Is DTS Rustenburg a ‘typical’ DTS?

The DTS consists of 12 weeks of lecture phase and 8-10 weeks of outreach. YWAM Rustenburg has wonderful teachers sharing topics such as The Character of God, Grace, Relationships, Spiritual Warfare, Holy Spirit, Biblical Redemptive Plan, Forgiveness, and much more. The 8-10 week outreach phase follows lecture and the destination is determined during the course of the lecture phase.

What is the focus of this particular DTS?

The focus of DTS and entire base is to pursue God and His will. Our desire is to minister to our community and world out of an overflow of our personal relationships with Christ. You can't give something away you don't have. As staff we strive to create an environment where students can grow in intimacy with the Lord, discover and develop their own talents and gifts, and be empowered to move in the next steps God has for their lives.

How many students do we accept on DTS?

Our groups are small compared to other bases, with no more than 10-12 students so that relationships between staff and students can develop in order for true discipleship to take place.

What are the ages of most students?

Students can attend a DTS from the ages of 18 and older. Currently, our students range in age from 20 to 36.

Where does the DTS go for outreach?

The outreach location is determined during the course of each DTS and is chosen based on where we feel God has called each specific team. While the outreach could be to anywhere in the world we currently have to countries that we are focusing on as a base. One of those is Botswana and the other is a nation that cannot be mentioned on the website due to security reasons.

What do we look for in a potential student?

Our DTS program is designed for students eager to grow in God’s Word and character development. DTS is not about simply gaining "head" knowledge, but moving into deeper levels of intimacy with Jesus, displaying more of His character and power and developing a disciplined devotional life.

Do the DTS students participate in any outreach during the lecture phase?

Yes, during the lecture phase the DTS students are involved in three local outreach projects on a weekly basis. Students spend one afternoon at the Orphan Care project in Phokeng, one afternoon at the Lighthouse Children's Shelter, and one morning at a local HIV/AIDS hospice.

What kind of Visa does a student need?

Students must contact the South African Consulate in their country of origin to begin the process for visa application. DTS students must apply for a Student Visa/Permit. The process can be lengthy and should be started immediately upon acceptance. Students can find the Consulate responsible for their region online.

What does the tuition pay for?

Tuition pays for food, accommodation, and travel while in South Africa and on outreach. The amount due for DTS fees depends upon the economic situation per country of origin.

In addition to the DTS tuition, do students need any additional funds?

Students are responsible for their own airfare, health insurance, and spending money.

How do the students arrive in Rustenburg?

The name of the airport has changed form Johannesburg International Airport to the Oliver Tambo International Airport

What information can you give on the city of Rustenburg?

Rustenburg can be found in the Eastern region of the North West Province and is said to be the fastest growing city In South Africa. It is roughly two hours northwest of Johannesburg and two hours southwest of Botswana. Rustenburg, which means “town of rest,” was founded in 1851. For some years it was a frontier post and a resort for hunters, explorers and prospectors who used it as a base from which to venture into the far interior. Historians venture two explanations of the origin of the name. The one group alleges the town was named after the Rustenburg estate of Wynberg in the Cape, while the other group maintains the name originated from expectations harbored by the Boers for harmony and peace for the region. Rustenburg is the third oldest town of the once Transvaal Province and has numerous places of interest. Rustenburg is best known for it’s platinum mining industry. It is a malaria-free area and boasts natural bushveld vegetation that covers the entire area and with the added attraction of the Magliesberg mountain range, this region has much to offer the eco-tourists. In addition, it is a national game area where it is still possible to capture the solitude and stillness associated with nature and the animal kingdom.

The primary languages spoken in the area are English, Afrikaans, and Tswana. 

Climatically hot to extremely hot conditions prevails in the summer time, 32° - 42°C. Average hours of sunshine per month are well in excess of 200, with autumn and winter months pleasant, 18° – 23°C. The summer months of October to February are the rainy season.

For information regarding the area of Phokeng where YWAM Rustenburg is involved in orphan care, please click the following link.