The Activator Issue 2

The Activator AN

FOR ACTIVATORS BY ACTIVATORS

PUBLICATION

ISSUE 02. DECEMBER 2015

HAVE

#THEFEES

REALLY FALLEN 0%

Fee Increase is not something to celebrate for Fort Hare Students.

For many students at Fort Hare University, the 0% fee increment for 2016 is hardly anything to celebrate. If you look closely, the fees have not fallen; the matter was just postponed to next year.

Come this time next year, we will still face the same old challenges we have always had as students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

In fact, our challenges have not moved and they continue to prevail.

A friend of mine is currently sitting at home wondering about his future. Not only does he form part of South Africa’s high rate of unemployed youth, he is also a graduate with nothing to prove it. His degree certificate is being withheld by the university because he owes an outstanding balance of his fees.

The Activator DECEMBER 2015

He is not the only one. A lot of students are faced with huge amounts of debt and as a result, they are uncertain about what lies ahead when they complete their studies.

At my residence, I share with another student, a tiny room that was meant for a single person and we are each expected to pay R26 000 per year for it. That is on top of our tuition and registration fees. I know of four students who stay together in one room and pay over R100 000 a year for it.

At the beginning of next year, thousands of students will not be able to register due to financial constraints. For others, it will be because they still owe the university from this year and previous years.

Our residences are located far from the campus and travelling is a daily struggle. We have no choice but to walk back and forth as there is no shuttle service to transport us. There has been numerous incidents of students getting mugged while making their way to or from campus – our lives are in danger.

Perhaps it is good news that we will not be required to pay an extra amount to our fees for next year but it’s not so comforting when we already have great amounts to pay.

Written by Isasiphinkosi Mdingi

FOR MORE ON

#FEESMUSTFALL

GO TO PAGE 6

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HELLO ACTIVATORS revolution/

noun 1. a forcible overthrow of a government or social order, in favour of a new system.

2. a: a sudden, radical, or complete change. b: a fundamental change in political organisation; especially : the overthrow or renunciation of one government or ruler and the substitution of another by the governed. – Miriam Webster Dictionary Miriam Webster Dictionary

When you hear the word ‘revolution’, what image comes to mind for you?

If you’ve ever heard of a country called the Republic of South Africa, I would imagine an image of a young Hector Pietersen being carried by an older friend and his sister running alongside them as they were running from the Police.

If you’ve been told about Burkina Faso, I would imagine the image of Captain Thomas Sankara in his red beret restoring the dignity of a suppressed nation. How about Cuba? You’d be mindful of the most publicised revolutionary ever, which graces the t-shirts and caps of people who’ve never even heard of him, Che Guevara.

What do you understand when it comes to the phrase “youth revolution”?

On Wednesday 21 October 2015, my colleague and fellow Activator, Cathy and I, were getting lunch near the Company Gardens in Cape Town when all of a sudden we saw flashing sirens and huge numbers of students protesting outside Parliament, singing songs of unity and freedom.

Totally disregarding divisions like race and background these students from various tertiary institutions in Cape Town were united in their struggle, fighting for a common goal: no fee increases for 2016. #FeesMustFall.

So being a youth activist, you can imagine, I joined in. As an Activator I couldn’t just join in at a safe distance. I had to be in the thick of things, right at the gate where police and protestors met!

Then the blast came without warning. A stunt grenade was fired that sends shock waves and the crowd running! Amazing though, that even

when they were running away from harm, they ran in the same direction and the moment they stopped.

They moved right back to the gates and continued with the protest. The police pushed them back with barricades and the front line guys were hit the hardest in the face and other bodily parts using, what the speaker of the National Council of Provinces, would later label as ‘ minimal force’.

But the student protesters’ heart and soul were burning with a passion that couldn’t be tamed, even as the police were arresting some of them. And Cape Town was just one of the many, in all nine provinces of the Republic of South Africa, students were united in their struggle. “Unity through diversity” has never been this real.

Some were calling it a ‘revolution’ and compared it to the 1976 riots where learners fought against being taught in Afrikaans.

To the many Activators who played a part in the #feesmustfall campaign, I salute you. Thank you for using your gifts, talents and abilities right where you are planted to bring about this sudden radical and complete change!

To the ones who went to jail and the ones who sat outside the courtrooms in support. To the ones who bled in the front lines and the ones kept the struggle alive on social media, we salute you!

