Hammanskraal is 40 km north of the capital city, Pretoria. What began as a stopover for travelers became a trading center for the farmers around the town, and, in 1978, home to YWAM's first base in South Africa,. Until 1984 various YWAM training schools (DTS, SOE, Counseling, SBS) were offered here.

Beke and Sylvester Mkandla came to Hammanskraal in 1996, with a passion for working with the local children and ministering to the community. Beke is the principal of the Sunshine Nursery School. Beke and Sylvester have three children (age 23-17) and work with about 11 staff members.