Translation Matters | All Things Jubilee | November - December 2025
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
“Timeless Truth, Modern Mission”
Some years ago, I attended an International Christian Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) conference in Cyprus. ICCC’s vision is to raise up a global network of believers whose business and working lives are an outward manifestation of their faith, leading to a glorious release of God's Kingdom on earth. That year, the Young Professionals also gathered and shared their dreams for the future. What moved me most was how their vision mirrored that of the pioneers: “We joined ICCC because of this vision, and we want to carry it forward.”
This same spirit resonates as we reflect on 50 years of Wycliffe South Africa. We recently celebrated God’s faithfulness through the lives of men and women who have served in Bible translation. After the Jubilee celebration on 28 September, we gathered for a retreat with staff and members. It was a time of rich reflection, especially hearing stories from those who dedicated their lives to ensuring communities received the Bible in their own languages.
In many ways, this marked the end of one chapter—and the beginning of another. Today, the need is no longer for individuals to travel to remote regions and live there for decades. Instead, our mission is shifting to empowering local language communities to translate and engage with God’s Word themselves. Yet, the heart of our calling remains unchanged: that every person might access the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a language they understand.
Psalm 145:4 reminds us, “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” Paul, too, points to a legacy of faith passed down from Timothy’s mother and grandmother. The old, old story must be told—generation to generation, nation to nation—even as the tools we use continue to evolve.
Bible translation is more than a task; it is a tool for discipleship, church planting, and community transformation. It’s about reaching where Christ has not yet been preached (Romans 15:20). While we embrace technology—even AI—we remember: it cannot replace Spirit-anointed people sent by God to reach the lost.
As we enter this next season at Wycliffe SA, we do so with fresh resolve. The call remains: take up your cross and follow Jesus. It takes courage, but we move forward with passion and conviction—for Jesus is worthy.
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise.” (Revelation 5:12)
Alan Webster
A JUBILEE CELEBRATION
Karen Floor and Johanna Pillinger embracing at the Jubilee Celebration, 2025
Our 50th anniversary is a milestone that celebrates five decades of growth, change, and enduring commitment to bringing God’s Word to people in their own languages.
From its beginnings as a sending organisation, Wycliffe South Africa has evolved into a key player in locally managed translation programmes. The organisation has embraced global movements such as Vision 2025 and the rise of Oral Bible Translation, which complements traditional written approaches. Today, Wycliffe SA is among the pioneers of Oral Bible Translation and Transcription (OBT&T), and is involved in translation work in more than 20 languages—a number expected to double by 2030.
Prof Piet Meiring
Dit was ‘n inspirerende dag. (It was an inspiring day.)
The Jubilee year was celebrated through a series of interconnected events that captured the theme of jubilation: an art exhibition (now an art shop), a commemorative magazine, the release of a Jubilee music album, and a celebration that brought together friends, partners, and supporters from across South Africa and beyond.
There were hugs, laughter, and exclamations of delight as people who hadn’t seen each other in years or decades reunited for this historic occasion. Around the room, past and present leaders sat side by side, and the veterans who had dedicated their lives to Bible Translation welcomed new members ready to continue the mission.
Marianne Soal
Joshua and I counted it such a privilege to attend this very soul-enhancing and God-Glorifying event.
The programme included an overview of Wycliffe South Africa’s history, presented by Sean Mooney, our current Board Chair. Speeches were given by Stephen Coertze, former Wycliffe SA director and now director of the Wycliffe Global Alliance, and Hans Combrink, director of LuminAfrica. Nick and Lynne Swanepoel, highly respected members of the Bible Translation community, shared their reflections, and former Wycliffe SA director Karen Floor performed the ceremonial cake cutting.
Two newly qualified translation consultants, Busie Paulo and Alexandre Caetano, were presented with certificates, and the Wycliffe SA team performed Only Jubilee, a song written by Alan Webster. Recorded video tributes from key members and leaders who could not attend were shared, along with a greetings video featuring several of our active projects across southern Africa.
Marcelina Neto
The highlight of my day at the Jubilee was the certification of two consultants by Wycliffe South Africa.
The celebration was a rare moment of reflection and gratitude—a time to honour the pioneers who laid the foundations, to remember the organisation’s humble beginnings, and to give thanks for the remarkable progress made through God’s faithfulness.