The struggle, however, is still on going. We might have won the battle, but the war is not over. #freeeducation

During 2008, Keith started an NGO, Tag Changes to inspire youth to change their communities starting from Strand, Western Cape. The Youth Interpreter magazine, which he runs with fellow Activator Cathy Achilles, was started in 2013 as an extension to Tag Changes. Keith and Cathy managed the production of this issue of The Activator.

Keep connected!

Keith

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Please get in touch with the Communications team on communications@activateleadership.co.za Remember, you are welcome to share your writing or images on the Voices section of the website. The writing can be a poem, an opinion piece, an essay to name a few.

LIVING THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

ACTIVATE!, InkuluFreeHeid and the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation have started a campaign on how to ‘make this global agenda alive in SA’. Look out for info on events about this campaign.

GOAL 9 BUILD RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE, PROMOTE INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRISATION FOSTER INNOVATION. Activator Fernando Visagie with fellow community members renovate homes in his community.

GOAL 1 END POVERTY IN ALL ITS FORMS EVERYWHERE. Activator Malekgala Karabo Mokgoatjane, the Founder and Director of Beacon of Hope Foundation, empowers youth with relevant resources to break the cycle of poverty.

GOAL 10 REDUCE INEQUALITY WITHIN/AMONG COUNTRIES. Activator Mawethu Maxwele empowers traditional leaders in new methods to eradicate inequality in their communities.

GOAL 2 END HUNGER, ACHIEVE FOOD SECURITY AND IMPROVED NUTRITION AND PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE. Activator Luzuko Melapi, through “Fresh feed in soil”, provides food for his community.

GOAL 11 MAKE CITIES AND HUMAN SETTLEMENTS INCLUSIVE, SAFE, RESILIENT AND SUSTAINABLE. Activator Anele Sweli started a community-based waste management centre to create work as well as to keep the community clean.

GOAL 3 ENSURE HEALTHY LIVES AND PROMOTE WELL-BEING FOR ALL AT ALL AGES. Activator Nkhensani Ntsan’wisi started “Vakhegula Vakhegula Football Club” as a fitness programme for the elderly ladies in her community.

GOAL 12 ENSURE SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION PATTERNS. Activator Mmatema Thosago uses recycled material to create art/handmade crafts.

GOAL 4 ENSURE INCLUSIVE AND EQUITABLE QUALITY EDUCATION AND PROMOTE LIFELONG LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL. Activator Thuli Mosala through “Sinethekile Conglometrates” is creating a culture of reading through mobile libraries and book clubs in her community.

GOAL 13 TAKE URGENT ACTION TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS IMPACTS. Activator Mduduzi Tshabalala is the founder of “Botle ba Tlhaho”, which is an NPO that does environmental justice campaigning in the Sedibeng Region.

GOAL 5 ACHIEVE GENDER EQUALITY AND EMPOWER ALL WOMEN AND GIRLS. Activator Karabo Monatisi runs a campaign which will ensure that every girl in South Africa will not be absent from school due to not having sanitary pads.

GOAL 14 CONSERVE AND SUSTAINABLY USE THE OCEANS, SEAS AND MARINE RESOURCES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. Activator Cindy-Lee Cloete is a Conservation Education Director at the Nature’s Valley Trust.

GOAL 6 ENSURE AVAILABILITY AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF WATER AND SANITATION FOR ALL. Activator Moses Ntuli wants to manufacture a meter box for water, where consumers can use rechargeable vouchers, which would make water consumption more affordable.

GOAL 15 PROTECT, RESTORE AND PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE USE OF TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM, SUSTAINABLY MANAGE FORESTS, COMBAT DESERTIFICATION, AND HALT AND REVERSE LAND DEGRADATION AND HALT BIODIVERSITY LOSS. Activator Kgopotso Pearl Sekwati a passionate environment activist, who empowers people to take care of the environment.

GOAL 7 ENSURE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE, SUSTAINABLE AND MODERN ENERGY FOR ALL. Activator Mpho Maphologela dreams of distributing solar jars to poor families in order to prevent accidents by candles.

