Recently, The Message South Africa partnered with the FCD Skills Centre in Durbanville to host a Barista Training Programme designed to equip both youth and adults with practical, employable skills. While participants learned how to prepare quality coffee and develop customer service skills, the training was about far more than coffee itself. For us, barista […]
Read More
Our latest barista course recently came to a close with a beautiful graduation moment — one that reminded us, yet again, why this work matters so deeply. Five trainees were able to join us in person to celebrate, with a total of eight young people completing the course. Each journey was significant, but one moment […]
Read More
The Gangstar Trailer has been on the road in 2026, supporting meaningful events from prisons to churches, and schools to beaches. Gangstar Events has proudly served diverse communities and events across the city of Cape Town, creating welcoming spaces that bring people together and make a positive impact. So far this year, we’ve supported a […]
Read More
A Personal Invitation to our First Message Business Breakfast As the Head of Prisons & Enterprise at The Message Trust, I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand how meaningful partnerships, shared wisdom, and intentional people development can shift not only organisations—but lives. That is why I am especially excited to invite you to our upcoming […]
Read More
On Saturday, 13 September 2025, Hillsong Africa Foundation hosted its first-ever Prison Ministry Seminar at Hillsong Church in Century City, Cape Town. This landmark event brought together organisations, thought leaders, and change-makers working in the field of prison reintegration to explore how we can collectively make a lasting impact in South Africa and beyond. The seminar was […]
Read More
From 28 May to 30 July 2025, something extraordinary unfolded behind the walls of Drakenstein Prison. A group of 22 participants embarked on a transformative path through the Job Journey: Becoming Work Ready program. Over the course of two months, they didn’t just learn about employment readiness—they rediscovered purpose, and the power of second chances. On graduation day, 17 participants proudly […]
Read More
Over the past few years, our prisons work has evolved—shifting at times and focusing on the reintegration process. Today, our focus is on helping young men transition from prison or gang life into meaningful employment, faith, and family. Recently, our team began running a “Job Journey” inside Drakenstein Prison, walking alongside a group of young […]
Read More
From mid-February to mid-April, a group of eight gathered weekly at The Message Trust to take part in something truly special — the Alpha Course. If you’ve never heard of it, Alpha is a series designed to explore the basics of the Christian faith in a relaxed, open, and friendly environment. Think of it as […]
Read More
Recently, our Gangstar Cafe and Creative Mission Team had the incredible privilege of serving in Kraaifontein alongside the amazing team at Viva con Agua South Africa. The Dignity Day event wasn’t just about providing services and restoring hope, care, and connection. Many individuals face daily struggles that strip them of their dignity, but through this […]
Read More
At Gangstar Café, mornings begin long before our doors officially open at 7 a.m. As one of the first to arrive, I’m often met by the quiet stillness of the shop—a calm moment before the day begins. My day kicks off with a few routines that set up everything for success. First up, I get […]
Read More