We were blessed to have so many people together in one room who have shared and shaped the journey of Wycliffe South Africa over the years.
Harry & Elsbeth Brasem
The Jubilee Celebrations were a highlight for us – we had expectations of a very special time together with Wycliffe family and friends, and we were not disappointed. Listening to colleagues share from the heart was inspiring and fun, accompanied by joyous worship, and we felt blessed by the warmth and loving affirmation shown to us, in particular, and thoroughly spoilt. Thank you, dear Wycliffe family. And thank you, Lord, for including us on this remarkable Team of yours.
CONNECT RETREAT
A group photo of everyone who attended the 2025 Connect Retreat
The Jubilee festivities culminated in a five-day retreat that brought together long-time champions of Bible translation and current team members from near and far. There, stories spanning decades were shared—stories of perseverance, calling, and transformation—leaving participants deeply encouraged and renewed for the work still ahead. Below are reflections from some of those who attended.
Ken Brown
It was a great Connect and we really enjoyed getting to know you all. It was wonderful hearing from each person who shared. It was inspiring to hear how God has been faithful in helping them through difficult circumstances and used them to spread the Word. I loved having conversations and getting to know new people. There was plenty of free time to do this and to relax. Thank you for an inspiring, connecting and relaxing time.
Ansie van der Merwe
My highlight was hearing from our members who spent time on the mission field. Their stories are inspiring and challenging to hear. I also enjoyed our trip to Ludwig’s Roses. It was great to not have a schedule full of presentations and meetings, but that we rather could rest in between.
Marcelina Neto
It was amazing to hear the members of Wycliffe South Africa talk about their journey. They spoke with joy and love about the mission and the people they worked with, and how God used them to make the Word heard and accepted in the communities, which also led to development in these places. They showed that it was not easy, but the joy comes from knowing that it was possible to bring the Word of God to these people and how God has continued to work in these communities to this day, and that the dream of having the Bible has come true.
Johanna Pillinger
The retreat was fantastic. I felt there was a right balance between activities and time to rest and connect. The venue was also perfect!
After all the hectic preparations for the Sunday celebration, it was good to have times to relax. These were also the times to interact in a casual way with one another.
Corine Brown
What a precious time of connecting, getting to know staff better and reconnecting with old members. A big thank you to Wycliffe SA for also including members to this special time of fellowship, input, rest and downtime, fun activities and informal conversations. The encouraging feedback, stories, devotions, prayer, and worship time in such a beautiful, tranquil setting were some highlights. Special touches like a spectacular banquet/dinner and small welcome gifts or a banner to sign or write on are much appreciated. We love and appreciate the entire Wycliffe SA team and are grateful and proud to be working with such an amazing group of people.
Beaulla Mpinyuri
Sitting in Sharon's room discussing cultural norms. Dancing the night away.... past my bedtime 😂😂😂
Nick and Lynne Swanepoel
This retreat was just the experience we needed to encourage us and bless us. It was so special to meet old friends and catch up with them. Being in the UK has meant that we are distanced from everyday contact with the office and happenings, so this helped us to link the dots of who is who and who is doing what. We feel that the organisers did a massive task very well.
Highlights: hearing the testimonies of people we "know" and have prayed for but did not know well. Then there was the realisation that Wycliffe SA has been truly on the forefront of pushing boundaries of translation to reach the unreached and Bibleless people in southern Africa.
We were deeply impressed by the warmth of the fellowship, the depth of mutual love in Christ, and the desire to be excellent.
Alan's leadership deeply impressed us. Ready to go where others have not gone, to question and to be bold in trusting God, to encourage and to inspire. Thank you.
We were thrilled to meet Jadreque and hear of the work in Mozambique and to be challenged to pray. It was special to see Johanna again, and Sebastian's innovations were just such a blessing.
All in all, thank you so much for this time!
50 FOR 50 CHALLENGE
Swimming, walking and running for Bible Translation
In a unique fundraising gesture, Executive Director Alan Webster swam 50 kilometres in one month, ahead of the celebrations, inspiring others to take on their own “50 for 50” challenges through walking, running, and swimming. The goal to raise R50,000 was exceeded, with over R90,000 donated through this campaign. We offer a special thanks to Alan Webster, Hennie Blomerus, June Dickie, Christoff and Louwnique Kok, Joey Fourie, and Tshegofalo Siele, who all their reached their goals and made a significant contribution through this campaign.