GOAL 16 PROMOTE PEACEFUL AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT; PROVIDE ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR ALL AND BUILD EFFECTIVE, ACCOUNTABLE AND INCLUSIVE INSTITUTION AT ALL LEVELS. Activator Gift Methule facilitates non-violent protest workshops in his community.

GOAL 8 PROMOTE SUSTAINED, INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH, FULL OF PRODUCTIVE EMPLOYMENT AND DECENT WORK FOR ALL. Activator Thabang Mabuza promotes business skills and innovations through his Lion’s Den sessions.

GOAL 17 STRENGTHEN THE MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION AND REVITALISE THE GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. Activator Zanele Mabaso is the youth representative of the UNFPA, Safeguarding Young People Regional Program Steering Committee, which has oversight of eight Southern African countries.

The Activator DECEMBER 2015

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LIVING LEGENd FROM 1976 Born on the 15 June 1960 in Soweto, Sindile Seth Mazibuko became one of the renowned youth leaders during apartheid and post-democratic South Africa. At only 15 years, Mazibuko together with other prominent student leaders played a huge role in shaking and bringing down the malevolent apartheid system and changed the South African political landscape forever.

b

In March 1976, Seth Mazibuko led students of Orlando West Junior Secondary to fight against the use of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction.

That is the time in which he was recruited by SASM at the age of 15 years.

He served as the National Deputy President of South African Student Organisation and Deputy Chairman of the Action Committee that planned and led the June 16, 1976 student march in Soweto and as the Deputy President of the SASM. On 02 July 1976, Mazibuko joined a long list of detained-without-trial political struggle leaders under Section 6 of the Terrorism Act in Solitary Confinement.

He spent a few months at the former notorious Brixston Police Station before he was sent to John Vorster Square. Instead of being demoralised by the detention, Mazibuko came out of prison with more zeal to fight injustice and serve the oppressed masses.

At the age of 17 years, he then went on to work with South African Dependents Conference. He looked after children and families of those who were detained and imprisoned. In the same year he was appointed coordinator of the “Free the Children Alliance” - a formation of local and international organisations fighting against the detention without trial of many children in 1976/77. In the same year, he was elected the Chairperson of the Release Mandela Campaign.

Seth Mazibuko was arrested again in October 1977 in Queenstown. He was brought back to Gauteng to stand trial with 10 other student leaders for their leadership in 16 June 1976 protest.

Seth, Dan Motsitsi and Murphy Morobe were sent to Robben Island Prison.

He was one of the youngest student

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Antoinette Sithole and Mbuyisa Makhubo carrying and 12-year-old Hector Pieterson moments after he was shot by South African police during a peaceful student demonstration in Soweto, South Africa.

leaders and the youngest political prisoner on Robben Island Prison in the 70s and 80s.

Mazibuko’s people servant journey is still continuing. He played a critical leadership role when he completed Matric through correspondence and then registered and completed his B.Ed with UNISA.

legend is one of many South African unsung heroes.

We, as the ACTIVATE! Network, salute him for the social change driver and patriotic humble leader that he is.

Written by Lwazi Nyanakancesh Nongauza lwaziagain@gmail.com

HE wAS ONE OF THE YOUNGEST STUdENT LEAdERS ANd THE YOUNGEST POLITICAL PRISONER ON RObbEN ISLANd PRISON IN THE 70S ANd 80S.

The former school teacher has worked for Department of Education in KZN, Eastern Cape and North West in the areas of Education Management Development and Support and helped the Swedish government in their Educational programmes. In 2010 until 2013, Mazibuko worked as Technical Advisor and Support to KZN Premier’s Office.

The father of two (Lizolunga and Zanempilo) is currently serving in the Human Rights Commission, Committee on Immigrants and Xenophobia, Chancellor of the June 16 Youth Development Foundation and Operations Officer of the Moral Regeneration Movement.

As a strong believer of ethics and values-driven leadership this living

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Seth Mazibuko addressing students about June 16.

GATHERING 2016 Gauteng

ACTIVATORS ENGAGING ALONG SIX CORRIDORS

IMAGINE

If the entire network engaged with the country all at the same time.

If that engagement was shared with the country, inspiring other young people, communities and provinces to address some of the biggest challenges we are facing.

If these engagements focussed on leading through ingenuitive ways of solving these challenges together.

The Activator DECEMBER 2015

If this gathering also showcased the work that all Activators were doing across many focus areas, especially at a rural level.

