconditionally, despite my past.”
I’ve met Kurt a few times and learned a lot from him during those brief interactions. He is a changed man who contributed to society and is doing his part in improving the world. One thing he told me that stood out for me is that people can only change their lives for the good if they deliberately decide to do that and then stick to the plan. KwaSizabantu has, over the years, reached out to thousands of people who were addicted to drugs and alcohol. Not all of them changed their lives for the better. But those who sought help themselves, committed to the Mission’s restoration plan, and put in the hard work have become better people and now live fulfilled lives.
realising his dreams
FROM A REBELLIOUS TEENAGER TO A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTOR TO SOCIETY, RAFFIQ ISMAIL’S JOURNEY IS A BEACON OF HOPE. HIS STORY IS A TESTAMENT TO THE POWER OF PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION, INSPIRING US ALL TO BELIEVE IN OUR POTENTIAL FOR CHANGE.
WE PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED A BRIEF ARTICLE ABOUT RAFFIQ. HOWEVER, HIS STORY WAS SO INSPIRING THAT WE WANTED TO TELL THE WHOLE STORY. IT SHOWS HOW DRASTICALLY A PERSON CAN CHANGE THEIR LIFE FOR GOOD IF THEY PUT IN THE WORK. RAFFIQ SHARED HIS EXPERIENCE WITH US AND WANTED OUR READERS TO KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT THE ROLE CARING PEOPLE PLAYED IN HIS LIFE. WE TRUST HIS STORY WILL MEAN AS MUCH TO YOU AS IT DID TO US.
RAFFIQ ISMAIL
grew up in Chatsworth, a large township in KwaZulu-Natal. He knew only his mother and grandmother, not his dad. He had two brothers with different fathers. At school in the early nineties, he was not sociable but a real bookworm and, therefore, did well in school.
Sadly, his life at home was tainted by domestic violence and chaos, so he created his fairytale world to cope. Despite that, he was the first male child in his family to finish school, and as a result, his family had big expectations of him.
As a child, Raffiq led a dual life, attending secular school in the mornings and Islamic school in the afternoons. This was his daily routine, but his family was unaware of the inner turmoil he was experiencing. Like many young people, his heart yearned for something more, and he longed to rebel like the other boys and girls at school and in his community.
THE REBEL
As a teenager in high school, life began to become intolerable for him because he was bullied a lot – verbally and physically. He started rebelling and visiting nightclubs. He attracted girls’ attention and became involved with the wrong “friends”. Miraculously, he finished matric with excellent results that could have gotten him into any university in the country.
However, financial constraints and not having a clear direction for his life led to him sitting at home watching movies and listening to music the whole day while his family went to work.
He began smoking cigarettes, and it was not long before he smoked dagga. Raffiq told us that because of his upbringing, he lacked the moral compass to know right from wrong. He overdosed on ecstasy the very first time he used it. As awful as this was, the overdose made him realise it would be better to leave his so-called friends.
He recalls he was about 18 when he was introduced to heroin (Whoonga): “I could control the highs so that my family did not know I was using drugs and involved in wrong things. Because of the drugs, I started experiencing severe body pains and other health issues.”
At this time, he began to question God’s existence and became an atheist. Jobs were scarce, and gangsterism was an outcome for him. In Chatsworth, where he was staying, there were constant wars among the gangs. His life spiralled out of control as he also started drinking heavily. His choice of drugs became more substantial, and eventually, he was involved in a car accident. Luckily, nobody was seriously injured, but it came as a shock.
“Boredom set in, and soon I found myself hanging around with friends, smoking cigarettes and dagga, and going to nightclubs where I would take ecstasy and drink alcohol. As time went on, I was introduced to smoking Whoonga (lowgrade heroin).
I became dependent on Whoonga to get me through the day as I would suffer from withdrawal symptoms as soon as I opened my eyes in the morning,” Raffiq recalls.
Jobs never lasted, and he started selling his possessions for the next fix. He lived on the streets, eating from dustbins and sleeping under bridges and on park benches. For almost a year, he slept next to the tombs in a cemetery. He was regularly beaten up because he stole from people and places and was often caught. Prison became the norm for him, as he was arrested multiple times. Booking into rehabs also didn’t work because he relapsed minutes after setting foot outside the premises. This went on for nine years...
