Devoted Magazine Edition 28

Issue 28 www.devotedmag.co.za Wellness magazine – toward a healthy and fulfilling life Focus on the good. Unethical KwaSizabantu The flow So many journalism impacts Mission, a place of living stories to of restoration. waters people’s lives be told www.devotedmag.co.za 1

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Editor’s Note goodFocus on the Back in the days when I was a The media, however, ran with the Our focus in this issue is therefore on student in communications, unfounded stories without doing due faithfulness, which implies “being true to ethical journalism was the diligence, and weeks later a report the facts and/or the original”. Faithfulness buzz word. We were told that compiled by an independent panel comes from a place of trust and loyalty, journalists (and editors) should make of highly experienced professionals and a steady devotion to do good. When every effort to check the relevant facts and exonerated the Mission. Sadly, the media you look at the work the KwaSizabantu then recheck. If we couldn’t corroborate was not equally enthusiastic to trumpet Mission founder and his team have done information, then we mentioned it clearly. the fact that none of the allegations were to uplift the communities in which they But since Mammon has become the proven to be true! operate, it is easy to understand the master, sensationalism sells and, sadly, concept of faithfulness. some of the mainstream media around Since Mammon has become the world has followed the trend. the master, sensationalism The Devoted team takes good-old- sells and, sadly, some of the fashioned honest journalism seriously, and Unfortunately, it has become difficult mainstream media around the we understand the impact that media has for the public to distinguish between fake world has followed the trend on public perceptions. We may commit news (nothing less than propaganda) and unforced errors, but we correct them as real news. To achieve a certain agenda or It is a tragedy that the false, and soon as we become aware of them. We narrative, good old-fashioned journalism ungrounded, allegations made against are open to listen to the concerns of our has become opinion pieces rather than the Mission overshadow the remarkable readers, and we will always strive to bring true and accurate reporting. My articles, work that the founder, workers and co- our readers fair and balanced articles. Unethical journalism impacts people’s lives workers have done for over 50 years. The and The Impact of social media bias to Mission’s reputation has been tarnished by Why this special issue? The Mission influence public opinion deal with these allegations, resulting in substantial has been cleared from the unfounded this matter. financial losses for the Mission’s enterprises allegations, but the media attention to this that fund the humanitarian work. It also positive fact was ridiculously small! I prefer All the views expressed in Devoted are affected the income of the residents of to focus on the positive and I have heard done with the utmost respect. I will always the surrounding communities who work many testimonies of life-changing events strive to give a fair and balanced view at the Mission. This all happened when at KwaSizabantu Mission. Let us rather and be as accurate as I can possibly be. the editor-in-chief of a digital news outlet focus on the good work of the Mission I have zero tolerance for misinformation, irresponsibly called for a boycott of the and share inspiring stories of how they whether it is provided intentionally or not. products the Mission supplies to major have impacted the lives of thousands of Devoted prides itself on the following core supermarket chains – products that secure people over many years. Let us focus on values: Truth; Accuracy; Independence; an income for the Mission that also help how they continue building the Kingdom Fairness; Impartiality; Humanity, and them to continue with their missionary for His glory - despite disgraceful efforts Accountability … in short, ethical work. This is outrageous and taking it too from others to bring their intentions under journalism. far! Thankfully, the supermarket chains disrepute. have since put the products back on their I would also like to hear your inspiring This brings me to the recent shelves after the Mission has been cleared. story! media bombard on the well-known KwaSizabantu Mission in KwaZulu-Natal. We can’t wait to see the end of the With love, These articles are typical examples of COVID-19 pandemic… and hopefully Gerda journalism fuelled by personal agendas, an end to negative and fake news. combined with a lack of fact-checking … At Devoted, we believe most of our readers Like us on Facebook: and I’ve seen numerous comments made tune out the fake and negative spin on the www.facebook.com/devotedmagazine by readers on social media platforms that news. Our readers are looking to get the seem to echo the concerns! The Mission real news and be informed about what is www.dReeadvoourtneewdslemtteras ogn.co.za has had several allegations made against truly happening in the world. them by disgruntled former members Share the good news articles with others with, what it seems, personal agendas. This alone should be a warning sign to journalists to do proper fact checking! 4 www.devotedmag.co.za

