Iziko is a ministry formation programme for students of Theology and Religion at the University of Pretoria. Those who join this one-year experience, in preparation for the world of work, are afforded numerous opportunities to reflect, grow and serve through the unique strategy adopted by Iziko leaders as they shepherd such participants toward a greater understanding of who they are, as well as where God has called them beyond graduation.

One such student, Faith Nonyane, shared the following story of her time in Iziko, rooted in an occasion of community outreach with a group of fellow Iziko members, a photo of which was in turn featured on the cover of a UN annual report as the embodiment of youth empowerment and social development

“It all started at the Iziko Formation group when Professor Stephan De Beer asked us to identify the needs of a specific community and the problems surrounding it, then try to solve them. Mr Lance Thomas suggested the Burgers Park community, and from there we became part of a bigger project with other stakeholders.

My initial team aborted the mission, so I had to recruit new team members. The people on this cover photo were not part of Iziko previously, but then they joined us and dedicated their free time to doing community work. At one of our events, while we were cleaning, painting, and planting trees at a children's play area, we met Mr Nelson Muffuh. The current Ms Africa introduced us to him and we told him about our role in the park and city. He even said should we ever need help, we must reach out to him.

The end goal of my missionary work is paving the way, or setting an example for other theologians that our work doesn't only end at the pulpit. We have communities to uplift and principles to practice. In the long run, I am hoping to recruit more theologians to come into my space and find their passion, and jobs too.”