Ben Moabi, known as “The Mighty B,” is a police officer and radio presenter from Letlhabile who works hard to keep his community safe and hopeful. He uses his voice on the radio to educate and connect people, while also fighting crime with care and courage. Ben inspires young people by sharing his story of hard work and believing in a better future. Balancing his roles as a father, officer, and communicator, he shows that real change comes from listening, acting, and caring deeply for others. His life is a bright example of how one person can bring people together and make a difference every day.
Breaking Barriers: The Dual Legacy of Constables Leilani Blom and Nicolene Visser in South African Policing and Rugby
Constables Leilani Blom and Nicolene Visser are trailblazing women in South Africa who balance tough police jobs with fierce rugby careers. Growing up in different corners of the Northern Cape, they showed incredible strength and heart, breaking old barriers in both law enforcement and sports. Their teamwork, courage, and leadership inspire many, proving that with passion and hard work, women can succeed in any field. Together, they shine as bold examples of what young people, especially girls, can achieve.
Constable Mamotiki Portia Dishobane is a caring South African police officer who works closely with her community to stop crime before it starts. She helps young people by listening to them, mentoring them, and using sports to teach teamwork and hope. Instead of just enforcing rules, she builds trust and understanding, showing that police can be friends and leaders in their neighborhoods. Her gentle strength and dedication inspire many to believe in a safer, brighter future.
Premier Lazarus Mokgosi envisions a bright future for the North West Province, focusing on creating jobs, growing the economy, and building a fair, honest government. He wants to bring people together—young and old, public and private sectors—to build new roads, schools, and smart cities that help everyone thrive. With big investments in mining, youth training, and social programs, Mokgosi aims to turn challenges like unemployment into real chances for success. His leadership shines with hope, aiming to build a province where everyone has a chance to grow and live well.
Imkhitha Joya: A Champion’s Journey from Township Chessboard to National Inspiration
Imkhitha Joya is a young chess champion from a South African township who shines through her passion and hard work. Despite facing many challenges, she has become the U14 Girls Chess Champion, breaking barriers of gender and poverty. Supported by her community and coach, Imkhitha inspires many, showing that talent and dreams can grow anywhere. Her story is a bright light of hope, proving that with determination and help, anyone can reach great heights.
The 100Wave Challenge at Strandfontein is a special surf event that helps young people grow strong and hopeful through surfing, mentoring, and fun. Surfers ride 100 waves each to raise money and create safe spaces for kids facing tough times. The day is full of energy, cheers, and stories of courage, showing how the ocean can heal and bring a community together. This challenge is more than sport—it’s a wave of hope that lifts youth toward a brighter future.
President Ramaphosa took a remarkable bus ride with students from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, stepping away from his usual formal events to connect with the youth. During this journey, he learned about their dreams and struggles, especially their urgent need for laptops to succeed in school. The President emphasized how important it is to invest in science and technology education, ensuring that young South Africans can thrive in a technologydriven world. This experience not only inspired him but also highlighted the potential of the country’s youth and the necessity for better educational resources. Ramaphosa’s ride symbolizes his commitment to understanding and uplifting the next generation.
Cape Town is buzzing with excitement as a new skateboarding initiative brings local youth together! Organized by the Recreation and Parks Department and the Indigo Youth Movement, this program gives kids free skateboards and lessons from pro skaters. Young people in Langa recently joined workshops, learning cool tricks and boosting their confidence in a fun, supportive environment. With community support and inspiring mentors, this initiative is not just about skateboarding; it’s a powerful way to help youth grow and connect with one another. The future looks bright for these young skaters as they roll towards new opportunities!
The National Tourism Career Expo (NTCE) in Polokwane was an exciting event bringing together eager learners and experienced tourism professionals. With a powerful opening by Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu, the expo highlighted how tourism connects cultures and boosts the economy. Attendees discovered a world of opportunities and learned about skills training programs aimed at empowering youth and women in the industry. The event celebrated 30 years of democracy in South Africa, inspiring the next generation to become leaders and innovate in the vibrant tourism sector. Overall, NTCE showcased the endless possibilities for a bright future in tourism.
Cape Town is investing R77 million in a program to tackle youth unemployment and skills shortages in informal settlements. The program provides temporary employment contracts as janitors and diverse training programs, aimed at reducing unemployment and boosting confidence and independence among participants. With an emphasis on personal development and valuable work experience, the program is a powerful investment in the future of Cape Town’s youth.
Sindisiwe Chikunga presented a budget vote address that focused on empowering youth, women, and persons with disabilities. The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has been revamped, and the South African National Service Institute (SANSI) has been established to address youth unemployment. Financial empowerment is a key strategy, and initiatives have been launched to encourage womenled Cooperative Finance Institutions (CFIs). The department is also committed to addressing genderbased violence and fulfilling its international responsibilities.
South Africa’s Youth Day, celebrated on June 16th, pays tribute to the bravery and fortitude of young citizens in the country. It commemorates the Soweto Uprising of 1976, where black students protested against repressive educational laws. Today’s youth continue to draw inspiration from this event and are actively involved in social and political movements, advocating for change. The government has established legal frameworks and departments dedicated to empowering and uplifting the youth, aiming to create a more equitable society. South Africa believes in the potential of its youth as agents of social transformation, and aspires for a brighter and more just future.
National Youth Day in South Africa honors the brave youth who stood up against apartheid in 1976 and continues to celebrate the crucial role the youth plays in the country’s progress. The government is committed to empowering young individuals and transforming them into tomorrow’s leaders through initiatives targeting youth empowerment and job creation. The youth forms over twothirds of the population, making their involvement not simply desirable but essential for South Africa’s advancement, economic growth, and diminishing social inequalities.
Cape Town has launched Jobs Connect, a recruitment platform that aims to connect job seekers with potential employers in the city. The service offers work readiness training and a digital evaluation of numeracy and literacy skills, and has already attracted over 100,000 users. The initiative has been earmarked for a significant R5.5m budget, and is aimed at reducing the financial burden of job hunting and creating new opportunities in sectors such as call centres, hospitality, manufacturing and retail.
Understanding the Role of Youth in Tourism: Insights from Deputy Minister, Fish Mahlalela
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela, gave a powerful speech at the Sharing of Best Practices Workshop, emphasizing the vital role of youth in the tourism industry and the global economy. He called for creative strategies to empower and celebrate young individuals, especially those in developing nations. Mahlalela highlighted the impact of the recent health crisis on the tourism sector and urged for collective efforts towards recovery, including supporting small businesses and providing opportunities for youth in tourism and hospitality. He expressed optimism for a more inclusive, innovative, and interconnected future for the industry.
The Youth Cadet Programme in Cape Town is a rigorous threeyear course that aims to mold its participants into holistic individuals with leadership traits. The programme covers a broad spectrum of subjects, including communication, professional conduct, physical fitness, arts and culture, navigation, agriculture, and environmental awareness. Through participation in outdoor activities, cadets acquire knowledge about teamwork and leadership, putting them in a strong position to tackle future challenges and act as representatives for law enforcement agencies.