CONTENTS In this Edition 6 10 12 From the editor 4 Front cover picture Unethical journalism impacts 6 The theme for this issue is faithfulness, which people’s lives comes from a place of loyalty and trust. 7 Water has many correlations in a Christian The impact of social media context. For Christians, water is a symbol of bias to influence public opinion 8-9 our relationship with God. John 7:38, NIV says, 10 - 11 “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, KwaSizabantu Mission, 12 - 13 rivers of living waters will flow from within a place of restoration 14 them”. 15 A mission becomes sustainable Credits The flow of living waters MANAGING EDITOR Gerda Potgieter So many stories to be told EDITOR Restored lives Jeannie Millington Advertise with us & build relationships LANGUAGE EDITOR Mignionette de Bruin We have introduced special advertising rates to help you and your EditA business during these trying times. NOW is NOT the time to stop marketing your business, rather be more strategic and use cost- CREATIVE AND DESIGN effective options. Make use of our special - see previous page. Annerine Lubbe Square Design Studio • 071 897 6240 CONTENT DISCLAIMER: All rights reserved. While every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy of information, the editors and Devoted magazine cannot accept liability of whatsoever nature arising out or in connection with the contents of the publication. The views expressed in this on-line publication are not necessarily those of any of the Devoted team members. It remains the sole responsibility of the writers. Like us on Facebook: www.dViesitvouor wteebdsitemat ag.co.za www.facebook.com/devotedmagazine Emails: [email protected]; or [email protected] 5

Unethical journalism impacts people’s lives In the past, journalists were supported ”However, under time by powerful news organisations, able The impact of mainstream media on pressure, or when it is to challenge and expose governments, public perception is massive. It can include important to verify a story, institutions, and even global empires prompting us to react in a certain way, congruence and relevance which they brought down in pursuit influencing individual views and beliefs might end for guiding of the truth. Today we are witnessing or increasing a person’s knowledge. It journalists and media the foreclosure of numerous local and can also reinforce or destroy an existing also in their evaluation international newspapers due to lack of belief. Objectivity has mostly gone out of of a story as true or false. profitability. On the other hand, some the window, and at best, we can say that Exchanging newsworthiness newspapers have been acquired by opinions have become facts … and facts for truthfulness can be billionaires who have their own motives have become opinions. even more likely for online when it comes to sharing news with outlets producing and the public. The mainstream media has played a sharing FAKES, … free significant role in the spreading of fake news. from professional and An alarming huge number of journalists The questions we should be asking are: deontological standards and editors around the world engage in • What role do mainstream media play in and/or mainly to get unethical practices to create sensation and sell papers or increase viewership. We have spreading disinformation and fake news? incoming traffic.” seen a new narrative beginning to form • Why do they GIVE coverage to it? And where there is very little accountability. Some • What is the potential impact on their - Darrel M West, 2001, The Rise and reporting is done in a partisan way, or worse Fall of the media establishment - – simply telling lies. What has caused this audience’s opinions? paradigm shift of not covering the news as journalists did in the past? I am not sure, but Misinformation versus fact-checking in the place of ethical journalism, the media themselves have now become the story as a Addressing and answering the above result of unethical practices. questions would provide us with critical information to understand the rationale Decline of conventional news media behind the spreading of misinformation instead of fact-checking. People should The decline of conventional news media be informed about the paradoxical role of has broad implications. There seem to be no journalists and not be ensnared by their repercussions for journalists who propagate reporting of propaganda. Readers should inaccurate information under the disguise of expect better, and above all, the truth from investigative reporting. Most journalists have journalists and the media. It is appalling become stenographers, transcribing what how the mainstream media provides a stage content is already out there - often repeating where journalists deliberately, through their propaganda or fake news instead of creating coverage (or sometimes non-coverage) of actual content. In a post-conventional media incidents and events, mislead their audiences world, people will start having different and create toxic situations. radical perceptions about basic truths. Many have referred to this phenomenon The role of the media is also that of as ‘alternative facts’ where people have watchdog. As a major influence of public fundamentally different perceptions of opinion, the media has a choice to select real-world events, depending on the source stories that they consider to be interesting of their news. The “establishment media” or important. Ethics is the benchmark to has taken over “with certain long-standing which we hold journalists, reporters, writers, biases which promotes an existing system of and editors. governance and thought at the expense of objective perspective” (Darell West, 2001). An ethical journalist will focus on three key areas, namely research, accuracy, and provide a forum for discussion. Proper research will empower the writer to transfer solid, accurate factual truths and avoid the spreading of fake news which is nothing less than propaganda. 6 www.devotedmag.co.za

