In a remarkable display of musical talent and cultural exchange, 16-year-old Daniel Hellwig from Sinzig, Germany, recently participated in a concert tour to Cape Town, South Africa, alongside the youth orchestra & Friends of the New Apostolic Church West Germany. The tour, which took place from April 11 to April 20, 2025, involved around 300 young musicians traveling in three groups to experience the vibrant culture and spirituality of the region.
The journey was partially funded by contributions from the participants themselves, with additional support from sponsors within their families, communities, and friends. Daniel, who often plays the violin during church services back home, is also actively involved in his local church district’s youth orchestra and choir, as well as the school orchestra at Rhein-Gymnasium Sinzig.
The tour kicked off with a significant event on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025, where the youth orchestra performed at the largest New Apostolic church building in Tafelsig, a suburb of Cape Town. With over 4,000 worshippers in attendance, the performance created a spiritually uplifting atmosphere that resonated deeply with both the musicians and the congregation.
Later that day, the orchestra participated in a concert at the New Apostolic Church in Silvertown, where the local youth choir joined in the festivities. The event drew a full house of approximately 1,600 attendees, highlighting the community's enthusiasm for the musical collaboration.
One of the tour's standout moments occurred on April 16, 2025, at the Grand West Arena in Cape Town. The concert featured the German youth orchestra performing alongside the South African youth choir, and tickets for the event sold out in under 90 minutes, with 4,200 seats filled. The audience's excitement was palpable, as they were captivated by the shared musical experience.
On Good Friday, April 18, the orchestra divided into three groups to perform at various church services, allowing them to connect with smaller congregations. This opportunity provided the young musicians with a unique experience of faith and community, transcending language and cultural barriers.
As the tour concluded on Easter Sunday, April 20, the orchestra played during the service at the Kapstadt-Lavistown congregation, marking a festive and spiritually significant end to their journey. The concluding service was a fitting tribute to the shared experiences and connections made throughout the trip.
In addition to their musical engagements, the young musicians took time to explore the breathtaking sights of Cape Town, including excursions to Table Mountain, the iconic Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, and Boulders Beach, where they marveled at the local penguin colony. These outings not only enriched their understanding of South African culture but also fostered friendships among the participants, ensuring that boredom was never an option.
The New Apostolic Church has a strong presence in Cape Town and surrounding areas, with approximately 290,000 members organized in around 1,000 congregations. This robust community emphasizes the importance of the region for the church, making it a frequent host for significant events. Looking ahead, the Pentecost service in 2026 is set to be held in the Tafelsig congregation, with the international church leader, the Chief Apostle, personally officiating the event, which will be broadcast live to New Apostolic congregations worldwide.
Meanwhile, another inspiring story emerges from South Africa, where 20-year-old Annelie Ahäuser from Bad Harzburg has published a photo calendar showcasing her wildlife photography taken during her travels in the region. Ahäuser, who spent three months in the South African bush from October to December 2023, returned in March 2025, eager to immerse herself once again in a culture she describes as filled with gratitude, appreciation, and warmth.
Her calendar features stunning images of South African wildlife, including zebras, cheetahs, buffalo, elephants, rhinos, and lions, along with inspiring quotes that invite reflection and joy. Ahäuser considers this project a heartfelt way to give back to the country that left a lasting impression on her. "I am so grateful for this formative time in such a beautiful country, and the calendar gives me the feeling that I can give back at least a little to the land," she expressed.
The calendar is designed to be timeless, allowing it to be used year after year. Priced at 19.90 euros, it has already garnered around 400 euros from initial orders, which will be donated to charitable causes. Orders can be placed via email until April 21, 2025, by specifying the desired quantity along with delivery and billing addresses.
Both Daniel Hellwig and Annelie Ahäuser's experiences in South Africa highlight the power of cultural exchange, artistic expression, and community engagement. Their journeys not only showcase their talents but also underline the importance of connecting with diverse cultures and fostering a sense of global community.
