Celebrate Life – Youth Ministry
We chat to young people who have changed the face of spirituality through their music and social media ministry
RORISANG THANDEKISO, 30, MEDIA PERSONALITY & SPEAKER
Rorisang has never been one to shy away from her faith through her career. From YoTV child star to lead vocalist on MuzArt and presenter shows such as Mzansi Insider, she has always been a disciple. What I’m hoping to achieve with my platform… I am my faith! There’s an unsaid notion that if you put your faith forward, you’re seen as less cool. I’m changing that – I believe that people wouldn’t relate or enjoy me the way they do if it wasn’t for my faith. I want to break the mould of what an entertainer is for both Christians and non-Christians. I can be my complete self; I won’t play God down because He is the one who leads me to these places. I can’t deny Him. I’m on a conscious journey to show that faith isn’t uncool. I receive a lot of DMs, and every Tuesday I make time to reply, chat, videocall and pray with people. #LunchWithRori is the beginning of me using my platform and voice to touch the lives of women, and hold honest conversations. I believe that my presence in the entertainment industry is to connect with people. Spirituality is a consciousness that there is life beyond the physical.
It is an awareness that we need God. Without Him, there is nothing I can claim as my own in this life. Somewhere out there, someone didn’t wake up this morning, but I did. That is why I’m in constant pursuit of God.
SIBUSISO “SBUNOAH” MTHEMBU 34, GOSPEL ARTIST
For the Umlazi-born star, singing in the church choir at varsity brought him closer to God. He joined Joyous Celebration in 2012 after being headhunted by the choir’s co-founder Lindelani Mkhize. He also straddles a career in health sciences. What I’m hoping to achieve through my
music… I never aspired to be a gospel artist. I come from a poor background, with my parents being all about education. As the first one to go to university, I was supposed to be the change. But, after moving to Joburg to study, I came across a church called My Father’s House Christian Fellowship. I knew then that I had to do something to give back to God. I felt that I owed Him for the amazing things He had blessed me with. I started singing in the worship team, which led to me being discovered and joining Joyous Celebration. Now, I sing not only to serve, but with the hope that my relationship and experiences with God will heal others. I’m serving God’s purpose for me — I’m changing and touching the lives of people as His vessel. Spirituality is a relationship with God. It only started making sense when I was conscious of it. I read the Bible, found a church and got to know God. I continue to grow our relationship because if you nurture it, He will navigate life for you.
RAMOTHIBE POOE, 33, FOUNDER OF CONNECT ONLINE CHURCH
A client relations manager by profession, he found his calling in ministry through serving at his local church. Rams, as he is affectionately known, decided to create a digital platform where people could gather under one purpose. What I’m hoping to achieve with my platform…
The gospel is still relevant to this day, however the medium through which it is conveyed has changed. That’s why I want to go beyond limiting the gospel to the bricks and mortar of a church building. This can impact our generation by creating a community that’s connected to God within a digital platform. We’re in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the online church is a space where you can access the gospel anytime and anywhere, through learning and fellowshipping with different people. After all, God said you and I are the church.
Spirituality is a knowing and awakening to who we are called to be by God. I believe we are first spiritual beings, and once we awaken to that knowledge, we start to live a life full of His purpose. That is why the kingdom culture is so important. If we live according to His word, we mirror His image and change our communities and the world.
HLENGIWE “HLE” NTOMBELA-MTHETHWA , 29, GOSPEL ARTIST
Having grown up in a spiritual home with her father, Bishop Sipho Ntombela of Potters Family Church, Hle’s route to worship in song wasn’t a surprise. She has grown from Joyous Celebration to going solo with her debut single, Dwala. What I’m hoping to achieve with my
music… I wouldn’t dream of doing anything else, but gospel. Some people do sing and sound better than me. But, the only reason I sing is to preach. It isn’t about fame but getting God’s word to the masses. Whatever you hear in my music should make you happy, healed, dance or worship. I want people to find what they seek in it – I am a servant of God. This isn’t about me; it’s about the word and glory of God. My album Kingdom on Earth is my mission
– at the time of my death, I want to have left a legacy of bringing God’s kingdom to earth as said in the Lord’s prayer. Spirituality is a choice. It is about the journey you decide to take, and following the relationship you have with God. You can have a true relationship with Him; you get to speak to Him, and it feels tangible even though you don’t see Him.