Youth Day: 5 South African initiatives promoting youth empowerment

Youth Month in South Africa is a time to celebrate the energy, resilience and potential of the country’s young population.

As the nation remembers the historic events of 16 June 1976 and the courage of the young students who stood up to injustice, it is important to acknowledge the initiatives that continue to empower and uplift South Africa’s youth.

These initiatives not only recognise the critical role of youth in shaping the country’s future but also equip them with the tools, resources and platforms they need to thrive and excel.

Here are five South African initiatives that are propelling youth empowerment in South Africa:

1. WESSA’s Young Reporters for the Environment

The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa’s Young Reporters for the Environment Programme (WESSA YRE) is an environmental journalism initiative that empowers youth in Cape Town to report on local environmental and social issues.

Through capacity-building and learning sessions, participants create articles, videos and other media to address environmental problems and develop solutions. The programme fosters a creative and action-oriented environment, encouraging young individuals to take a stand on sustainability issues.

YRE follows a four-step methodology aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and is implemented in South Africa by WESSA as part of the international Young Reporters for the Environment network.

Contact: 064 752 0598 | cindy.cloete@wessa.co.za
Website: wessa.org.za

Picture: WESSA Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa / Facebook

2. Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator

Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator is a not-for-profit social enterprise with a singular focus on addressing youth unemployment through strategic partnerships.

Collaborating with the government, private sector, civil society and over 4 million young individuals who share its commitment, Harambee is dedicated to achieving scalable results. Its core mission is to eliminate barriers and create job opportunities for millions of unemployed South African youth, envisioning a thriving economy and a functional society driven by the untapped potential of young people.

As a pivotal partner, Harambee plays a crucial role in the revolutionary SA Youth Platform. This platform brings together multiple stakeholders to establish a unified national network. Its primary objective is to provide young individuals with access to a wide range of job opportunities and skill development programmes. Simultaneously, it serves as a means for opportunity providers to connect with motivated and job-seeking youth without any financial cost.

The SA Youth platform facilitates these connections and interactions, enabling the exchange of opportunities and resources, all in support of empowering South African youth and propelling them towards a brighter future.

Contact: 0800 72 72 72 | customer@harambee.co.za
Website: harambee.co.za

3. The Cape Town Youth Network for Sport, Development and Peace

The Youth Network for Sport, Development and Peace is a group of determined young professionals with a mission to provide specialised programming services and create a space for youth to gain experience and have a voice through mentoring, training and collaboration. The group uses sport as a vehicle to deliver essential life skills, career development and soft skills needed for youth success.

The network originated from the 1st African Youth Forum on Robben Island in 2018 and now consists of executive committee members, youth sports leaders and youth from around the world. Its objectives include understanding, advocating for and promoting sports and Olympic values as tools for development, social change and peace among youth and young adults.

It focuses on community and society, aiming to create networks, partnerships and cooperation while facilitating personal growth, education and training and using sport for social change and peace.

Website: youthnetworksdp.org.za

4. Codebridge Youth

Codebridge Youth establishes dynamic hubs, which serve as vital learning centres for young people to acquire the necessary skills needed to harness technology and address societal issues effectively. Its mission is centred on empowering individuals and governments through the strategic utilisation of data, technology and innovative thinking to drive positive social change.

The organisation empowers youth to collaborate with private entities, civil society organisations and local governments, promoting the establishment of Codebridge Youth Forums. These forums play a pivotal role in fostering partnerships that enable young individuals to actively contribute to problem-solving and community development initiatives.

In addition to creating platforms for collaboration, Codebridge Youth organises engaging youth-led events that not only expand the community of young individuals involved, but also promote active public participation. These events serve as catalysts for growth, igniting the collective efforts of youth actors to make a meaningful and lasting impact on their communities and society at large.

Contact: 021 671 6306 | codebridgeyouth@openup.org.za
Website: codebridgeyouth.org.za

5. Youth Capital

Dedicated to equipping every young South African with the essential skills, opportunities and support to contribute to the economy, Youth Capital has developed an action plan that tackles ten critical systemic challenges. It aims to empower young individuals and drive progress throughout South Africa.

The Action Plan serves as a collaborative roadmap, inviting young people, engaged citizens, members of civil society, business owners and decision-makers to join forces. It outlines actionable steps that can be taken collectively to provide the necessary support and opportunities for the youth.

Youth unemployment is a key priority for Youth Capital, given the numerous hurdles that young South Africans face as they transition into adulthood. These challenges include difficulties in completing education, financial burdens during the job search and a lack of social connections for successful reintegration into the workforce.

By focusing on youth unemployment, Youth Capital aims to address these obstacles and create a pathway for young people to overcome challenges and thrive in their personal and professional lives.