THE TURNING POINT
OFFERS HOPE AND SUPPORT TO THE HOPELESS
Not only has He changed my heart, but He has preserved my brain from harm through all the years of drug abuse. I was able to make restitution with my family and community. I even presented myself to the police, who cleared me of all my outstanding charges!”
By the time Raffiq turned 27, his life was a complete mess! But somehow, he staggered and stumbled through the gates of CYPSA at KwaSizabantu Mission in March 2015. That was the turning point for him. He signed in with CYPSA’s restoration program and attended regular church services where they preached about Jesus Christ and the forgiveness of sins. As he attended the services and listened to the Word of God being preached in truth, God started working in his life. He began confessing his sins, and the burdens he carried on his shoulders rolled away. Not long after that, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour and gave his heart to Him. “The grace the Lord has shown me is miraculous.
Raffiq came to understand and experience the value of confession and restitution. “Confessing our sins helps us to come to terms with the wrongs we did, and – at the same time – it reminds us of our weakness and God’s wonderful grace. That is one of the reasons why people, once they accept Jesus into their lives, not only want to confess sins but make it right with those they have harmed and restore what he took violently from others. It is called restitution. KwaSizabantu was always and remains a place where people are helped and countless positive stories that will inspire others are just waiting to be told.”
Since surrendering to Jesus, Raffiq’s life has completely turned around for good. He recently completed his Bachelor of Education degree through North-West University, even graduating Cum Laude (with distinction)! With the help of CYPSA and God, Raffiq is living his dreams, and we’re sure there are more incredible things in store for this inspiring young man.
Cultivating an attitude of gratitude
>> By Dr Peter Hammond
DR PETER HAMMOND, THE FOUNDER OF LIVINGSTONE FELLOWSHIP, WAS THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT THE 50TH YEAR COMMEMORATION OF THE KWASIZABANTU YOUTH CONFERENCE. THE AUDITORIUM AT KRANSKOP WAS PACKED TO THE BRIM WHILE HE SPOKE TO THE YOUNGSTERS ABOUT CULTIVATING AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE. HIS TALK WAS SPOTON AND TOUCHED A NERVE WITH MANY. THIS IS A SHORTENED VERSION OF HIS PRESENTATION.
When I was converted to Christ on the 3rd of April 1977, the first sin God convicted me to confess was lack of gratitude.
Before my conversion, I had never thanked God for anything. We are living in an age of entitlement, arrogance, and pride. People selfishly litter and vandalise. The graffiti and pollution in many urban areas testify to this lack of gratitude and selfish sense of entitlement. But we have the power to counter this. Gratitude is the antidote to entitlement, and it’s up to us to spread it. As a result, whole groups and movements are demanding their rights, looting, rioting, and burning down schools, shops, and public buildings.
The original Thanksgiving meal and celebration in America took place in 1621. Half of the pilgrims who had arrived on the Mayflower had perished in the harsh winter. Still, the surviving 50 organized a Thanksgiving celebration and invited 90 Indians to express appreciation to Almighty God for Life, health, strength, and food.
This act of Thanksgiving was not just about gratitude but also about faith. Sometimes, Thanksgiving is an act of sacrifice and trust, and this faith connects us all.
“Therefore, by Him, let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, which is the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His Name.” Hebrews 13:15.
THE QUEEN OF GOSPEL SONGWRITERS
Fanny Crosby was born in 1820, of Puritan ancestry, and was a descendant of Mayflower Settlers. Mustard treatment for an inflammation of her eyes led to damage of the optic nerves and life-long blindness for Fanny.
Despite her blindness, Fanny Crosby became one of history’s most prolific Hymn writers, composing over 8,000 Hymns and Gospel songs. More than 100 million copies were printed in her lifetime. She was described as “The Mother of Modern Congregational Singing in America.”
Fanny wrote: “It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank Him for the dispensation.
If perfect earthly sight was offered me tomorrow, I would not accept it. I might not have sung Hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me. When I get to Heaven, the first Face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of My Saviour.”
According to her biographer, Annie Willis: “Had it not been for her affliction, she might not have had so good an education, or so great an influence and certainly not so fine a memory.” Fanny Crosby memorised five chapters of the Bible each week from age 10. By age 15, she had memorised the four Gospels, the first five Books of the Old Testament, the Book of Proverbs and many Psalms.