Benonian Alan Webster, executive director of Wycliffe South Africa, swam 50km in September to raise R50 000 for Bible translation.
Benonian Alan Webster, executive director of Wycliffe South Africa, swam 50km in September to raise R50000 for Bible translation. Webster explained that Wycliffe South Africa assists indigenous churches in providing the Word of God to people who have no Bibles in their mother tongue.
He said there are more than 7400 spoken languages in the world today; South Africa alone boasts 12 official languages. "There are at least 30 other 'living' languages spoken across the country. One of the most powerful ways to preserve a language - and affirm the dignity of the culture behind it - is by translating the Bible into that community's mother tongue. "Globally, however, only around 10% of languages have access to a full Bible translation. That is why the work of Wycliffe South Africa matters."
The organisation, which supports translation projects across southern Africa, celebrated its 50th anniversary on September 28 at eMseni in Benoni. To mark the milestone, Webster, who has lived in Benoni since 1981, set himself a unique fundraising challenge: to swim 50km to raise R50 000 during September. That meant swimming the equivalent of a Midmar Mile every day. Training at Health World in Rynfield, Webster meticulously clocked up 2 500 laps in the 20m pool. On September 27, he completed his final stretch, cheered on by supporters. What started as a solo effort quickly grew into a team venture.
By the end of the challenge, Webster was joined by three other swimmers, two runners, and two walkers.
On the last day, fellow Wycliffe colleagues June Dickie, a translation consultant from Cape Town, and Christoff Kok, who is training to become one, took to the pool alongside Webster to celebrate the finish.
Wycliffe South Africa currently works with 24 language communities in the region, helping people gain access to Scripture in the language of their hearts. "Every lap reminded me that this is about more than swimming; it's about bringing dignity, hope, and the Word of God to people in their own language," said Webster.
To learn more or support the ongoing work of Bible translation, visit www.wycliffe.org.za
JOIN IN!
This campaign is continuing for the rest of the year, and we are inviting you to do your own campaign in any way you wish - bake 50 cupcakes, tell 50 jokes, take 50 photos. Be as creative as you like!
All you have to do is sign up your campaign here, share it on social media, and you’re good to go!
JUBILEE ART EXHIBITION
Looking at the art displayed at the Jubilee celebration
We were delighted to exhibit more than 50 paintings from 15 artists at the Jubilee Art Exhibition! The works ranged in style from prophetic art to dramatic abstracts, thoughtful collages, exquisite portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and more. It was wonderful to connect with the artists and visitors, and to make new friends while sharing the vision and cause of Bible Translation. You can see a walkthrough video of the exhibition here.
Among the paintings, a bold and beautiful portrait of Christ by artist Jojo Yoro drew much attention. The piece featured translations of John 3:16 in various languages, including several that Wycliffe SA works with.
Shelley Mattinson’s impressive continuous line drawing, Messenger, also caught the eye with its inspiring message.
Our own Johanna Pillinger exhibited five original portraits, each depicting someone from a Bible translation community. Elizabeth Speight presented a set of portraits telling the moving story of an abused wife turned school founder, and Janine Gopper contributed a beautiful portrait of a pastor.
Jen Pillinger, Lindi Venter, and Juliet Grey showcased paintings celebrating the incredible wildlife with which God has blessed Africa, while Louanne Young and Nellien Brewer expressed God’s love for Africa through paintings of the continent’s breathtaking landscapes.
Prophetic artist Amanda Laskey contributed three beautiful paintings, each inspired by Scripture—her golden Tree of Life was a particular favourite. Korien Sander’s collages each focus on a passage of Scripture or an aspect of God’s character and plan. Two of her pieces feature the verse Habakkuk 2:14, our chosen verse of inspiration at Wycliffe SA, with Contours of Grace created especially for our Jubilee theme, “God Loves Africa.”
Nicky Liebenberg incorporates symbolic elements in her work to express God’s love—using red to represent Christ’s blood and blue to represent our humanness.
Photographer Carol van Heerden was the sole exhibitor of photographic work, displaying stunning prints from her travels across southern Africa.