In the digital era where everything must be selects facts or invents them to serve the another side to the stories we read in the done immediately, we find that journalists real purpose: persuasion or manipulation. establishment media, and most stories often consult a single source and write Fiction invents scenarios to get at a more we read in mainstream media are either an article around this without adequately personal impression of what is called truth. offered out of context, or are blown out of vetting the information. In their book, The Journalism alone is focused on the process proportion to sensationalise. Elements of Journalism, Bill Kovach and employed to get what happened down Tom Rosenstiel called the vetting process right.” Objectivity in reporting builds trust and “discipline of verification”. They say, “in the confidence and journalists should always end, the discipline of verification is what Responsible journalism is the ability to keep in mind that the words and images separates journalism from entertainment, hold oneself accountable. When you make they use in a publication may be hurtful propaganda, fiction, or art. Propaganda a mistake, you must be able to own up to and may impact the lives of others. and correct it. We believe there is always The impact of social media bias to influence public opinion Developments in technology are the connection between inflammatory online, it takes only a matter of seconds creating a society in which social speech and violent acts, as well as the role for the information to be available across media is embedded and have of global corporations that control the the world. Unless a mistake is caught an impact on the basic values flow of information, including censoring and corrected early, it will be shared and and practices that have constituted good and free speech. Because of changes inadvertently become fact. journalism. Most people now get their and shifts in ideology within the political news and information from social media climate around the world, disinformation, One can probably blame social platforms like YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, misinformation, fake news, and platforms like Facebook for the decline Instagram, and online blogs where increasingly inaccurate reporting, social in conventional media. But, an ability to anyone can publish anything without it media can increase discord. Online rhetoric produce stories that people like to read, being checked or edited. There are also from far-left and far-right groups have also combined with professionalism and instances where fake news is being spread contributed to violence. ethics, are some of the essential qualities on purpose for sensationalism and to gain of a good journalistic writing that will attention and attract an audience. The influence of social media on public keep the industry alive and well. “News opinion is a powerful force in public organisations need to be on their toes to Professional journalists share the social relations, culture, fashion, consumer ensure that they are aware of the latest media sphere with other social media spending and a whole range of other media developments, and should adapt users. Unfortunately, some reporters spheres. It is also widely accepted that accordingly, without risking their main explore the world of digital media with social media can affect a person’s self- purpose of existence in the journalistic little, if any, limits on personal commentary perception and mental health and field – to inform and to educate,” says or bias opinions. Where does journalistic numerous studies have warned about the Normahfuzah Ahmad from the University integrity fit into this? link between heavy social media usage in Glaskow in his article, The decline of and depression. conventional news media and challenges Social media platforms have now of immersing in new technology. become the conduit in which information Since its inception, journalism has gone is disseminated. There is little doubt that through many different stages. The 21st Some media organisations, but not social media can shape public opinion century is the era of digital transformation many, have in recent times taken steps to and in general there is a great concern and artificial intelligence. Journalists are develop guidelines for journalist’s social about fake news. Misinformation can still adapting to the internet age of posting media use. Hopefully such guidelines will spread faster than it can be checked. By articles online where the public can help them to become better at their jobs. interacting and participating, people can access the news on millions of different My concern is with the people whose lives share information, exchange opinions, websites in cyberspace with the tap of a have been impacted, and in any cases ideas, and news. finger. Headlines are posted on Twitter destroyed, by the malicious intent of using just a few characters. There is very unscrupulous journalists and disgruntled With the explosion of online social little room for error because once posted people of the world! media platforms, an added concern is www.devotedmag.co.za 7

