Ignite South Africa
Mobilising Marketplace Leaders for the Great Commission
Dear Friends,
I trust you are doing well. I would love to share some exciting news about what God is doing through the Ignite movement in South Africa and how He is mobilising marketplace leaders to play a strategic role in fulfilling the Great Commission.
How Ignite Began in South Africa
In March 2018, two South African couples attended an Ignite vision event hosted by Campus Crusade for Christ. Ignite is a global movement that encourages marketplace and business leaders to dedicate their Leadership, Influence, Finances, and Expertise (L.I.F.E.) to helping fulfil the Great Commission through the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ.
The vision captured the heart of South African businessman Eddie Smith, who sensed God’s leading to establish Ignite in South Africa. Since then, we have been trusting the Lord to raise up a community of marketplace leaders who see their businesses, careers, resources, and influence as opportunities to advance God’s Kingdom.
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Growing the Movement
Since 2019, we have hosted a number of Ignite vision events around the country. A significant milestone came in May 2025 when we held our first full Ignite Conference at Hipo Lakes in Limpopo. Forty-five people attended, and we were encouraged to see several marketplace leaders join the Ignite South Africa team after the conference.
Later that year, six marketplace leaders and three CCC South Africa staff members attended the Global Ignite Conference in Nairobi, Kenya. During the conference, we shared a vision for helping CCC South Africa move towards greater financial sustainability and discussed the importance of expanding Ignite into different provinces. Out of those conversations came the decision to host our next conference in the Western Cape.
Ignite Western Cape 2026
From 14–17 May 2026, we gathered at Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort for Ignite Western Cape. As we prepared for the conference, we prayed specifically for three things:
- Spiritual growth among participants.
- A deeper understanding that every believer has a role in fulfilling the Great Commission.
- Practical ways for marketplace leaders to partner with CCC South Africa through their Leadership, Influence, Finances, and Expertise.
We are grateful to report that God answered those prayers in remarkable ways.
Growing Spiritually
One of the highlights of the conference was the teaching of Pastor Julius Mbu. He reminded us that our assurance of salvation rests not on feelings or experiences, but on the promises of God and the finished work of Christ.
He spoke about four common causes of doubt in the Christian life:
- Sin
- Satan
- Storms
- Wrong Sources
He then shared three foundations that help us know we belong to Christ:
- The facts of God’s Word
- Faith in God
- Being filled with the Holy Spirit
Many participants were deeply encouraged and challenged by his practical teaching on living a Spirit-filled life.
Embracing the Great Commission
Cassie Carstens passionately reminded us that every believer has a role to play in God’s mission. He challenged us to align our priorities with God’s priorities and to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
His message encouraged participants to develop a Kingdom mindset and to view every sphere of life as an opportunity to make an eternal impact for Christ.
Giving Our L.I.F.E.
Another highlight was hearing how God is using marketplace leaders from around the world to advance His Kingdom.
Kevin Okwara, an entrepreneur and politician from Kenya, shared how he uses his leadership and influence to impact his community and nation for Christ.
Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor of Cape Town and former Springbok rugby player, spoke about stewarding influence for God’s purposes. He reminded us that influence is not about position but about impact, consistency, and calling. As Christian leaders, we do not pursue influence for its own sake—we steward it faithfully.
Dr Keith Dindi, a heart surgeon from Kenya, challenged us to view our finances as resources entrusted to us by God for Kingdom purposes. He shared his conviction that the resources needed to fulfil the Great Commission already exist within the Body of Christ and that what is needed is intentional generosity.
One particularly inspiring testimony was how he and his wife, Ester, sensed God leading them at a Global Ignite Conference in Bali to commit to giving one million dollars during their lifetime toward the fulfilment of the Great Commission. At the time, they had neither the resources nor a clear plan to achieve this goal, yet God has faithfully provided and enabled them to honour that commitment.
Dr Ester Dindi shared how she uses her professional expertise to serve others and advance God’s Kingdom. She encouraged us to consider how God can use:
- The expertise of our hands — professional and vocational skills such as engineering, medicine, teaching, and business.
- The expertise of our minds — intellectual gifts such as writing, speaking, storytelling, art, and music.
- The expertise of our hearts — spiritual gifts such as hospitality, faith, encouragement, and service.
Stef Henning, Chairman of the CCC South Africa Board, shared Ignite South Africa’s vision and priorities, while Chris Dirks, National Director of CCCSA had the opportunity to present practical ways for marketplace leaders to partner with CCC South Africa in fulfilling our mission.
Looking Ahead
We praise God for what He is doing through Ignite South Africa and for the growing number of marketplace leaders who are embracing their role in helping fulfil the Great Commission.
Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and partnership. Your support enables us to continue mobilising men and women who are willing to offer their Leadership, Influence, Finances, and Expertise for God’s Kingdom purposes.
We would also love to invite you to join us at our next Ignite Conference, which is planned for Durban from 6–9 May 2027.
As I reflect on all that God is doing, I am reminded that He will accomplish His purposes with or without us. Yet, in His grace, He invites us to participate in His work. We have only one lifetime to invest in what will last for eternity.
Thank you for standing with us as together we seek to make Christ known.
Until Everyone Knows
Chris Dirks
National Team Leader