TESTIMONIALS

"The responsibility and maturity they gained during this experience is unrivalled in my eyes. I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that Quest will continue to grow and improve even more over the next few years, building on the solid foundation laid during its first year of operation. The calibre of Jim and Sheila Musto and their staff of instructors will take a lot to beat." — Lloyd Edwards (owner of Raggy Charters, founder of Baywatch Marine Conservation Project

“Quest has forever changed my life because I've become aware of my strengths and limitations and I spent a lot of time being bored; where I could sit and think about my life's purpose - a revelation that sorely would've taken ages if I went straight into university out of high school. I grew in character, battled my addiction to pornography and, most importantly, my faith in God was made stronger. Quest is an amazing opportunity because you are surrounded by people who want to make you a better version of yourself - and who won't stop at great lengths to achieve that.” — Azolile Mbanga - Student 2024

"I am very fortunate that my work allows me to interact with so many young adults varying from teenagers at school through to MBA and honors students at leading universities. Whilst all these establishments further education, Quest has managed to do so much more, by combining a unique set of life skills that builds character greatness and provides an inner compass to those that complete the seven month course. We will no doubt see many future leaders regardless of the discipline evolve from the Quest programme. If parents want their children to succeed in an ever growing competitive arena this is the opportunity as Jean Nidetch said “ It’s choice … not chance that determines your destiny” —Jan Pelser (Director of Business Today South Africa)

"If I were ten years younger I would not think twice about joining Quest - this is what every youngster needs to launch them in to life!" — Dylan Weyer - Ex Quest Guide

“Quest - not your average gap year experience, not your average adventure, not your average fitness program and not your average getaway to the Kaba Farm. Quest has become MY NEW WAY OF LIFE, guaranteed. Quest has become my new home. It is a place where my limits were pushed. My mentality, physical abilities and spiritual domains were tested by means of what I was exposed to, through the people who wanted the best for me. These kinds of lessons cannot be found in a textbook or heard by motivational speakers. These lessons are learnt through experiences, challenges and discussions guided and lead by people who want to see your life change for the better. Quest extended beyond the few months that I spent with the badge stamped on my chest as I have been set for life with the tools, experiences and people I gained along the way. My vision and mission in life altered when I realised what the Quest brand meant to me and that Quest becomes what you make of it, just as life becomes what you make of it. It is a choice so choose wisely. Quest is a legacy, one that you are going to want to be a part of.” — Kyla Nienaber - Student 2024

Quest – where to begin? I guess I should start with some pre-quest context. My name is Jordan Pritchard. I’m originally from the Johannesburg area, but grew up in Dallas, Texas. Throughout my life, I’ve always stayed close to my South African roots and that’s something that remains true today. I went through grade school in Dallas and graduated from high school with great marks and a promising future at a great university here in the state. A couple months before I graduated, COVID hit, and threw the world into a relative tail-spin frenzy. I fell into that frenzy, not because I was some mask hogging hypochondriac, exactly the opposite. The freedom of no school and being a new adult amid a pandemic was a strange place to be in. There were no cars on the road, nobody in stores, prices were low, it was incredible! Until it wasn’t. I let myself go at that time. I became very skinny, smoking and drinking all the time, and failed out of school due to lack of direction, discipline, motivation, structure, etc. In December of 2020, after this all happened, I was faced with what seemed to be my future for the next 8 months. Go to community college and work until I was able to apply to come back in the fall of 2021. I was incredibly disappointed with myself; a deep sense of melancholy filled my days. Then, Quest came across the table. I remember the day vividly. December 17th, 2020. I came downstairs and my mother asked me if I had heard of Quest, and if I wanted to go. Her friend from grade school’s son, a fellow questor of mine, Jared Freeman, had been accepted and was planning on going. As soon as I looked at the website, I was in. And I can say with certainty, Quest completely changed the direction of my life. I was accepted thirteen hours after I applied, because another potential questor had dropped out at the last minute. I applied months past the deadline. It was an opportunity from God, and I knew I’d be remised to not take it. The first days were hard. I left Dallas on my 19th birthday, January 25th, 2021, and flew 33 hours across the world to what was supposed to be my home. At first, it did not feel like home. Every other time I came back, it was to my grandparents’ home in Sandton, with trips to Sun City or trips out to Pretoria and Bloemfontein to see aunties and uncles, never this. But over time, slowly but surely, I grew into myself. My personal turning point was after survival week. I remember, during that week, looking into the night sky while everyone else was asleep and thinking to myself, I’m going to make the most out of this. And I did. I won the Dickson Shield as the most improved student, one of the proudest moments of my life. I came into Quest at 58 kgs, and left at 79 kgs. I gained an appreciation and zest for life and leadership that I did not have before. I became much more confident in myself and my abilities, and I was far and away the fittest I had ever been. These qualities have stretched far beyond Quest (not Tannie Veronica’s cooking, sadly), and will for everyone, if they keep working on them. Quest is hard! But it is worth it tenfold. If you have the opportunity to go to Quest, to go learn with Boss Jim and Auntie Sheila, please DO IT. You will not regret it. It is the single greatest experience I’ve had in my life, and I’m sure it’s evolved to be better since then. I have so much pride in Quest, I think about it every day. Fast forward 4 years later, I graduated from the University I was planning on attending and am at the start of an incredible career and life for myself, applying the lessons I learned at Quest every day. Thank you, Quest, FOR EVERYTHING! — Jordan Pritchard - Student 2021