KwaSizabantu Mission A place of restoration The logo of KwaSizabantu KwaSizabantu Mission is a abandoned building many years back. He Mission is a cedar tree, community-based and non-profit only had a small group of helpers, but he organisation aimed at improving preached the Gospel with no resources but symbolising strength, longevity the lives of the communities they his faith and calling. and endurance. The value of serve while spreading the Gospel. All the cedar trees lies in providing work they do generates improvements, Reverend Stegen is the son of German shade and shelter to a tired both spiritually and physically within the immigrants who settled in rural KwaZulu- traveller for a while. community in which they operate. Over time, Natal. He grew up in a Christian home, but The Mission also provides a numerous buildings and agricultural projects as a young man, he was preoccupied with temporary home for needy were implemented which brought financial other things and did not think at first that he health. This benefitted the communities would be preaching the Gospel. However, he and broken people. It is a safe directly by creating employment and was called at a young age to work among the and loving environment where numerous opportunities while sustaining the Zulu people and help them. humanitarian work and numerous upliftment people can rest, heal, and programmes. The missionaries, workers, and He arrived in Maphumulo, a town in the recoup. And once they’ve been co-workers have maintained the missionary iLembe District in KwaZulu-Natal, in 1966. restored, they can continue on work for more than 50 years through these It is about 42 km north-west of Stanger various projects. and 38 km south-east of Kranskop. their journey better equipped He started preaching. For prayer meetings, to deal with life’s many To start and build such a glorious the early converters would gather in an establishment from scratch, and achieving old, abandoned cowshed. Although people challenges. It is indeed a the many goals set out, had enormous committed their lives to God, no significant place of restoration… challenges and numerous obstacles to restoration occurred. This troubled overcome along the way. These obstacles him greatly. include some unfounded allegations of self- enrichment and gross inhuman violations. The scriptures are, and always have been Luckily, the stories have since been proven the reverend’s compass, and his ultimate untrue and exposed as a malicious onslaught source of wisdom and guidance. It is also the on the Mission’s image by disgruntled “flowing waters” later revealed to be pivotal previous members and family members to the current work done at the Mission (read articles about it in, for instance the publication, Noseweek). (see the article, The Flow of Living Waters). The many milestones and success stories Transforming people’s lives of KwaSizabantu Mission and the endless testimonies of restoration and help are One day, a local witch asked for help of evident of hard work, dedication, faithfulness her own free will, and she was converted. and godly intervention. Therefore, we From that day on, the reverend witnessed decided to publicise the many wonderful multitudes of people coming to the prayer stories we found there… meetings saying that they want to meet with God. The people came from the hills, valleys, Humble beginnings and surrounding areas as the Word of God spread. People’s lives were being transformed It is difficult to comprehend that Erlo Stegen noticeably. With all the people coming from started the KwaSizabantu Mission from an afar, the Mission could not accommodate and provide food for them. But they could not turn them away. This prompted them to 8 www.devotedmag.co.za

look for a place to build in Maphumulo, Myriads of good works Rev Erlo Stegan but every door was closed. The Mission is supported by volunteers. (Ephesians 2:10). At the Mission, Revelation A few years later they found a farm More than 200 people from surrounding 2:26 helps them through the tough times called KwaSizabantu, meaning “the place areas volunteer at the Mission. Both local and the bumps in the road: “He who where people are helped”. The reverend and international students spend their gap overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds then realised that this was the place that years volunteering in the many projects. until the end, to Him I will give authority God had set before them to continue His People also come from all over the world to over the nations.” work - but it was wild and undeveloped. find help, help others and hear the Gospel. The need to accommodate and feed the They come willingly, and many of them Reverend Stegen’s legacy is one of crowds who came to hear the Gospel was, find it hard to depart again. Many of the positive change, and his example is and still is, the motivating factor behind current helpers, workers, and co-workers one of faithfulness. In his golden years, all the buildings and other agricultural at the Mission are either previous broken he can rest assured that he has been projects. Because no money is collected people of volunteers who decided to help obedient to his calling, despite human during the church services, and there are others on a more permanent basis. errors