Fanny was an accomplished musician, public speaker and activist. She learned to play the piano, organ, harp and guitar and became an excellent soprano singer. In 1943, Fanny Crosby became the first woman to speak to the United States Senate, where she read a poem.
She was a vigorous campaigner for the Temperance Society’s Campaign Against Alcohol Abuse and supported The American Female Guardian Society and Home for the Friendless. While Fanny Crosby is best known for her hymns, she was primarily a Rescue Mission worker in the inner city. For decades, Fanny Crosby lived in slum areas of Manhattan, such as Hells’ Kitchen, the Bowery and the Tenderloin. As soon as she received payment or contributions for publication or concerts, she donated all proceeds to Missions, to reach the poorest and most needy people in society.
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praises to Your Name, O Most High; to declare Your loving kindness in the morning and Your faithfulness every night.” Psalm 92:1-2.
RESOURCES
• You can listen to, or view, my presentation at the latest KwaSizabantu youth conference: CULTIVATING an ATTITUDE of GRATITUDE: https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo. asp?SID=62124711572785
• You can get an impression of the enthusiastic energy at the historic KwaSizabantu Youth Conference event by viewing the compact video compilation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6QNUnjh9cg
• You can also listen to my report back on From the Frontline: https://fromthefrontline.podbean.com/e/50-years-ofrevival-through-youth-conferences/
• To learn more about KwaSizabantu Mission: https://www.ksb.org.za/
• You can also obtain and read the inspiring story of Erlo Stegen and the Revival among the Zulu: Bondservant of Christ , which is now also available as an eBook and through Print on Demand: https://www.christianlibertybooks.co.za/item/ bondservant_of_christ?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW 0CMTAAAR2qTobEdhuAmjGcQQpuNcWwiSbv Tm11w-NIWxTElktaffQhHBX-WJBPVTk_aem_ uBRmqTaiRkSycR1twECVJg
Bond Servant of Christ, Erlo Hartwig Stegen by EM Fleischmann
ASSISTED SUICIDETHE ETHICAL DEBATE
>> Doctors for life collectively
DOCTORS FOR LIFE INTERNATIONAL (DFL) WENT TO COURT TO OPPOSE DIGNITY SA’S LEGAL CHALLENGE, SEEKING TO DECRIMINALISE PHYSICIAN-ASSISTED SUICIDE (PAS) AND PHYSICIAN-ADMINISTERED EUTHANASIA (PAE). [1] PAS RAISES SERIOUS QUESTIONS ABOUT THE VALUE ANY SOCIETY ATTACHES TO HUMAN LIFE AND THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS. THOSE WHO ARE ANSWERABLE FOR CARING FOR INDIVIDUALS NEARING DEATH BEAR SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES.
WAhen euphemisms such as ‘death with dignity’ are used to normalise acts of PAS, it creates a risk of substituting and eventually replacing proper care for terminally ill patients. It would be nearly impossible to ensure that all acts of PAS are genuinely voluntary and free from coercion. Also, in too many circumstances, vulnerable people – the elderly, lonely, sick, distressed or financially struggling – would feel pressure, whether real or imagined, to request early death. [2] In such cases, there is ‘an illusion of autonomy’ as the person ‘may genuinely want to die, but this desire is not the fruit of his freedom alone; it may be – and most often is – the translation of the attitude of those around him, if not of society as a whole which no longer believes in the value of his life and signals this to him in all sorts of ways’. [3] This goes against the African ethic of ubuntu, where a ‘person is regarded as a person, because of other people’, contrasting the Western concept of autonomy as selfdetermination. [4]
A SLIPPERY SLOPE
The ‘slippery slope’ of euthanasia is evident in all countries where it has been legalised in any form. In the Netherlands, euthanasia was legalised in 2002 with strict criteria centred on unbearable suffering due to incurable conditions and only at the request of the patients. However, these criteria have steadily broadened over time: the Groningen Protocol (2004) has now legalised non-voluntary infant euthanasia, and later extensions included patients with advanced dementia and mental illnesses. Belgium followed suit, legalising euthanasia in 2002 and extending it to minors in 2014. Additionally, Belgium continues to debate expansions to those with conditions such as dementia or those who are ‘tired of life’.
