The first-year Cadets from the College for Officer Training spent the week of 31 June to 6 July 2025 in Cape Town for their Western Cape Division Campaign. Under the theme “Connect to the Source (Christ),” the week offered opportunities for service, growth and learning across several communities.
The group, together with their Field Training Officer, Captain Sibusiso Mlambo, travelled from Johannesburg to Cape Town on Saturday. On Sunday, they had the morning to rest before attending the Zim Fellowship service at Goodwood Corps at midday.
Monday began with a visit to Divisional Headquarters. The Divisional Commander and Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries introduced the Cadets to the work of the Division, sharing about the Corps, officers and the number of people who attend each one. Later that day, the Cadets visited Stellenbosch, Khayamandi (Section O), where they gave out blankets, toiletries and food parcels to 120 families affected by a recent fire. The day ended with community ministry in Manenberg, where the team went door-to-door, engaged in one-on-one evangelism and ran a Kids Club at the Corps. Around 15 homes and more than 40 individuals were reached.
Tuesday and Wednesday were spent at Bonteheuwel Corps. On Tuesday, the Cadets ran a Kids Club with over 50 children, followed by time spent at the ECD centre in the area. That evening, the team split into two groups for cottage meetings in different homes. On Wednesday, more than 70 children came to the Kids Club, with another visit to the ECD centre and further evening cottage meetings.
On Thursday, the group moved to the Crossroads community, where they took part in door-to-door ministry, a Kids Club and community outreach. The day ended with a revival meeting. Friday’s programme included an open-air meeting and a time of raising awareness about human trafficking at a local shopping centre. The team then helped with the feeding programme at Crossroads Corps, followed by another Kids Club and revival meeting in the evening. That night, the Cadets also led a divisional youth meeting at Goodwood Corps.
Saturday included visits to Carehaven, where Major Mugama shared about the purpose and operation of the home, and to Booth Memorial Hospital, where a nurse gave background on the hospital’s work and services.
On Sunday, the group was divided in two, with Cadets and Officers attending services at Bonteheuwel and Athlone Corps. In the afternoon, everyone gathered for a divisional celebration at Cape Town Citadel, where the Cadets shared a Timbrel item and testimony, and the Training Principal gave the message.
The week helped the Cadets develop spiritually, build relationships, understand different communities, and reflect on their strengths and areas of growth. It was also a reminder of their calling and the privilege of serving God through The Salvation Army.