Kadamba Kanana Swami has lead many projects, established or revitalised temples, and, at the same time, managed a whole following of dedicated devotees. And he put his whole heart in all of them. But if there was one project that was very dear to him it was African preaching. Of course, preaching to the African community is a very broad topic, but Srila Prabhupada stressed that it was very important. And as a “Prabhupada man” Kadamba Kanana Swami took it upon him to invest his heart into that also. At the moment of his departure Kadamba Kanana Swami again reminded us what is important. To follow the mission. And now its up to us to take this mission to our hearts.
And now its your chance to take up it. The first annual fundraiser for African preaching is now available for you to participate in. You can show your support by subscribing as monthly donor or give a one-time amount. With your financial support we can make sure that African preaching will continue as desired by Kadamba Kanana Swami.
The fundraising goal
We can use unlimited funds to increase African preaching beyond any limits. But since we are just tiny souls we set a modest goal for this fundraiser. But the aim is of course to go beyond our set goal!
Fundraising goal: 2500 euro/month
This is not a big number for such a powerful family like ours — here’s how easily we can reach it:
| Amount per Month | Number of Devotees |
|---|---|
| €100 | 5 generous souls |
| €50 | 20 steady givers |
| €20 | 30 sweet supporters |
| €10 | everyone else (minimum 40) |
| Total: 2500 |
If we all give something, we’re already there. And if we give a little more, we can do even more.
Together — we are carrying the mission of Kadamba Kanana Swami forward.
Together — we are planting seeds of bhakti across Africa.
Together — we are making the impossible… possible. 🌍💫
African Preaching projects
This year we offer financial support to the projects mentioned below. These are, of course, not exclusive. When new initiatives are founded we will look into the possibility to support those as well.
Soweto Ratha Yatra
ISKCON’s journey in Soweto began in 1985, a time when the socio-political climate of South Africa was particularly tense. Amid these challenges, a small group of dedicated devotees, including Mahaprabhu, sought to spread Krishna consciousness in the townships, laying the foundation for what would later become a vibrant community. “We were preaching in people’s homes, organizing small gatherings—anything to share Krishna’s teachings,” Mahaprabhu recalled.
In 2007, ISKCON Soweto made history by hosting its first Rathayatra Festival, a large-scale spectacle that invited the local community to pull the chariot of Lord Jagannath through the streets, a tradition rooted in the ancient world. “The first festival was small, but it was the start of something transformative. Kadamba Kanana Swami was there from the very beginning, supporting us with his presence and his love for kirtan,” Mahaprabhu shared.
Read more
ISKCON Klerksdorp (Food for the Soul)
In October 2023, the establishment of ISKCON Klerksdorp in the North West province of South Africa marked a significant milestone for the movement. Formerly managed by the Klerksdorp Hindu Samaj, the temple transitioned into ISKCON’s care, heralding a new chapter of spiritual service in the region. Less than a year later, the temple’s leadership initiated a feeding program that has already begun to touch hundreds of lives across the community.
The program, which started in 2024, focuses on distributing prasadam, sanctified vegetarian food, as a means of nourishing not just the body but also the spirit. Led by temple management team member and resident preacher Narottama Das, the effort builds on ISKCON’s tradition of using prasadam distribution to foster connection and inspire spiritual inquiry.
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Bhakti Yoga Society (BYS, university preaching)
The Bhakti Yoga Society (BYS) operates on campuses at some of the most prestigious universities in South Africa.
The BYS through dynamic programs focuses on helping students tackle the typical problems and obstacles they are confronted with, and attempts to develop the spiritual character of the members by introducing many new concepts which include reincarnation, karma, sense control and practical yoga. Using the ancient Vedic scriptures as a reference point, the society attempts to establish a spiritual foundation for interested students. The Vedic texts emphasize the differences between the body and the soul, and this is the focal point behind all the societies’ meetings, workshops and activities.
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Wake Up South Africa (WUSA house)
Wake up South Africa (WuSA) is a newly established initiative by African devotees explicitly focused on African preaching in university settings. The active non-profit, recognized as an ISKCON affiliate for creative initiatives, is dedicated to sharing the principles of Bhakti Yoga to benefit society through five main objectives: mantra meditation, timeless knowledge, ethical leadership, Vedic lifestyle, and positive recreation.
WuSA Projects include kirtan parties and prasadam, education, training, and cultural exchange programs, including arts and crafts, podcasting, and even an “open mic” poetry circuit. The project aims to share Krishna Consciousness creatively with the larger population outside the standard restraints and expressions of traditional Hindu culture.
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