and challenges along the way. no fundraising events, the need arose to God calls ordinary people with lots of find ways to be self-sustainable. As I was walking around the Mission’s flaws and lack of experience and know- grounds, I could see the hand of God how. Still, He provides the resources to With their limited resources, the Mission working, and I have sensed imminent realise the calling in His way and time. started construction and agricultural victory! The Mission’s position in the area Because of this assurance, I am confident projects to accommodate and feed the is one of influence and prominence. It is that KwaSizabantu will rise above the people. The revenue generated from these clear that the Mission, supported by the many deficiencies of a secular world and projects provided much needed financial communities they serve, is focused on onslaughts of the misinformed. health that benefitted the community their calling. They will overcome adversity directly and helped the missionaries and and the many challenges they have, co-workers sustain the humanitarian work and still will experience on the road to and numerous upliftment programmes. further success. Christians are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works www.devotedmag.co.za 9

A mission becomes sustainable Teaching, healing, helping, The auditorium As an independent English-medium, and spreading the Gospel Christian school, it provides schooling for are the core essentials of Pivotal to the work of the Mission is the the workers and co-workers also. The school auditorium, which has a remarkable has grown from humble beginnings in 1986 a mission’s work. history. Originally, the reverend preached into a private school that caters for children By implication, it means in an abandoned cowshed, which they from Grade RRR to 12. Domino Servite was cleaned and used for his ministry. After he accredited by Umalusi in 2013 and has been to reach out to broken experienced the revival at Maphumulo, he an IQQA approved school since 2018. It has and poor individuals and found that the congregation suddenly grew also been a member of ISASA since 2016. the communities who are phenomenally as crowds of people started to come from afar. The reverend describes it in The school principal, Ms Dorothy served. To do the work a video, “It was as if the Holy Spirit went into Newlands, remembers the early days with God has called him to their homes and drove them to us…” its many challenges. She also quickly points do, the founder of the out that the school has enjoyed blessings KwaSizabantu Mission, The church “building” very soon became in abundance and, while schools across the Erlo Stegen, has over too small for the vast, God-seeking crowds, globe have been sadly affected by COVID-19 years implemented and and a new place had to be found. The farm, creating havoc, the Mission’s school has not spearheaded numerous KwaSizabantu at Kranskop, seemed like the been affected in the same way. building, agricultural, and perfect place when it became available by other projects for a variety an extraordinary circumstance. The farm’s The Mission has a tremendous positive of income streams that purchase provided the opportunity to be impact on the development of the children benefit the community faithful to the calling, and the name was and the school encourages the young adults directly. These projects also perfect for the intended work. Since then, to hold onto the good Christian values they ensure sustainability for the Mission has grown tremendously, and have learned. Grade 12 learners write the the many outreach and the work has been blessed in abundance. IEB Senior Certificate Examination, and the upliftment programmes school has achieved a 100% Matric pass rate The previous auditorium, completed since it registered as an examination centre in 1990, could seat approximately 10,000 in 1988. people. It was built over 10 years. The building was unfortunately destroyed in The restoration centre a blaze in June 2008. However, very soon, the Mission was inundated with offers KwaSizabantu is a place where people are of assistance from other churches and helped, regardless of their colour, creed, organisations from around the world. To religion, or background. The Concerned rebuild the auditorium, volunteers and Young People of South Africa (CYPSA), experts came from abroad and locally to housed at the Mission, is responsible for help. Within a year, the new 10,000-seater the three-week programme the addicts auditorium was built and finalised. participate in (read the inspiring stories in the articles, So many stories to be told, and The school Restored lives). The Mission is a centre of learning, and its The success stories are endless, and the Domino Servite School is doing amazing impact the Mission has on people’s lives work among the community’s children. is immense. Hundreds of drug addicts are helped daily, and they receive spiritual help 10 www.devotedmag.co.za

