A week of Biblical training for a lifetime of faithful action
Following Jesus in all things is the best thing in the world and for the
world. Are you prepared to stand for him in a society that has rejected his ways?
The Wilberforce Collective brings like-minded believers together to see society transformed by Jesus in bold, biblical and practical ways.
The launchpad into the Collective is our annual Academy, a one-week
structured residential programme that will inspire and equip you to live for Jesus in every area of life.
Join us at the Academy for:
A biblical vision for culture
rooted in the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Inspiring testimonies
from Christians who have boldly stood for Jesus and his ways, despite the cost.
Insightful analysis
of ideologies and agendas that shape and hold sway over today’s society.
Clear biblical teaching
on contemporary cultural issues, such as
sexuality and gender.
Practical tools
to help you communicate the truth about Jesus and transforming power of his ways for all of life and culture.
Opportunities to learn
from faithful Christians who have been serving the Lord boldly and effectively in their workplaces and vocational fields.
Access to a network
of Christians collaborating to bring the hope of Jesus to every part of society.
Membership of a community
that will encourage and equip you to live and lead as an ambassador for Christ for years to come
Programme, speakers and more…
Click here for the Academy Week brochure which gives an overview of the programme and speakers.
A key feature of the Academy week is the application groups for daily reflection in group discussions. Delegates become members of one of our vocational peer groups, including:
- Farming and Agricultural management
- Church / pastoral, family and para-church ministry
- Business, Economics and Finance
- Education (Pre-Primary, Primary and Secondary)
- Academia, Research and Higher Education
- Medicine and Healthcare professions
- Media, Creative arts and Entertainment
- Law
- Politics and Public service
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Christians from 8 African nations attend week of equipping to impact culture
Report by Jess Holing and Ryan Smit
Wilberforce Academy 2026 group photo Wilberforce Academy SA team members Jess Holing and Ryan Smit report on the recent fourth Wilberforce Academy week at Stanford, Western Cape where 120 believers focused on the call to speak the truth in love in every area of life...
Christians from five Southern African nations equipped at 2025 Wilberforce Academy SA
Special report by Embeth du Toit and Ryan Smit
From January 19 to 24 a group of about 90, including 60 delegates, 18 faculty and 12 team members, gathered at the beautiful Beloftebos (Forest of Promise) near Stanford, Western Cape, for the third annual Wilberforce Academy South Africa.
'Wilberforce Collective - Regional Leaders’ Summit 2025'
Report by Clarina van Ieperen and Ryan Smit
From 7 to 10 July 2025, Wilberforce Academy hosted the first Wilberforce Collective Southern Africa Leaders’ Summit outside Johannesburg. The event brought together Wilberforce alumni and co- labourers from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and Ghana, marking a significant next step in the continued pursuit to be faithful and fruitful for the Lord’s kingdom purposes, especially in public life, in each of the represented nations, the region and the continent.
Wondering what the Academy is like?
Watch the video to find out!