In the vibrant and complex landscape of South Africa, where cultures, languages and dreams meet, Dineo Kgotse’s story stands as a quiet, steady light, shaped by hardship, faith and rising power.
Born into a family of four children, Dineo grew up with her mother carrying the weight of the whole family on her shoulders. Her father, unable to be present and support her as she wished, left a silence in her life that impacted in the moments when a daughter’s heart yearned for a father’s voice. Her mother took over, not by choice but by courage, raising her children alone, often at the emotional, financial and physical end of her tether.
As a child, Dineo grew up quickly. She helped around the house, comforted her siblings and took on responsibilities beyond her years. But behind this everyday strength was a young girl quietly struggling with her identity, self-esteem and confidence. Fatherlessness shaped many of her early questions, but so did her mother’s unshakeable faith.
Even when she didn’t have much to give, her mother offered her prayer. In difficult times, she reminded Dineo that God was present, that He would provide, and that no hardship could nullify His purpose for her life. This faith planted a seed in Dineo’s heart, a seed that grew stronger with time.
As time passed, Dineo felt a deep call to ministry, then she went on to study theology at the University of Pretoria, graduating in 2023. That same year, she enrolled in Cultivate, a leadership development program in Africa initiated by OneHope to help young people discover their calling, to grow spiritually, personally and professionally, with a heart for God’s great mission. Dineo was one of three participants in the first cohort from South Africa.
Within four months, her life began to change. Cultivate wasn’t just about leadership tools, it was also about heart work. What marked Cultivate for Dineo wasn’t the tasks, but the transformation through honest conversations, weekly devotions, prayer meetings, ongoing mentorship with OneHope leaders, and the space to wrestle with God and hear Him speak. These moments of spiritual reflection and community helped deepen her faith and sense of connection to the team. Another significant element was her involvement in facilitating program training. This experience not only stretched her, but also helped her grow in confidence, especially in public speaking, an area she hadn’t fully explored before. Through this, she began to discover a hidden gift and a passion for teaching and encouraging others.
Lastly, working on social media and content creation pushed Dineo to tap into her creativity in new ways. As a Gen Z, she found it both challenging and exciting to express messages that were meaningful and relevant to her generation. This aspect of the program helped her grow in skill, confidence, and creativity, making it a truly transformative part of her journey. She completed the program not only equipped, but changed from the inside out.
As she served alongside pastors, children, and youth leaders, she began leaning more on the Holy Spirit, watching her theology come alive in everyday ministry. Even unexpected moments like facilitating training sessions or designing content turned into ways God used her voice and creativity to build others up. Through it all, her faith deepened, her confidence grew, and her calling as a leader became clearer than ever before. Dineo came away not only with a clear vision of her vocation to serve children, young people and the Church but also with renewed confidence that God had chosen her for a time like this.
Dineo is currently one of the ministry team’s growing leaders in Southern Africa. In 2024, she officially joined the team and is actively involved in leading the work in South Africa. As part of the regional leadership team, she plays an active role in coordinating ministry efforts across South Africa.
As part of her role, Dineo now facilitates training that equip pastors, Sunday school teachers, and youth leaders to reach the next generation. From vision-casting sessions with church leaders to practical workshops for children’s and youth workers, she helps leaders see the importance of investing in young people and equips them with tools to disciple effectively. As a result, leaders are gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of next-generation ministry, participants are growing in confidence and capacity to lead sessions using OneHope resources, developing new ministry skills, and working together to engage their communities and schools with the Gospel.
Dineo is helping to shape strategies that allow OneHope to reach more than 652,727 children and youth in South Africa this year.
She is also using her creativity to tell stories through social media. The confidence and clarity she gained during Cultivate continue to bear fruit, as she leads with humility, vision, and a heart deeply rooted in God’s calling. Her life is a testament to God’s faithfulness.
God’s restoration is also being witnessed by her family and hope is gradually being restored. Dineo moves forward with humility, boldness and a deep trust in the One who is the owner and the ruler of her life.
In a country where many young people are still searching for identity and direction, Dineo’s story is a beacon of what is possible with God. Not only can God restore, but He can also give his children a clear and precise reason for living. Even more, this kingdom purpose is creating a ripple effect, inspiring and transforming the lives of other young people across the country.
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OneHope Team
- 29 Sep 2025
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