and healing. Some of them even choose As a government official once remarked vegetables; avocados; honey, dairy to stay behind as volunteers. Restored during a visit to the farm, “This seems like products; bottling plants; butchery, addicts who did not finish their schooling the country’s solution - this is a win-win bakery; coffee shop and many fruit can also do so at the Mission. situation where the community and farm orchards help them pay for expenses owners work together for sustainable related to the upliftment programmes. Broken people from local communities farming that benefits all the stakeholders.” and the world have been coming to The KwaSizabantu Mission lives up to the Mission’s rehabilitation centre for Sustaining projects to support its calling to take care of the needy and addiction and mental health treatments broken people. They are entirely self- for decades. With a firm commitment missionary work sustained through their building and from the patient, an entirely free, high- farming projects, including the bottling of quality treatment programme is offered, The hectares of greenhouses at spring water from underneath the earth. combined with experiences and spiritual KwaSizabantu are a sight to see! What The successful activities also generate support. Personalised treatment and started as small vegetable gardens meant enough money to help communities and focusing on the reason for the addiction to feed the crowds of people turned others in need and spread the Gospel. ensure lasting success. And the positive into hectares and hectares of beautiful, outcome? More than 18,000 broken hydroponically-grown bell peppers and Workers, co-workers, community people have been helped and restored lettuce without pesticides. members, and high-profile decision- over the years. makers hold the Mission’s founder and After seeing the vast amount of management in high esteem. They are Maqhogo Farm successful farming projects, there is no outspoken about the respect they have doubt in my mind that the people of for them. In the broken, dog-eat-dog The Maqhogo Farm is situated in the rural KwaSizabantu are faithfully serving God world that we must live and work in, areas not far from the Kranskop/Eshowe and His people. The many successful the presence of peace, love, respect, and areas - about a 45-minute drive from the projects reveal to me how God is working unity you experience at the Mission will Mission. The farm and its people also deeply and powerfully. The Mission has prompt you to go back again, and again - provide some fantastic stories and insights gone from strength to strength, and all in pursuit of the same tranquillity and into the giving spirit of Reverend Stegen. the successful projects make it possible loveliness. Their peace clearly stems for them to help people and spread from being faithful to your calling, I was told that land, managed in the the Gospel. The bell peppers and other no matter what... 1980s by Canadian missionaries, was offered to the reverend around 2009. Inside of the auditorium pre-COVID They requested that he manages the humble facilities while teaching the locals how to farm, based on the KwaSizabantu Mission’s successful work. At that stage, the area consisted of virgin land only. The harsh environment, constant droughts, and lack of job opportunities made it complicated for the locals to earn a decent living or farm successfully to provide for their needs. Reverend Stegen agreed to take over the farm, provided the infrastructure (electricity), and then started with pineapples and simultaneously tested different plants and trees. Very soon, local farm owners requested help and offered a piece of land in return. Today the farm boasts many hectares covered with a wide range of fruit trees. It includes 10 hectares of the exotic eastern fruit called dragon fruit; 10 hectares of mangoes; three hectares of litchis (with an additional three hectares to be planted soon), and 18 hectares of pomegranates. A total of about 25 hectares more are still available to be planted. Additionally, more than 50 hectares in Ntsongeni are under irrigation. Grass and lucerne are baled and made available to the communities as feed for their animals. More than 500 households are now benefitting from the successful farming, and employment is provided along with skills development and training. Community gardens have been developed together. The Mission provides seedlings, fertiliser, water, and much-needed training. www.devotedmag.co.za 11

liTvhienfgloww oafters “If anyone is thirsty, T he aQuellé, customized bottles had of treasure hidden in the ground. Under let him come to Me of flavoured spring water, made the impression that the child meant gold and drink. For the from Kwa-Zulu Natal’s natural pure and diamonds, the Missions’ people started Scriptures, declare rivers water, are back on the shelves searching and digging, but none could be of living water will flow in South Africa and the country’s people found. In 1997, when they continued to dig from the heart of anyone are rejoicing! For more than two decades for the treasure, they came across a natural who believes in me.” aQuellé was one of the leading water brands water source that was flowing underneath until some retailers temporarily removed the earth’s surface into an aquifer filled with John 7:37 it from their shelves following controversy the purest spring water. Because of the fuelled by the mainstream media. Hopefully quality of the water, they were told that it the controversy is now a thing of the past was too good to be used for irrigation and because this popular and wholesome brand other normal practices. So, they bottled the of water has surely been missed! water and called it aQuellé (meaning spring waters). The aQuellé water is bottled by Ekhamanzi Springs (PTY) Ltd and the plant for the In 1998, aQuellé built their first 360m2 popular flavoured water is situated at the bottling plant at the KwaSizabantu Mission KwaSizabantu Mission. The story of the and has since expanded it to over 18,000m2 bottling plant began when a child told the to date with the prospect of extending it founder of the Mission about a dream she even further. In 2016, aQuellé acquired a 12 www.devotedmag.co.za