Canada legalised euthanasia, termed ‘medical assistance in dying’ (MAID), in 2016. Initially restricted, eligibility was expanded in 2021 to those with severe and incurable illnesses that are not terminal. MAID extended regulations allow nurses to administer lethal injections to induce death in patients. From March 2024, access to MAID extends to include those whose sole underlying condition is a mental disorder. These expansions underscore the concern that once euthanasia is accepted in limited circumstances, it becomes progressively challenging to contain its application, leading to situations far beyond the initial intent of the legislation.
There is evidence in these countries that the safeguards and controls put in place to prevent involuntary or non-voluntary euthanasia (without consent) have not been effective, with few consequences for contravening these. In
addition, palliative care consultations are not mandatory in some of the jurisdictions that allow euthanasia or assisted suicide, even though uncontrolled pain and symptoms remain among the reasons for requesting euthanasia. [5] Contrary to van Niekerk et al.’s assertion (SAMJ, February 2024), these countries have not ‘done so responsibly and with great application to monitoring and avenues for improvement’.
COMMITMENT TO ETHICS
Our stance is supported by the World Medical Association’s latest Declaration on Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide. The declaration affirms that a strong commitment must be maintained to the principles of medical ethics and the utmost respect for human life by remaining firmly opposed to euthanasia and PAS. [6]
There should be no change in the law on intentional killing, which is regarded as ‘the cornerstone of law and social relationships’, [7] even in circumstances where the person concerned is terminally ill and has requested such action. At present, we have a clear ethical boundary that does not allow us to kill people, even at the end of life, actively. A medical practitioner who administers a lethal agent to a patient at the latter’s request will currently face a charge of murder. [8]
THE RISK OF SUICIDE CONTAGION
When suicide is legalised in any form, it poses a significant risk of suicide contagion.
Numerous studies support the existence of this phenomenon. [9] When caring for terminally ill patients, the decision to cease treatment is made to halt the prolonged dying process. The agent causing death is the disease. The attitude of the physician is one of humility and acceptance, allowing the terminally ill patient to die.
When euthanasia is practised, the intent is the death of the patient. The doctor’s attitude is an attitude of taking control, and the agent of death is the physician. We believe that it is fitting that there is no constitutional instrumental right to determine the time and manner of one’s death or to have assistance in hastening the arrival of death. We respect the right of a person to refuse treatment but reject the notion that personal autonomy can be justly extended to requiring others to perform acts that assist a patient to commit suicide. This would be ‘autocracy’ –the rule of the self over others. [10]
We cannot accept that obeying patients’ wishes is the overriding ethical imperative in medical practice. Of course, it is crucial but cannot be accepted as a paramount consideration. If it were, the unethical consequence would be that, for instance, many unnecessary and harmful procedures might be routinely done.
THE NATURE OF REQUESTS
Requests for euthanasia can be classified into five categories (summarised by the abbreviation ABCDE): being Afraid of what the future may hold, experiencing Burnout from unrelenting disease, having the wish and need for Control, experiencing Depression and experiencing Extremes of suffering, including refractory pain and other symptoms. [11]
Understanding the nature of such requests allows physicians to ease suffering and reduce the desire for death in such patients. The increasing effectiveness of palliative care improves the quality of life of patients and their families’ facing challenges associated with life-threatening illnesses. The real challenge facing society is to make quality palliative and end-of-life care available to all. [12]
Dignity is not conferred by the ability to end one’s life prematurely; it is rooted in every human life’s intrinsic value and sanctity, regardless of health or circumstance. Dignity is best upheld through compassionate care and support, enshrined in ubuntu and made possible through the practice of palliative care rather than through the option of euthanasia.
SOURCES:
1. DignitySA. Our goals for 2024. DignitySA, 2024. https://www.dignitysouthafrica.org/ goals-for-2024 (accessed 29 April 2024).
2. Donkin A. Is promoting euthanasia or assisted suicide really a good idea? S Afr Fam Pract 2024;66(1):a5948. https://doi.org/10.4102/safp.v66i1.5948
3. Biggar N. Aiming to Kill: The Ethics of Suicide and Euthanasia. Cleveland: Pilgrim Press, 2004.
4. Mnyandu N. Exploring the concept of Ubuntu in relation to dying with dignity in palliative and hospice care. Obiter 2018;39(2). https://doi.org/10.10520/EJC-120d09205d
5. Pereira J. Legalizing euthanasia or assisted suicide: The illusion of safeguards and controls. Curr Oncol 2011;18(2):38-45. https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v18i2.883
6. World Medical Association. WMA Declaration on Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide. Adopted by the 70th WMA General Assembly, Tbilisi, Georgia, October 2019. bit.ly/2JSdKut (accessed 29 April 2024).