Several paintings were sold, and many artists generously donated their works for future online or in-person sales. If you’d like to see what’s still available, please visit our art shop.
50 YEARS OF WYCLIFFE SOUTH AFRICA
2015-2025: Wycliffe SA programmes multiply
Nzuzo Potsane listening to Siphuthi Scripture on an audio device, at the first Scripture Engagement workshop in 2022
2016
Sharing the Gospel by Telling Stories
The first Bible Storytelling workshop is held in South Africa and facilitated by Wycliffe Australia.
For people who do not usually get involved in ministry, Bible Storytelling becomes a popular and effective tool for confidently sharing the Gospel in a non-confrontational way and for reading or hearing God's Word in a new and interesting way.
Read more here: wycliffe.org.za/what-we-do/bible-storytelling
2016
Bonifacio Paulo becomes the new Head of Translation Services at Wycliffe South Africa.
The New Logo is Born!
Read more here: wycliffe.org.za/who-we-are/our-vision
2017
This year marks the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, when Martin Luther translated the whole Bible into standardised German. From this, a movement of translating and printing Bibles was fuelled, made possible by the invention of the printing press.
Wycliffe SA celebrates this momentous occasion by holding a Word Alive Benefit Concert, featuring the Soweto Gospel Choir.
Languages without God's Word in South Africa...
Previously, it was believed that all languages in South Africa had a Bible. However, a language survey, led by Linda Jordan, reveals that there are still languages waiting for God's Word.
Find out about our current translations across southern Africa: wycliffe.org.za/what-we-do/ongoing-translations
2019
Stephen Coertze is named the new Executive Director of the Wycliffe Global Alliance.
Read more here: wycliffe.net/about-us/leaders/
2020
LuminAfrica (Formerly the Bible Translation Collaborative)
LuminAfrica is formed, consisting of seven South African Bible translation organisations, committed to working together in the ministry of Bible Translation.
Read more here: wycliffe.org.za/who-we-are/our-team
2020
2021
Alan Webster is appointed the new Executive Director of Wycliffe South Africa.
Read more here: www.wycliffe.org.za/stories-and-news/impact-stories/168-alans-story
2022
Wycliffe Links is born, with the vision to see God transforming lives through the creative development of different elements of Bible translation, to build local capacity and partnerships, and to mobilise for mission.
Read more here: www.wycliffe.org.za/wycliffe-links
2022
2023
Run for the Bibleless South Africa Launches
Inspired by BTL Kenya, who started R4TB in 2008, Wycliffe SA made the commitment to hold our own Run for the Bibleless in South Africa every year for 10 years. Each year, we aim to help bring more African countries on board!
Find out more: www.wycliffe.org.za/r4tb
The first Oral Bible Translation & Transcription (OBT&T) workshop is held, as this approach gains more traction. Alongside OBT&T, Scripture Engagement and Language Development come into sharper focus.
Wycliffe South Africa joins Psalms that Sing as a managing partner. 
2024
Strategy 2024-2030
The Wycliffe SA board met together to plan for the next few years. The Wycliffe SA team also met for a "Dream" session, thinking big for the Kingdom of God
2024
Wycliffe Global Gathering
8 years after the last "in-person" gathering, the Wycliffe Global Alliance met in Johannesburg, the first time in Africa. Hosted by the Wycliffe SA team, we reflected on growing together throught the Bible Translation Movement.
2025
50 Year Anniversary
The Jubilee year was celebrated through a series of interconnected events that captured the theme of jubilation: an art exhibition, a commemorative magazine, the release of a Jubilee music album, and a celebration that brought together friends, partners, and supporters from across South Africa and beyond.
2025
Wycliffe SA continues to send and support missionaries overseas, work with many language groups across southern Africa and have relationships with churches across South Africa. By partnering with many different churches and organisations, God's Word is being translated into the heart language of many communities, bringing new life and transformation!
Our God is Faithful!
ANNOUNCEMENTS & NEWS
WELCOME TO THE TEAM NOZIQHAMO SKELE
After completing my internship with Wycliffe SA, I’m excited to step into my new role as Financial Administrator. In this position, I’ll be supporting the financial processes that help our ministry run smoothly, ensuring good stewardship of resources so that Bible translation work can continue to impact lives.
