On 5 July 2026, five novices began their novitiate in Driefontein. At the same time, and in the same place, a new year of Community Experience is beginning. Eight candidates have been admitted.
Five novices begin their novitiate in Driefontein
On 5 July 2026 the novitiate was opened at Emmaus House in Driefontein. Five novices are entering it after their year of Community Experience: Aqib Shaukat (Pakistan), Farai João Munhenhiua (Mozambique), Gineto Xavier Penicela (Mozambique) and Peter Udoka Okiro (Nigeria). They are joined by Théodore Ngimbi Kisita (DR Congo), who had begun his theological formation in Durban, South Africa, and will continue it after the novitiate.
The formation team appointed by the General Council accompanies them: Mathew Madziva is novice master; Roy Takawira Chimbindi is rector of the seminary for the novitiate and the Community Experience, responsible for the Community Experience year and deputy to the novice master; and Marko Mudzingwa is responsible for the practical placements and the pastoral work.
The five young novices during the celebration in the chapel at Driefontein.
One of the novices with Marko Mudzingwa, who is responsible for the placements.
A new Community Experience in Driefontein
At the same time, a new year of Community Experience is beginning in Driefontein. Eight candidates were admitted in the most recent selection. Five of them are already on site.
Marshal Samson (22) comes from Zimbabwe, Archdiocese of Harare (Sacred Heart Cathedral), where he was secretary for youth and vocations in his deanery. Wisdom Ugochukwu (20), from Nigeria, Diocese of Owerri (Holy Trinity Parish, Orisheze), completed his secondary schooling in the science stream with distinction. Izack Salvastory (28), from Tanzania – the first SMB candidate from that country – comes from the Diocese of Moshi (Usseri Parish) and holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the Salvatorian Institute in Morogoro. Zéphyrin Ntambua (19) is the youngest. He comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Archdiocese of Lubumbashi, on the border with Zambia (St Matthias Parish). He holds a diploma in education and was a lector as well as a member of the Kizito-Anuarité youth movement. Solomon Pinega (25) comes from Nigeria, Diocese of Gboko (Benue). He has served at the altar for twelve years and led the altar servers of his deanery.
Three more are still completing their entry formalities. Sahil Azam (23) is Pakistani, from the Archdiocese of Lahore (St Joseph’s Parish, Lahore Cantt). Abhishek Reddy (24), from India – the first SMB candidate from that country - comes from the Diocese of Warangal (St Mary’s Parish, Dacharam), and holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the Vishwa Jyothi Don Bosco College, Karunapuram, Telangana State, India. Adeel Masih (25) is Pakistani, from St Anthony’s Parish in Okara, Diocese of Faisalabad. He completed a secondary science education in the pre-engineering stream, in a family engaged in the life of its parish.
The Society looks forward to welcoming them all before long.