7. UK Parliament. Memorandum by the All-Party Parliamentary Pro-Life Group. UK Parliament, 2004. https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200405/ldselect/ldasdy/86/86we26.htm (accessed 29 April 2024).
8. South Africa. Basic Conditions of Employment Act No. 75 of 1997. https://www.gov.za/ sites/default/ files/gcis_document/201409/a105-97.pdf (accessed 29 April 2024).
9. Girma S, Paton D. Is assisted suicide a substitute for unassisted suicide? Eur Econom Rev2022;104113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroecorev.2022.104113
10. Hartling O. Euthanasia and assisted dying: The illusion of autonomy. BMJ 2021;374:n2135. https:// doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n2135
11. Zylicz B. Palliative care and euthanasia in the Netherlands: Observations of a Dutch physician. In: Foley KM, Hendin H, eds. The Case Against Assisted Suicide: For the Right to End-of-Life Care. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2002.
12. World Health Organization. Palliative care. Geneva: WHO, 2024. https://www.who.int/ health-topics/ palliative-care (accessed 29 April 2024).
SEPTEMBER
INTERNATIONAL ALZHEIMER’S MONTH
EVERY SEPTEMBER, ADI (ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE INTERNATIONAL) LEADS THE CHARGE WITH THE WORLD ALZHEIMER’S MONTH CAMPAIGN, A GLOBAL INITIATIVE THAT UNITES ITS MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS WORLDWIDE. WITH ITS GLOBAL REACH, THIS CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS THE ISSUES FACED BY THOSE WITH DEMENTIA, DEMONSTRATING THE POWER OF INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION FOR A COMMON CAUSE.
The 2024 World Alzheimer’s Month campaign will centre around the tagline, ‘Time to act on dementia, Time to act on Alzheimer’s’. This global awareness-raising campaign focuses on attitudes toward dementia and seeks to redress the stigma and discrimination that still exist around the condition. In the process, it highlights steps organisations and governments could undertake to develop a more dementia-friendly society.
ADASA will run an official national media campaign in South Africa in September. The primary purpose of this campaign is to raise awareness about dementia, help remove the stigma surrounding this sickness, and promote the significant work that ADASA is doing. An official Memories Matter Concert (with the national radio station RSG as a media partner) will also be held during September in Pretoria, which will not only raise awareness about dementia and ADASA but also be a fundraiser.
World Alzheimer’s Month allows sufferers, carers, professionals, the press, and communities to work together against dementia. It’s a chance to raise awareness of the realities of the disease, combat stigma and misinformation, and lobby the government for better help and care. Everyones participation is crucial in this collective effort.
As people age, it’s common to experience some forgetfulness. However, the ‘disease of forgetfulness’, or dementia, is a serious condition. It’s an umbrella term for a range of brain diseases that lead to a decline in cognitive abilities, memory, and behaviour.
TYPES OF DEMENTIA
There are over 100 types of dementia, with the following the most well-known:
• Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common type of dementia. It is caused when improperly formed proteins build up inside the brain. These proteins join into structures called ‘plaques’ and ‘tangles’, which stop the brain from working correctly, and brain cells die. Alzheimer’s affects many brain functions, such as memory, attention, concentration, planning, language, and communication.
• Vascular Dementia is the second most common type of dementia. It happens when the brain is not receiving enough blood to work properly. There are different types, the main two being stroke-related dementia and subcortical vascular dementia. Memory loss does not always happen in the early stages. Still, symptoms like difficulty planning and coordination, concentrating, being easily confused, difficulty walking and keeping balance, becoming anxious, depressed and easily irritated are part of this disease.
• Frontotemporal Lobe Dementia is caused by damage from protein clumps that stop the brain’s front and side parts from working correctly. These parts of the brain control behaviour, planning, problem-solving, emotional response, and language skills.
