Ntuthuko Nkosi, Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa

I work as a pastor in a township called uMlazi in Durban, South Africa. Through my work I am confronted with the socio-economic
and political realities of our people. We are a post-apartheid country and have enjoyed our democracy since 1994. This township was established under the apartheid law, the Land Act of 1913 and the group areas act of 1950, which drove the black indigenous people off their land into landlessness and hopelessness.

A big part of my calling is a ministry of presence, that is, being present where the church should be: in unfavourable and unjust situations. This ministry of presence is realised through home visits, where I visit my parishioners in their homes.
There I am confronted with many situations such as unemployment, poverty, violence against women, illness and many other challenges. I see the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a response to these challenges.

They consist of 17 goals aimed at change, reconciliation, empowerment and advocacy. This has inspired me to be part of a solution in a world that needs light. I founded the Siyafunda Educational Support to help children who do not have school uniforms and shoes. Siyafunda Educational Support is in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals as it supports the developmental stages of young people. It keeps them in school, supports them throughout their school years and provides psychosocial support. This programme changes lives and ensures peace and prosperity for children facing poverty, drug abuse and all forms of criminal activity.