second bottling plant in Franschhoek, Job opportunities in the area are hard to Special note from the editor: An and they are adding another new plant come by, so the aQuellé bottling plant is editor-in-chief of a digital newspaper soon. Both the old and new plants like a beacon of light for the communities. called on the public to stop drinking have been equipped with the latest It has provided opportunities for “unholy water” (referring to aQuellé) technology, state-of-the-art machinery community members to earn money so in 2020. This greatly impacted the and process plant equipment for labelling, they can support their families with dignity company that produces the product. shrink-wrapping, palletising and then as the workers earn an honest living. Consequently, the Mission and distribution. Because of the nature of the company, stakeholders suffered significant their marketing campaigns and outreach losses which affected the livelihoods What makes aQuellé so special? events frequently have local participation of the communities that benefit from that directly benefits the communities. the sales of the bottled water. There James 1:17 says, “Everything good comes are consequences to the bias media’s from God. Every perfect gift is from Him.” The bottling plant is one of the many reporting and in this case the very This is the secret ingredient of the spring projects that is run as a business and community the company is trying to water. What makes it so special is that funding mechanism to ensure they are help was impacted negatively. every single bottle of aQuellé water has self-funded to sustain the work of the the goodness of God in it. Mission. The communities are dependent We are living in a world where the on the jobs that are being created by media is using their platform to sway The spring water is of exceptional the water bottling plant and the other public opinion, whether the information quality and taste. The water is fruity projects. With the revenue generated from is true or not. When you are doing the flavoured, carbonated, and then bottled these businesses, the Mission has been work of God, there will always be people in unique, customised bottles that makes able to expand their businesses and assist who will try to bring you into disrepute, it stand out from the rest. Over the years, more people and finance their outreach especially when you are succeeding. different flavours were added to the programmes. water. As of today, they have a total of I am thrilled that since the request 10 different flavours. The social impact of aQuellé for the ridiculous boycott was made following the unfounded allegations, The economic impact of aQuellé As a community-based business, one the allegations were proven to be false of their core values and focus is the by an independent panel. I now call As one of South Africa’s leading brands, upliftment of rural communities. upon all our readers to support this aQuellé stands out because of its The business sponsors a great number Mission and to buy this brand again. community-based operations. of community and sporting events Together we can help restore the The company is the biggest employer throughout the country such as the damage done to this community-based in the area. They employ more than Midmar Mile, Mudman Series, Tour business and assist in making 300 people, of which the majority is Durban, and the Spar Women’s Challenge. a difference in the community. Apart from the surrounding rural communities. The Mission’s outreach programmes from helping the local communities, All the employees are provided with include local feeding schemes for you will enjoy the uniquely South training to operate the machines, do orphaned children, an HIV/Aids care African flavours. I do!! quality control, and perform good centre, and a broad spectrum of manufacturing processes. community projects. www.devotedmag.co.za 13

gooSdo mstaonyries to be told… “There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is NOT being talked about.” (Oscar Wilde) A s a Christian organization, mental and emotional abuse, and I was used my brother to save me as he directed the KwaSizabantu Mission molested as a child. I never exposed those me to KwaSizabantu Mission, where remains true to its calling who molested me, and this gave them I signed into the CYPSA Programme. to help restore lives and power over me and the pain and hatred reconcile people to God through faith in that I kept within made me a prisoner. “I thought that I had arrived at a ‘rehab’, Him. The outstanding work the Mission but in fact, I had arrived at a place of and its workers do, the impact they make “This led to me living a life haunted restoration, not knowing that God had a on communities, and the many life- by those painful memories, and I had plan worked out for me. When I came to changing and inspiring stories have sadly thoughts of hatred towards everyone the KwaSizabantu Mission, I had never been ignored by the mainstream media so around me. As I grew up, I became a experienced anything like it in my life. far. Devoted gladly shares with you some violent child. As