As a Mauritian who wasn’t very good at English, enrolling in a program like that was already a challenge in itself. Even though I was passionate about sports and pushing myself, I wasn’t truly prepared for what lay ahead. I first heard about Quest from my older brother, who had done the three-month program. Seeing how much it had transformed him was truly inspiring. It motivated me not only to grow and improve, but also though it might sound a bit competitive, to do even better than my brother. Arriving at Quest was a mix of emotions: I was scared, excited, and determined to give my best. The atmosphere was unique, and it felt like everyone shared the same feelings. I quickly connected with many people and built friendships right away. What I didn’t know at the time was that these wouldn’t just be people I went through Quest with, they would become friends for life. We suffered together, laughed together, complained together, and even fought at times, and that’s what made our bond so strong. Through Quest, I learned countless lessons and gained a much deeper understanding of myself. The most important lesson I carried with me over the years is that you are capable of far more than you think, you just have to commit, trust the process, and keep going. The process may sometimes feel long and difficult, but the tougher it is, the greater the reward. Another powerful lesson Quest taught me was about patience and dopamine. As teenagers, we often forget that good things take time. We want everything immediately, but that’s not how life works. I am deeply grateful for everything Quest has taught me and for everyone who was part of the journey. Thank you, Jim and Sheila, for being such incredible people and for teaching us the values and principles we need to live a meaningful and successful life.” — Pierre de Maroussem - Student 2022

Quest was a life-changing experience for me. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me discover strengths I didn’t know I had. The friendships I built and the challenges I faced continue to shape the way I approach life today. Quest didn’t just give me skills, it gave me confidence, perspective, and a sense of purpose that still guides me. — Leo Merven - Student

Quest is an experience that plants a seed for growth and stoke for life that lasts long after you've left. It makes you aware of your own character and sets a fantastic foundation to build from in all aspects of life. — Rowan James - Quest Student

I joined Quest in 2022 as an arrogant young guy who thought the world revolves around me. Quest broke me down to build me up in a life full of purpose and kindness for others around me. Quest was the catalyst, the petrol of the fire of my dreams and passions. I left a quest full of life and motivation to go and impact the lives of others and live a life full of purpose. I graduate in less than a year and i strongly believe without my experience at quest i wouldn't have got this far or done this well. An experience i will be forever grateful for ! — Connor Knight - Student 2022

"My time at Quest showed me that anything is possible if you do it properly and put your mind to it; if you believe you can do it and I mean truly believe, then it will get done!" — Kevin Horwitz, Quest Core Course 2011

“Quest tested me physically and mentally and prepared me for life” — Farren Palmer - Student 2011

"Our decision to send Kevin to Quest-Kaba was justified. We sent a young boy, unsure of himself to Quest and he returned a mature young man lean, fit and strong, so motivated, full of confidence and his outlook in life has broadened." — Anne & Colin Horwitz

"Epic is an old word, meaning an adventure/story of extreme importance and value. This is why Epic is an excellent choice of word to describe the Quest Africa Experience!" — Warren Heard - Student 2011

"Quest was honestly the best experience of my life thus far. Not only did I become physically stronger but the discomfort I was exposed to forced me to grow as a person and I became mentally stronger. Quest made me excited for life and its adventures and I would 100% recommend it to anyone wanting an unforgettable adventure.” — Ruth Moore - Student 2020

"Quest helped me find my passion" — Kyle Johnson - Student 2011

"In my work as a psychologist on the Quest programme, I have seen young men mature and flourish beyond their own expectations, both physically and emotionally. They leave the course understanding how they can make a significant contribution to society and feel prepared to take the next step. There is no doubt in my mind that this course provides a unique opportunity for personal development and leadership skills, as well as preparing participants for successful entry into the adult world." — Lisl Foss (Counseling Psychologist), Contributor