The Johannesburg City Corps was filled with music, joy, and praise on Saturday, 11 October 2025, as the Territorial Music and Creative Arts Camp drew to a joyful close. The camp, which began on Monday, brought together young people from across the Territory for a week of spiritual growth, creative learning, and musical development.
This camp was made even more special by the presence of the USA Southern Staff Band, who served as special guests throughout the week. The ministry of the band and their leaders – both on and off the platform – left a deep impression on participants, as they shared their expertise, encouragement, and faith in every interaction.
During the week, delegates participated in a range of electives, allowing them to explore and develop their talents in different areas of music and creative arts. From instrumental and vocal training to drama, poetry, and timbrels, each session was an opportunity for young Salvationists to grow in skill and confidence while being reminded that their gifts are tools for mission. Throughout the camp, strong emphasis was placed on aligning these talents in music and the arts with each delegate’s personal relationship with God. This theme was encouraged in every setting, from personal quiet times to moments of communal praise and worship, reminding all that ministry through the arts begins with intimacy with the Creator.
The final celebration service on Saturday afternoon was the culmination of all that had been learned and experienced during the week. The programme opened with a time of vibrant praise and worship, followed by an opening prayer from Lieut-Colonel Nokuthula Mahlobo, Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries. The Scripture reading from Psalm 98 set the tone perfectly … calling everyone present to “sing to the Lord a new song.”
Major Timothy Mabaso, who chaired the Camp Organising Committee, warmly welcomed the congregation and introduced the guests and various presentations that followed. Each group took to the platform to display what they had learned, offering beautiful performances of songs, poems, and instrumental pieces. The Territorial Music and Creative Arts Camp Mass Brigade played beautifully, their combined sound a powerful example unity between Territories and displaying the growth experienced throughout the week.
IIn his epilogue, Lieut-Colonel Themba Mahlobo, Chief Secretary, drew from 2 Chronicles 20, encouraging the young people to use their musical and creative gifts as instruments of mission. He reminded them that worship and witness go hand in hand in The Salvation Army’s calling, and that the Scripture shows how powerful music and worship can be when used as led by God.
Following this, awards were presented to recognise outstanding effort and growth. Four of the award recipients were also blessed to receive musical instruments generously gifted by the USA Southern Staff Band, a gesture that deeply encouraged and inspired the young musicians.
Band Awards
- BM Zabale Band: Improved – Abigail Zola
- BM Buthelezi Band: Improved – Phiwokuhle Kubheka
- BM Thusi Band: Improved – Anathi Kabade
- All Bands: Most Improved – Amahle Khumalo
Choir Awards
- SL Mazibuko Choir: Recognition – Kamohelo Mabota
- Prof. Khumalo Choir: Recognition – Nomonde Mbatha
Territorial Awards
- Dr. P. Qwabe Choir: Andile Phakathi (SL Prof. Mzilikazi Khumalo Award: Vocal Excellence)
- Outstanding Musician – Sphelele Ntshangase (SL Dr. Peter Qwabe Award)
- Leadership Qualities – Zoe Van Leeve (BM Sibongile Buthelezi Award)
- Creative Arts – Claire Ndimande (BM Dr. Brian Thusi Award)
- Poetry – Abongiwe Ndlovu
- Lerato Brigade Timbrel Award – Patience Nyakocha
- Composer Award – Tafadzwa Nyadzawo
Top Camper Awards
These delegates will be attending the Territorial Music Institute in the USA Southern Territory next year:
- Siyabongo Mciya
- Mpumelelo Nkwanyana
Leadership Awards
- BM Mlamuleliwezwe Mabaso
- BM Nyasha Cliff Makubalo
Both the Chief Secretary and the Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries expressed heartfelt appreciation to the USA Southern Staff Band and to the leadership of the Southern Territory for their ministry, generosity, and investment in the lives of the young people of our Territory.
As the celebration drew to a close, Lieut-Colonel Fiona Hoffer led the final prayer, and the Mass Brigade offered a stirring postlude, bringing the day, and the week, to a fitting conclusion.
We give thanks to God for the way our young people have grown, musically, creatively, and spiritually, and we trust that He will continue to use their gifts in powerful ways for His glory and for the expansion of mission.