the years went on, the I was welcomed and loved by strangers inspiring stories. domestic violence continued, which lead that did not even know me, but were to my parents separating. This increased willing to help me. Talking to Keegan Pillay was the hate and pain in my heart. I learnt to simultaneously an interesting and smoke cigarettes at the age of nine, and by “Looking back at my life, I am so grateful inspiring experience. At first, I found 12, I was already smoking dagga and using for being led to the Mission, where I have him a bit reserved while he gave me a Mandrax. At 14, I was involved with the been taught about the love and grace of brief record of his previous life and what law and was sent to juvenile prison. our Lord Jesus Christ. I have learnt that brought him to the Mission in the first although I may not be perfect, I am loved place. But, his eyes and face lit up when “I was involved with gangs. My life was by a perfect God. I am so grateful for I asked him about the work he does in consumed with violence because I had a Reverend Erlo Stegen (the founder of the the greenhouses where hundreds of bloodlust. My violent acts resulted in my Mission), and the workers. thousands of bell peppers are grown. being sent to prison regularly, and my life I quickly realized that he was one of the became a rollercoaster ride. Always high “We have been helped at the Mission the many broken people who annually on drugs, I never spoke about the pain and through the CYPSA Programme for come to the Mission for help. Once he inside. I wondered how long I would live free. I doubt there is a place in the world was helped and saved, he decided to pay this life of sin as the things that I had done that would be so willing and kind to help it forward and help others by staying and and seen, one only sees in nightmares. guys like me, and without being paid for working at the Mission. His story told in his it. I am blessed to be living and working own words below, is both heart breaking “Often, I tried to get out of this pit, at the Mission for five years now, and this and heart-warming. but it was a bottomless grave. I served a is the first time in life that I have truly considerable time in prison for the violent experienced inner peace which I have “I was once a slave to hatred due to acts that I committed. Going to jail did received here. circumstances far beyond my control - not change anything but made me even (bad) things which happened to me as worse, and the life of sin continued. “Psalm 34:4 and 6 has special meaning a child. I was born into a Hindu family By the year 2015, I was consumed and to me: ‘I sought the Lord, and he answered where we were short of nothing materially. lost in a life of drug addiction and sin. me; he delivered me from all my fears. But there was a lot of domestic violence, I was, by that time, homeless. One day I This poor man called, and the Lord heard cried out to the Lord Jesus Christ, and He him; he saved him out of all his troubles’.” 14 www.devotedmag.co.za

livesRestored Recovered from The Concerned Young People of South Africa (CYPSA) is housed on the premises of the KwaSizabantu Mission and runs a three-week programme for people fighting addictions. Marcel and Romeo (stories below) both attended the programmes and are no longer broken people. The young men are now free from drugs and alcohol, and they willingly participate in the programmes. They still interact regularly with the pastoral caretakers, and they choose to work at the Mission as they feel driven to help others like they have been helped. Below are extracts of the full stories that you can now read on www.devotedmag.co.za under Restored Lives. Marcel Coleske (25 years old), originally from Port Elizabeth, had to fulfil the man’s role in the house from time to time after his father died. The fact that his mother has been married four times did not help the situation, and he started to smoke from a very young age. He got involved with the wrong friends and used drugs at the tender age of 17. He eventually failed Grade 9, where after his school refused to allow him back. He got a second chance at another school but continued with these bad habits and eventually dropped school and focused full-time on really messing up his life! After a first rehabilitation effort failed, things became progressively worse. Eventually, Marcel’s uncle intervened, and on his advice, Marcel was sent to a branch of KwaSizabantu Mission in the Free State for help. The rest, as they say, is history… Romeo Mbambami (19) grew up in Port Elizabeth – fatherless, like so many other young boys with drug-related problems. It was loneliness that drove him to cigarettes at a very young age, then dagga, other drugs, and even alcohol by the time he was 15 years old. It was a close relative who cared enough to prompt him to go to a place she heard provided excellent care to addicts and apparently was very successful with their programmes. This place was the rehabilitation centre at KwaSizabantu. It was only then, with the help of the caring people at the Mission that Romeo’s life started to get back on track, and he was completely healed. Note from the editor: Devoted will bring you more inspiring stories of restored lives at the KwaSiabantu Mission. Follow our Facebook page and read more stories on the website (www.devotedmag.co.za) and be inspired. www.devotedmag.co.za 15

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