• Lewy-body Dementia is caused by Lewy-body disease, which involves the development of tiny protein clumps in the brain. These clumps disrupt brain function, leading to symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, such as movement difficulties, balance problems, and hallucinations.
• Korsakoff’s Dementia is a brain disorder caused by a lack of vitamin B1, often due to chronic alcohol abuse. It leads to severe memory problems, confusion, and difficulties forming new memories.
• HIV-related Dementia is a chronic cognitive deterioration due to brain infection by HIV. It is typically seen in the advanced stages of the disease.
• Mixed Dementia: Someone with mixed dementia is likely to experience a mixture of symptoms of their different types of dementia.
‘TIME TO ACT ON DEMENTIA, TIME TO ACT ON ALZHEIMER’S’
DEMENTIA, ALZHEIMER’S’
>> By Ilse Schürmann
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Do not miss out on Devoted, Issue 46. In this issue, we will explain the stages of dementia and how to prevent it.
SUPPORT FOR DEMENTIA
TO CONTACT ADASA (ASSOCIATION FOR DEMENTIA AND ALZHEIMER’S OF SOUTH AFRICA NPC)
ADASA HELPLINE: 0860 102 681
EMAIL: INFO@ADASA.ORG.ZA
WEBSITE: WWW.ADASA.ORG.ZA
WARNING SIGNS
In most cases, dementia symptoms progress gradually over several years. The early signs, usually memory problems, may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms vary, and forgetting things is a normal part of ageing, but those with dementia often have one or more of the following:
• Short-term memory problems.
• Diminished ability to plan activities.
• Language and communication problems.
• General confusion, disorientation in time and/or place.
• Difficulty with abstract thinking.
• Lapses in judgement.
• Difficulty in performing a familiar activity.
• Misplacing objects.
• Behavioural and personality changes.
• Challenges in understanding visual and spatial information.
• Loss of initiative.
• Loss of apathy.
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis can be challenging and require several doctor or specialist visits.
• Step 1: Consult your doctor or local clinic if you are concerned about yourself or a loved one. Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms and conduct a physical examination.
• Step 2: Your doctor may order several tests to determine whether you have dementia.
• Step 3: After an initial diagnosis of dementia, a referral is made to a specialist who will conduct other tests and brain scans to confirm the diagnosis.
• Step 4: There is no cure for dementia, but much can be done to support people living with it and those who care for them. (See contact details at the end of the article.)
KWASIZABANTU YOUTH CONFERENCE
A VALUABLE LESSON IN EVENT MANAGEMENT
>> By Dr Peter Hammond
THE 50TH YEAR CELEBRATORY EVENT OF THE KWASIZABANTU MISSION WAS A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE, WITH ABOUT 8,000 YOUNG PEOPLE REGISTERING FOR THE WEEK-LONG YOUTH CONFERENCE FROM JUNE 19 TO 25. ON THANKSGIVING DAY (SUNDAY, 23 JUNE), THE 10,000-SEATER AUDITORIUM WAS PACKED WHEN DIGNITARIES, FRIENDS, AND LOCALS CAME TO CELEBRATE. THE OVERFLOW OF PEOPLE WAS ACCOMMODATED IN SEVERAL GIANT TENTS ERECTED BEFORE THE TIME. ALL WERE INVITED TO SHARE A MEAL WITH THE MISSION’S MANAGEMENT TEAM IN ONE OF THE MANY TENTS PREPARED IN THE BEST WAYS. DR PETER HAMMOND, A KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT THE CONFERENCE, GAVE US A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF THE LOGISTICS OF MANAGING A SMOOTH-RUNNING EVENT OF THIS SIZE.
“Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?”
Psalm 85:6
It was a tremendous privilege to be invited to the special KwaSizabantu Mission Youth Conference. Since 1974, KwaSizabantu Mission has hosted youth conferences twice a year. These youth conferences, a result of the Mission’s significant investment in the lives of young people, have aimed to reach and teach young people about Christ and His commands. The Mission’s investment in the lives of thousands of young people has led to many conversations and a deeper spiritual life.
I participated in many of these bi-annual events but remain in awe of their profound impact on the lives of the youth and the smooth event management.
