South Africa’s tourism sector is bursting with exciting opportunities for young people. Events like the National Tourism Career Expo (NTCE) inspire and educate, showcasing how tourism can connect cultures and boost the economy. With support from the government, many programs help youth gain skills, encouraging them to explore careers in hospitality and entrepreneurship. As South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy, the NTCE invites the next generation to be creative and passionate, shaping a bright future for the tourism industry and their communities.
Cape Town’s U19 Netball Tournament Series is a competition that also promotes youth development and community enrichment. It is part of the Netball World Cup Legacy Programme and aims to cultivate leadership, teamwork, and selfconfidence while having fun. The tournament series will kick off on May 25, 2024, and reach its climax on Women’s Day, August 9, 2024, with teams from various locations in Cape Town competing for a chance to win the much soughtafter trophy. The tournament serves as a celebration of community and aims to uplift netball and provide opportunities for the youth to participate in the sport.
Mabasa is an extraordinary woman living in Gauteng, South Africa, who has battled against numerous adversities to become an influential community leader and successful entrepreneur. Despite being diagnosed with mild spastic diplegia/diparesis cerebral palsy, which led to her using crutches and a wheelchair, Mabasa never let these experiences deter her. She founded Phoenix Alexandra, an organization that engages children and young adults in a range of activities, and aims to extend its services to more underprivileged communities in the future. Mabasa’s life serves as an inspiring reminder of the transformative power of resilience, determination, and the potential of every individual.
South African football is in dire need of a tactical mastermind to lift the national team, Bafana Bafana, out of their continuous slump and lead them to triumph once more. The recent loss to Rwanda highlights the urgent need for a complete restructuring of the South African Football Association and immediate action. A leadership change, youth development, and coach replacement are necessary to revive Bafana Bafana, and taking cues from the successful strategies of South African Rugby, particularly from Rassie Erasmus, could be the way forward. The responsibility rests with those willing to take control and guide South African football back to its heyday.
The Bergrivier Tourism Organization (BTO) has launched a youth development program to increase the employability of young people in marginalized communities in the region. The initiative will provide youth with life skills, personal development, entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and coaching to enhance their employability in the tourism industry. The BTO hopes to promote responsible destination marketing that emphasizes environmental protection and community wellbeing, and the program will commence in January 2024.
The South African National Assembly has passed a range of new legislation, reflecting their commitment to vital societal sectors such as justice, police oversight, youth development, and agricultural land protection. Notable bills include the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill, Independent Police Investigative Directorate Amendment Bill, Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill, National Youth Development Agency Amendment Bill, and Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Amendment Bill. These bills aim to enhance prosecution, safeguard police integrity, protect civil rights, empower the youth, and enhance agriculture. Once approved by Parliament, they will be presented to the National Council of Provinces for agreement and forwarded to the President for his assent.
Forest Whitaker’s nonprofit organization, the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI), has built a stateoftheart basketball court in Athlone, Cape Town to promote social development and enhance the quality of life for residents. The court will host 20 junior teams and provide free services such as computer training, mental health support, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, business skills, and entrepreneurship. This project stands as a symbol of community, opportunity, and hope, a beacon for youth development, and a triumph for Athlone and its surrounding regions.
Unlock Cape Town’s Hidden Tapestry: How iMzu Tours is Revolutionizing Tourism with Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship
iMzu Tours is a tourism company in Cape Town that offers walking cultural tours through diverse neighborhoods and communities. Founded by Mzukisi ‘Mzu’ Lembeni, the company focuses on community building, job creation, and local empowerment while showcasing Cape Town’s vibrant cultural tapestry. With a commitment to youth development and education, iMzu Tours presents guests with the chance to engage with local business owners and residents while being abundant in storytelling, history, and culture.
Kaizer Chiefs have recently announced that Molefi Ntseki will be stepping up as head coach, succeeding Arthur Zwane. This decision came as a surprise to fans after months of speculation linking Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi to the club. Despite this, Chiefs have chosen Ntseki, a familiar face with experience in their technical and youth development programs.
Botshabelo, a vibrant community in the heart of the Free State Province, is set to host a community engagement event on June 23, organized by the Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the Department of Small Business Development and the Free State Department of Economic Development, Small Business, Tourism, and Environment Affairs (DESTEA). The main objective of this gathering is to explore ways to upskill and empower the youth in the tourism sector.
On June 15, 2023, the Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, will lead the graduation ceremony in Hermanus in honor of 50 young graduates of the Food Quality Assurers Program. This achievement is a significant milestone for each graduate and contributes to the development of the tourism and hospitality sector in the Western Cape.
The Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department of the city has recently launched the 2023 YouthStart Entrepreneurial Challenge. The competition aims to identify and support the most promising young entrepreneurs who have the potential to reshape the business landscape in the coming years.
In today’s society, many people strive for growth and selfimprovement. The Chrysalis Academy offers a unique opportunity for young men to transform their lives. Spearheaded by Reagen Allen, the Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, this innovative institution teaches valuable life skills and provides future employment opportunities.
In 2023, South Africa marks the 47th anniversary of the 1976 Student Uprising, a turning point in the nation’s history that sparked significant changes. Since 1994, June 16 has been recognized as National Youth Day, commemorating the sacrifices and contributions of the youth of ’76 and honoring their impact on the country.
Jazzart Dance Theatre, a contemporary dance company, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Since its inception in 1973, the company has made significant contributions to the realm of arts and culture, heritage, youth development, and job creation. To honour this milestone, the company is organising a yearlong series of performances and cultural activities called “50 Years of Dance.” These events will showcase Jazzart’s rich history, influential cultural reach, and pay tribute to the dancers, choreographers, teachers, and leaders who have shaped the organisation.
The world of animation has been expanding rapidly, providing countless opportunities for local creators to showcase their work on a global stage. The Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF), in partnership with the United States Consulate General in Cape Town, has taken this a step further by launching the Pitch, Persuade, Produce incubator program. This program offers aspiring South African creatives the chance to develop their pitching skills, sell their concepts effectively, and refine their creative works over eight weeks.