By Gerda Potgieter
The late Rev Erlo Stegen, founder of the KwaSizabantu (KSB) Mission, was a successful farmer and renowned missionary. His ministry began more than seventy years ago in an abandoned cowshed and eventually moved to Silverstream Farm between Stanger and Greytown, where he built KwaSizabantu. He is remembered as a key religious leader who established one of Africa's largest self-sustaining missions, leaving a lasting positive impact on communities with branches across South Africa and abroad. During South Africa's Apartheid years, Stegen was called to share the Gospel with the Zulu nation.
Despite many challenges, he made a significant impact. To sustain his missionary work, he has implemented and spearheaded numerous agricultural and other projects to generate a variety of income streams that benefit the community directly and indirectly. These projects have been expanded over the years and continue to ensure the sustainability of the missionary work he started. KSB's missionary work centres around its auditorium, which seats more than 8,000 people, along with workshops for, among others, skills development (electrical, wood, etc.); a kitchen providing three daily meals to workers and co-workers; a coffee shop; a bakery; a pasta factory; and shops for local necessities. Various agricultural projects support the mission's work and outreaches.
KSB serves as a learning hub, featuring on its campus the Domino Servite School (DSS), an English-medium Christian school for local and international students, and a Private Higher Education Institution, Cedar International Academy NPC, which offers a B.Ed. degree. Both the school and academy recently celebrated decades of existence and outstanding performance. Stegen, a dedicated farmer, began growing vegetables at the mission station to support his growing congregation, a practice that later evolved into Emseni Farming.
This venture, one of South Africa's largest producers of greenhouse bell peppers, now encompasses vast hydroponic greenhouses growing bell peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, and more, all without pesticides. In 1997, Stegen discovered a pure underground water source, leading to the creation of the aQuellé bottled water brand. The water and agricultural projects are just two examples of the wide range of initiatives he started to ensure the mission becomes sustainable. Stegen's lifetime work exemplifies what it means to leave a meaningful legacy.
His lifelong dedication and hard work have not only transformed the communities he serves but have also laid a foundation for future generations to build upon. He has committed himself to making a difference in individuals' lives, cultivating hope, and fostering positive change. He left the world in a better state than he found it, ensuring that the values and teachings he held dear are preserved and cherished by those who succeeded him.
NOTE: Read the full story in our sister publication, Devoted, for free. Link: https://devotedmag.co.za/magazines/#flipbook-crafting-a-legacy/1/