BEHIND THE SCENES
The youngsters came in impressive numbers for the celebratory event, with almost 8,000 visitors registering. They were served healthy meals thrice daily, with snacks in between. Three services were held daily, and the Gospel and life skills were shared with them. All could also participate in a Sports Day, where all the activities, from general games to more skilled sports activities, were designed to allow everyone to participate. The rewards for participation in these activities are significant and encouraging, leading to personal growth and development for the youth. The impact of these activities on the youth is a testament to the Mission’s significant work. The planning related to event management was significant and mindboggling, especially on the day of the Thanksgiving event when more people, dignitaries and locals streamed to the mission station to celebrate this monumental milestone.
From managing the parking arrangements for hundreds of vehicles, they warmly accepted and welcomed honorary and other guests, including representatives from the Royal houses of Swaziland and KwaZulu-Natal, and guided them inside the auditorium where the service occurred. There was outstanding 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.
About six other tents were well prepared for a fivestar meal for the expected guests and dignitaries. Everything happened as if the team of workers and helpers had repeatedly practised before the time.
And, indeed, they have hosted through 50 years the youth conference twice a year! The youth conference can better be described as an event capable of operating through the effective coordination of many parts and ever-so-willing volunteers and helpers with a serving attitude.
Praising and worshipping the Lord with song is high on the Mission’s agenda, and the KwaSizabantu choirs are world-class. The mass choir can compete with the best on any world platform. During the week-long conference, several of the KwaSizabantu choirs shared messages through songs with the young people - the youth choir, the girl’s choir, the boy’s choir, the men’s choir, the women’s choir and the brass band. They participated in the Thanksgiving event, with the mass choir being one of the day’s highlights.
TRANSFORMING LIVES
Over the year, word-of-mouth dynamic testimonies of transformed lives have led tens of thousands of young people to travel to the Mission to find peace with God and freedom from sinful habits and addictions. I saw thousands of young people standing up and coming forward to make a public commitment to Christ and many thousands kneeling to surrender to Christ. After every service, some stayed behind for counselling. Those individuals I had the opportunity to counsel were plainly under conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit and eager to surrender all to Christ.
What was also very impactful were the testimonies of participants of previous youth conferences, including many who had attended the first youth conference in 1974, many of whom later became coworkers at the mission. We also heard testimonies of people who had been converted to Christ from a life of crime and drug addiction, witchcraft and demonic possession.
The KwaSizabantu Mission is in the ministry of transforming lives. It will continue making a difference in the lives of multitudes and sharing the Gospel with them. Despite regular onslaughts on the Mission’s work, God is undoubtedly at work at KwaSizabantu, and ample proof supports this statement. As they say, the proof is in the pudding; in this case, it is sweet and wholesome…
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
VALUABLE SOURCES
• You can get an impression of the enthusiastic energy at this historic event by viewing this compact video compilation: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=s6QNUnjh9cg
• You can also listen to my report back on From the Frontline: https:// fromthefrontline.podbean.com/e/50-years-of-revival-through-youth-conferences/
• You can listen to or view my presentation at the latest youth conference: CULTIVATING an ATTITUDE of GRATITUDE: https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo. asp?SID=62124711572785
• To learn more about KwaSizabantu Mission: https://www.ksb.org.za/
• You can also obtain and read the inspiring story of Erlo Stegen and the Revival among the Zulu: Bondservant of Christ which is now also available as an eBook and through Print on Demand: https://www.christianlibertybooks.co.za/item/ bondservant_of_christ?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2qTobEdhuAmjGcQQpuNcW wiSbvTm11w-NIWxTElktaffQhHBX-WJBPVTk_aem_uBRmqTaiRkSycR1twECVJg
Logistical Statistics
S ome of the logistical challenges and achievements of the 50 years of Youth Conferences at KwaSizabantu Mission can be discerned from these statistics:
1,000,000 young people have been freely accommodated and catered for during the 100 youth conferences hosted since 1974; 500,000 loaves of Bread; 57,000 litres of Jam; 140,000 litres of Milk; 200,000 kilograms of Sugar; 200,000 kilograms of Potatoes; 100,000 kilograms of Samp; 200,000 kilograms of Beans; 360,000 litres of Maas; 500,000 kilograms of Rice; 200,000 kilograms of Mielie Meal; 100,000 kilograms of Meat; 100,000 kilograms of Chicken; 2100 meal times; 2100 Services.
It would take 61 interlink trucks to transport all the food freely provided to the participants of these 100 youth conferences.
