Erlo Stegen

Erlo Hartwig Stegen, affectionately known as Baba Mfundisi, was the visionary founder and director of KwaSizabantu Mission. Born on 2 March 1935 to Carl and Irmgard Stegen on the family farm Paardefontein in KwaZulu- Natal, Erlo passed away on 26 September 2023 at the mission.

Erlo’s life was marked by a sense of purpose and dedication to serving others. From a young age, he displayed an entrepreneurial spirit, always seeking ways to make money through planting and selling various goods. However, this early inclination toward business was overshadowed by his calling to preach the Gospel, particularly to the Zulu nation.

Erlo’s calling to minister to the Zulu people was a journey that led him to forge a deep bond with the Zulu community. His ministry was characterised by a commitment to helping others, which became the cornerstone of his life’s work. This commitment led to the establishment of the KwaSizabantu Mission in 1970, following the purchase of a 140-hectare farm by Erlo and his brother. Over the decades, KwaSizabantu grew into a 540-hectare mission that became a beacon of hope and support for countless individuals.

A THRIVING HUB OF ACTIVITY
Today, the KwaSizabantu Mission is a thriving hub of activity, encompassing a school, a college, a counselling centre, all of which provide vital services to those in need. The mission also boasts a 10,000-seater amphitheatre, where various events and gatherings are hosted, further cementing the mission’s role as a centre of community life.

In addition to its educational and humanitarian efforts, KwaSizabantu is home to several successful businesses that support the mission’s work and contribute to the local economy. These businesses include Radio Khwezi, an award-winning radio station that has become a trusted voice in the region, as well as a pasta factory, bakery, dairy, and coffee shop. The mission also operates Emseni Farming, which produces high-quality peppers and avocados supplied to retailers such as Woolworths and Spar.

One of the mission’s notable enterprises is its dairy operation, which produces the well-known Bonlé yoghurt. This product, like many others from the mission, is a testament to Erlo’s vision of self- sustainability and community upliftment. Another venture is the production of aQuellé bottled water, a recognised brand throughout South Africa, which is manufactured at the mission’s facilities near Kranskop, about 60 km inland from Stanger.

HELP AND GUIDANCE
Erlo’s approach to the mission was rooted in his desire to uplift those around him. Erlo firmly believed that it was impossible to preach effectively to people who were hungry or in need. He actively involved others in his work, teaching them valuable skills and knowledge that would enable them to become self-sufficient. This approach ensured that the people he worked with were able to improve their own lives and those of their families. Erlo would often provide seedlings and farming supplies to encourage people to plant crops at their homes, ensuring that they had food on their tables and that their children could attend school without hunger, which had been a significant problem in the past. He would often personally visit homes to check on the progress of their planting and to offer his help and guidance.

Erlo’s dedication to the mission was evident in the way he cared for his employees’ needs not just physically, but also spiritually and emotionally, embodying the role of a true servant leader. He was known for his hands-on approach, often working alongside his team. This leadership style earned him immense respect and loyalty from those who worked with him, as they saw him as someone who was not only willing to lead by example but also cared for their well-being.

UNWAVERING DETERMINATION
Erlo’s success as a leader can be attributed to his unwavering determination in pursuing the goals generated by his desire to help people. He was a man of great vision, always looking for new ways to expand the mission’s reach. This approach led to the establishment of many outstations of the mission, as well as the founding of numerous educational institutions, businesses, and humanitarian projects. Through his ministry, which spanned over 70 years, Erlo touched and changed the lives of millions, both in South Africa and around the world.

The impact of Erlo’s work has generated public admiration resulting in numerous awards. Among these is the Robert W. Pierce Award for Christian Service, which he was co-awarded by World Vision International on 9 December 2007. This prestigious award is a testament to the global recognition of Erlo’s contributions to Christian service and humanitarain efforts. In 2013, he was also honoured with the Chancellor’s Medal by North-West University (NWU) for his extensive humanitarian work among poor rural communities in South Africa.

Despite the many accolades, Erlo always remained humble and deeply committed to his faith as his calling was the driving force behind everything he did. The businesses he established at KwaSizabantu were not motivated by a desire for profit, but rather by the need to support the mission’s work and ensure its sustainability. These businesses also played a crucial role in uplifting the surrounding communities, providing employment, skills training, and essential services. Generating funds reflected Erlo’s belief that the resources made by the mission’s businesses should be used to further its humanitarian and spiritual goals.

Throughout his life, Erlo faced numerous challenges, but he met each one with steadfast faith and resilience. One of the most significant challenges came during the Covid-19 pandemic when the mission faced a simultaneous media attack and boycott. Despite the difficulties, Erlo and the mission persevered, emerging stronger and more determined than ever before. He often spoke of the joy and fulfilment that comes from living a life dedicated to serving the Lord, emphasising that no other pursuit could offer the same value or satisfaction.

Erlo’s life was a testament to the power of faith, dedication, and selflessness, and his legacy continues to inspire those who knew him and the countless lives he touched through his ministry.