Pastor Sandiso Likhuleni, an alumnus of the North-West University (NWU), has launched a new book that draws on his experiences as a student leader, social worker and pastor to guide young people searching for purpose and direction.

Sandiso, who studied towards a Bachelor of Social Work degree at the university from 2013 to 2016 and graduated in 2017, says the book was inspired by his personal journey, spirituality and the belief that people should use their God-given abilities to shape their lives.

The book, titled Stop Hiding & Start Living: Your Happiness Lies Within Your Gift, explores topics such as self-discovery, vision, leadership, giftedness, resilience and faith. It also includes practical activities linked to each chapter.

Now serving as a full-time pastor at The Cove Church South Africa campus in Mahushu, Mpumalanga, Sandiso says his years at the NWU played a key role in shaping both his writing and ministry journey.

He explained that his ambition to become an author began during his second year at university in 2014, when he started writing manuscripts focused on faith and fulfilment.

“At the time I was looking at how many of my peers were looking for joy and satisfaction in other things on campus, and that bothered me a lot because I knew nothing could ever quench the thirst in my soul except for Jesus,” he said.

During his third year in 2015, Sandiso was elected chairperson of the Student Christian Movement (SCM), an experience he says influenced his leadership and pastoral calling.

The book is mainly aimed at young people who feel uncertain about their purpose and abilities.

“The primary audience of my book is young people who are still struggling and battling with finding what makes them really happy in life, especially those who feel lost about what they are really good at,” he said.

He added that the writing process took several years and involved challenges, including periods of discouragement and difficulty securing publishing support.

Sandiso said there were moments when he stopped writing for months before returning to continue the manuscript. He also faced financial obstacles and setbacks while searching for a publisher before eventually working with Mbokodo Publishers.

The book also reflects on his life as an NWU student and how becoming involved in campus faith structures influenced his relationship with Christ.

Beyond ministry, Sandiso continues to use his social work background to support communities. After working for six years at SANCA Lowveld, he has registered as a private social worker and hopes to combine his profession and pastoral calling to help people.

He described the launch as a milestone and credited his wife, Nothando Likhuleni, and friends for organising the event during his birth month as a surprise celebration.

Sandiso says the publication is only the beginning of his writing journey, with more projects planned in future.

Pastor Sandiso Likhuleni, an alumnus of the NWU, has launched a new book focusing on purpose, faith and self-discovery.