Study Tour to South Africa
March 2026
Why join this tour?
This study tour is a unique opportunity to learn about the life and witness of the church in the current and historical context of South Africa. Thirty years after the end of apartheid, you will witness how people in South Africa seek to live out the promise of a democratic and non-racial country, what Archbishop Desmond Tutu famously called the Rainbow Nation. Through conversation with people from many different backgrounds, you will have an opportunity to hear different voices and perspectives. There will be an intentional focus on the similarities and differences between Canadian colonial history and current realities, particularly in relation to relationships with Indigenous Peoples—a chance to learn about the challenges and opportunities of working together as the global church. The trip is taking place in collaboration with the Volmoed [translated as Filled with Hope] Community in South Africa.
Who will provide leadership?
The tour will be led by the Rev. Dr. Robert (Bob) Faris, a retired minister and former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Canada and currently a DeGruchy Legacy Fellow with the Volmoed Community in South Africa. A PCC staff person will accompany Bob and will be assisted by a variety of colleagues in South Africa, including world-renowned theologian Prof John DeGruchy and Director of the Byers Naude Centre at Stellenbosch University.
When will this tour take place?
The proposed dates are March 12-27, 2026, inclusive of travel.
Participation will include four online study sessions in Canada before departure and two online debriefings after the tour.
Optional Extension
Following the study tour there is an option to extend your stay with a 3-day safari in Kruger National Park, returning home March 30.
The cost is $2,200 for single accommodation and about $2,000 (per person) for double.
What will the tour cost, and what is covered?
Apply before October 17 for an early bird cost of $5,800
After October 17, the cost of the trip is $6,200.
The cost includes international airfare, transportation within South Africa, accommodation and most meals, entry fees, gratuities and honoraria for individuals and groups providing leadership, and the leader’s fee. The fee does not include the extension, if you opt for the safari that fee is in addition.
Deadline
The deadline to apply is November 14.
Participants will:
- Stay at the beautiful Volmoed Retreat Centre and engage with world-renowned theologian John DeGruchy and other members of the community.
- Visit historic and cultural sites in Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
- Visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated, and Cape Point, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.
- Visit the Beyers Naude Centre at the Faculty of Theology at Stellenbosch University and engage in conversation about the church’s role in the struggle against apartheid and in the current South African context.
- Join in a drumming session with the Volmoed Youth Leadership Training Program group and visit their drum-making workshop.
- Go whale watching in Hermanus and visit penguins at Betty’s Bay. Enjoy wine tasting in Franschhoek and the Hemel-en-Aarde [translated as Heaven and Earth] Valley.
- Take gentle or more challenging walks in the stunning scenery of the Western Cape.
- Enjoy the amazing and varied cuisines of South Africa.
South Africa Trip Bulletin InsertRegistration is now closed.
If you would like to join the wait list please email Grace McCreary