Western Cape SCO

 When did you get involved with SCO?

I got involved with SCO from 1995 when I was

between high school (Kwa-Komani

Comprehensive School) and varsity. It was a

very interesting arrangement in the sense

that I was a matriculant helping at the then Eastern

Cape Technikon now Walter Sisulu University of

Technology, to establish the SCO. I then joined

the Technikon in 1996 and immediately became

the chairperson for at least two terms. During this

period I was also a member of the SRC through

SCO. In my final year I represented SCO as the

president of the SRC. During this period I was also

the SCO PRO for the Eastern Cape province, so

part of the provincial executive for one term. This then pushed me to be involved in the national debate which included merger talks between the then SCM and SCA which is now SCO.

How were things back then?

It was amazing the kind of passion and enthusiasm that was in the hearts of students to preach the gospel uncompromisingly. There was a strong attitude of being self reliant and taking initiatives. SCO students were at the forefront of transformation that was taking place in most campuses. Most of the activities were organized by students and we would then invite staff to contribute to the conference but the rest of organisation was done by us.

Highlights and challenges?

Merger talks between SCM and SCA as well as talks between SCO and UCSA. They both had their highs and lows. The passing away of Dr Rory Prest who was both my mentor and had a major contribution in me becoming a staff worker, was indeed a big challenge. The breaking of SCO into different sections namely, Schools, HIS and Associates was great achievement. Seeing SCO playing a critical role in IFES both in the English and Portuguese Speaking Africa known as IFES EPSA. SCO hosting a southern leaders conference which included 10 SADC countries and a few international speakers. The hosting of the International Executive Staff meeting in November 2006. Working with Rory was an amazing experience for me. Interacting with provincial structures from different cultures. Working with different NATEX and Council members since I joined SCO I’ve worked with four chairpersons. Interacting with student and providing guidance and training. Working with student at national level. Working with such a dynamic, humble and committed staff team. Learning different cultures and experiencing the beauty of the Kingdom in this rainbow nation.

How is SCO now compared to back in the days?

Not much has really changed. I still see a lot of passion and enthusiasm in students as they present the gospel to their peers. There has been however high dependency growth on staff. We’re however, more structured than we were before. There are also new programs like Ses’khona that make SCO relevant in answering questions and addressing the current needs. Issues like the merger of institutions and religious policies presents opportunities for us to do ministry differently from what we’ve always done.

What does SCO mean to you?

SCO is my family. SCO is where I learnt most of my leadership lessons. It has indeed been a platform for growth. It is a place where I’ve grown and learnt more about my relationship with Jesus through the thorough study of the Word but also through my relationships with colleagues, students and associates.

Where do you see SCO going?

SCO is currently the biggest student led Christian organisation in South Africa. A lot of young people have great expectation from SCO. They see the organisation as an answer to their many problems even if they don’t mention that. I see SCO growing and taking the forefront in rebuilding the nation and bringing back the right values that are necessary for the future of the nation. I see new and exciting programs coming out of SCO which are relevant for addressing the needs. This however, can only happen if there’s sufficient financial support and ownership of the vision by both students and associates.

Where to from here on your side?

Well I’m taking my work and partnership with the church a step further. I’m currently the COO of SASCOL (South African Sports Coalition). The main focus is on helping the church use sport to do outreach and bring about transformation to society. The main focus at the moment is soccer and my role is preparing the church for 2010. We’re focusing on two programs namely: UBABALO eAFRICA and THE ULTIMATE GOAL. My other focus besides sport is leadership development. I’m currently hosting sessions with emerging leaders where they spend an evening with some prominent leaders from all over the world. I ’ m also part of the local organizing committee for The Lausanne Movement for World Evangelization which will be hosting a conference here in Cape Town in 2010 immediately after world cup. I’m also part of a team that is advocating for the training of younger leaders and them being given a platform to develop.

It seems you are busier now than I thought you would be. Where do you get the time and energy to do all this? I assume your responsibilities involve a lot of travelling, and how is your family dealing with that?

I'm telling you its a bit crazy at the moment. I'm hope things will be better as the time goes. My wife is trying to cope but you can never get used. I also spend as much time as I can when I'm with them.