BOOK OF MALICE REVIEWED
>> By Esther Bornman
IN OUR PREVIOUS ISSUE OF DEVOTED, WE BEGAN REVIEWING THE BOOK “MISSION OF MALICE: MY EXODUS FROM KWASIZABANTU MISSION” BY ERIKA BORNMAN. DESPITE MY RELUCTANCE TO REVIEW THIS BOOK FOR VARIOUS REASONS, I HAVE BEEN REPEATEDLY ASKED TO DO SO, GIVEN MY BACKGROUND IN RESEARCHING UNETHICAL JOURNALISM AND MY BOOK, A JOURNEY TO THE TRUTH, THE CASE OF KWASIZABANTU MISSION. I FOUND THE BOOK LACKING CONTEXT AND FILLED WITH UNNECESSARY PERSONAL FAMILY MATTERS THAT ARE INAPPROPRIATE TO PUBLISH AND ATTACKS ON INDIVIDUALS, INCLUDING THE AUTHOR’S FAMILY MEMBERS, WITHOUT PROVIDING THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO REPLY. IN RESPONSE, I FEEL COMPELLED TO SHARE THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY TO GIVE MUCH-NEEDED CONTEXT TO MY READERS. IN OUR COMMITMENT TO DELIVERING A TRUTHFUL AND BALANCED PERSPECTIVE, AS PROMISED IN DEVOTED 44, WE FEEL IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO CONTINUE SHARING THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY WITH OUR READERS SO THEY CAN MAKE INFORMED JUDGMENTS ON THE MATTER. ESTHER BORNMAN, THE AUTHOR’S MOTHER, HAS BEEN ONE OF THE VICTIMS OF THE SMEAR CAMPAIGN AND ATTACKS IN THE MEDIA ORCHESTRATED BY HER DAUGHTER. WHILE THE AUTHOR LEFT KWASIZABANTU OVER THREE DECADES AGO, HER MOTHER, ESTHER, REMAINS A MISSIONARY RESIDENT AND WORKER. I FOUND THIS A CREDIBLE REASON FOR HER TO TELL US THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY. SHE HAS FOR FAR TOO LONG ‘TURNED THE OTHER CHEEK’ FOR THE ENDLESS ATTACKS ON HER CHARACTER. IN MANY WAYS, HER RIGHT TO REPLY IS A TESTIMONY TO THE TRUTH…
FRAMING INDIVIDUALS WITH MALICE
I cannot identify with the Erlo Stegen (of the KwaSizabantu Mission) that Erika portrays in her book of malice. The Erlo Stegen I have known for decades (decades more than Erika) was constantly loving, genuine, and sincere in everything he said and did... and relaxed and gentle. He had infinite patience with others around him. Even a tiny child felt the respect of his heart and was attracted to him. He lived what he preached. With him, there was never duplicity or dishonesty. His living relationship with Jesus Christ made him who he was - a friend of God.
After Erika participated in the smear campaign in the media in 2000 to discredit KwaSizabantu and his management, I went to see Uncle Erlo. I was ashamed and broken.
“Uncle, wouldn’t it be better if I pack my things and rather leave because Erika is my daughter?”
With that characteristic calm kindness, he looked at me: “Why then? It’s not you who said those things.”
I also cannot identify with the school that Erika describes. From the school’s beginning, the teachers had a special dedication. Each child is important and still is to this day. It is never about money for the teachers; they are there to serve, creating a pleasant atmosphere in the school. Erika was so happy in school that she asked if she could stay after Grade 12 to help. She also loved her teacher, currently the principal, so much that she wanted to give her a special present at the end of Grade 12. She chose and bought a beautiful dress and wrote a card to thank her teacher for her love and care.
The question remains: Where did the nine-year-old girl in Erika’s story come from? I decide that I will first follow the trail of this nine-year-old girl because Erika never experienced abuse as a child, so isn’t she deceiving the reader? (I reminded myself that the book only appeared after her contribution to News24’s thriller Exodus (the malicious media attacks on the Mission), and I had already determined that the book’s purpose was to brand Kwasizabantu as a cult.) Next time, we will walk in the footsteps of this child which I have raised...
>> Follow us on Facebook to read more about unethical media practices and read the follow- up of this testimony in the following Devoted
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