So far, I’ve really enjoyed learning from such a passionate and supportive team, and seeing firsthand how finance plays a vital part in mission work. I’m looking forward to growing further in this role, strengthening my skills, and contributing to what God is doing through Wycliffe SA.
JOIN THE JUBILEE 50 FOR 50 CHALLENGE!
As we continue to celebrate 50 years of Bible Translation, we invite you to do your own campaign in any way you wish - bake 50 cupcakes, tell 50 jokes, take 50 photos. Be as creative as you like!
All you have to do is sign up your campaign here (click "start fundraising" and you will be guided through creating an account and campaign page), share it on social media, and you’re good to go!
Over R90K raised so far!
JUBILEE ALBUM
To celebrate 50 years of Bible Translation, Wycliffe SA has released an album!
The album is made up of original praise songs from different countries and languages, including Kaaps, Kom, Mandinka, Himba, Siphuthi, and many more. A highlight is the Lord's Prayer in 14 languages. Also included are songs from several South African church groups who wrote songs especially for this album.
JUBILEE GUESTBOOK
We could not have reached 50 years of Wycliffe South Africa Bible Translation without your unwavering support, encouragement, gifts, and contributions. We would love to hear from you! What cherished memories do you hold from our interactions, whether in person, online, or through our impactful work?
Please share your memories and messages on our online guestbook using this link.
We eagerly await your messages!
JUBILEE MAGAZINE
With thanks to Harry and Elsbeth Brasem, we present the Jubilee magazine - a commemorative history of Wycliffe South Africa. This magazine documents the various chapters in the history of the organisation, mentioning the many people who have been involved over the years in one capacity or another. You can down load it, or, if you’d like hard copies, please contact
KIDS WHO CARE
We live in the year 2025. 50 years ago, it was 1975. I am sure that if you are still a child, then 1975 must seem like a very long time ago.
I was born in 1975, and so it doesn’t seem that long ago for me, but things were very different then. There were no computers, no internet, no cell phones, no Google or Chat GPT. I had to read books to find information. I had a small TV that was shaped like a box. I could only talk to someone on the phone when I was at home, and they were at their home and when I was sitting right next to the phone, which was plugged into the wall in my lounge.
Lots of things have really changed in the last 50 years. But some things have stayed the same. One of those things that has never changed is that God loves every person in the world and He wants everyone to know Him. Another thing that is still the same is that there are still lots of people in the world who have not heard about Jesus. The Bible has not changed. It is still the same as it was hundreds and hundreds of years ago.
50 years ago, some people in South Africa felt that God wanted them to pray and work to help more people have the Bible in a language they could understand. They went around churches sharing their vision, and many people joined with them in praying and supporting the work of Bible translation. In 1975, Wycliffe South Africa was born. Just like me, Wycliffe South Africa is 50 years old this year!
When it was my birthday, I had a little party with some people who are an important part of my life. Wycliffe has had a lot of different celebrations for their birthday. There was an art exhibition. A music album is being released. Many team members did different things to raise money, like swimming, running or walking 50km. People who have been part of Wycliffe came together from different places all over the world to celebrate. Lots of Wycliffe members from a long time ago told stories about their adventures and experiences. They did fun things like wearing silly hats, colouring bookmarks, and having a dress-up dinner.
I am sure that you are like me, and you like to be part of birthday parties. Well…I have good news for you. You can be part of all the Wycliffe 50th birthday celebrations. Maybe you could think of something to do to let more people know about the great work that Wycliffe does and even raise a bit of money to help them carry on working.
Maybe you could make pancakes and sell them at your church?
Or you could run or cycle or swim a race and ask people to sponsor you so that you can raise some money for Wycliffe. Or maybe you could make some art and craft items and sell them at a Christmas market, then donate the money you made to Wycliffe.
A Bible dress-up party, an art competition, a talent show, a stay awake sleepover…these are all some ideas to celebrate Wycliffe’s birthday. Or make some colourful posters and put them up at school or church, or share on your parents’ phone to let more people know about what Wycliffe does and how important this work is. I would love to share a photo of YOU celebrating Wycliffe South Africa’s birthday in this newsletter next time, so please send me some photos. I can’t wait to see how you celebrate!
Love Gill
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