This is the idea for the a!

Gathering

As a show of network power and cooperation across the entire network, we are planning to have Activators engaging along 6 corridors as a build up during youth month.

We will keep you posted as this idea grows, but if you have any thoughts and ideas on this please send them to communications@activateleadership.co.za

Arrive at a central point during youth month and remain therE for the 2016 Imbawula.

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#feesmustfall

the bellville six -

1976

rotests by students all over South African broke out when the government proposed to increase fees between 10% and 12% for 2016. The protests, which began at Wits University, led to a shutdown of almost every campus in the country.

P

In Cape Town, hundreds of students surrounded the Parliament demanding to see Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Blade Nzimande.

The protesting students tried to stage a sit-in to disrupt a mid-term budget speech being

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student uprising reloaded?

delivered by Minister of Finance, Nhlanhla Nene.

Police repeatedly attempted to disperse the students from the steps of the national assembly, with limited success before firing teargas and stun grenades at them. Some students were injured and several students were arrested. The police responded with force to a nonviolent protest of unarmed students. No warning was issued prior to firing stun grenades and teargas to students.

Furthermore, some students were arrested and falsely charged. A charge sheet of one the students that were arrested states, alongside crossing the national key point, public violence and trespassing, a high

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treason charge. However, during their court appearance, there was no mention of that charge.

Something about this incident strongly resembles the June 16,

1976 uprising. Could this be a case of history repeating itself or just a poorly handled matter by the authorities?

Written by Karabo Monatisi

Register to vote for the 2016 local government elections WHO CAN REGISTER TO VOTE?

All South Africans can register from age 16, but can only vote from age 18.

WHAT WOULD I NEED?

You will need a green, bar-coded ID book, smartcard ID, or valid Temporary Identity Certificate to register and vote.

WHERE CAN I REGISTER?

You can register during IEC’s voter registration weekend You can only register at your local IEC office during office hours by making a telephonic appointment.

WHAT IF I AM A REGISTERED VOTER, BUT DUE TO STUDIES OR WORK WILL NOT BE IN MY VOTING DISTRICT DURING LOCAL ELECTION?

You can re-register in the voting district of where you will be living at the time of election.

HOW DO I KNOW IF OR WHERE I’M REGISTERED?

Send an SMS with your ID number to 32810 (R1.00 PER SMS) to check.

DOWNLOAD THE IEC MOBILE APP AND ENTER YOUR ID NUMBER http://www.elections.org.za/content/For-Voters/Mobile-apps/ CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION DETAILS ONLINE https://www.elections.org.za/content/For-voters/My-voter-registration-details/ CHECK AT YOUR VOTING STATION DURING A REGISTRATION WEEKEND; OR CHECK AT YOUR LOCAL IEC OFFICE DURING OFFICE HOURS http://www.elections.org.za/content/About-Us/Contact/

The 2016 elections are a chance to participate in our democracy. Don’t miss your chance register to vote.

Want to do more than just vote?

- Read more on page 17 on how you can run as an independent candidate.

- Join the campaign on youth and elections: contact Activator Kanyisa Booi

IMPORTANT

NOTICE!

IT CAN TAKE UP TO 7 WORKING DAYS FOR YOUR REGISTRATION APPLICATION TO BE PROCESSED. (Source: http://www.elections.org.za/content/For-Voters/ How-do-I-register-/)

The Activator DECEMBER 2015

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#RELEASE THE REPORT #FREEDUCATION

private and the public sectors for skills development, and earmarked to provide for sustainable NSFASadministered income-contingent loans to poor students in identified scarceskills sectors.

REPORT MADE PUBLIC On 29 October 2015, the Department of Higher Education and Training released the October 2012 report of the working group on fee free university education for the poor in South Africa On amandla.mobi, Koketso Moeti and fellow Activators like Nqaba Mpofu ran a campaign urging Dr B Nzimande the Minister of Higher Education and Training, to #releasethereport and also launched a Promotion of Access to Information Act(PAIA)application to the department. In the report, there are 12 recommendations which show how free university education could be provided for students from low income households.

RECOMMENDATION 1 Free full cost of study undergraduate university education for the poor in South Africa should be introduced using the current NSFAS structure and procedures as a basis, but refining these over time, and simultaneously ensuring that corporate governance, fund management procedures and loan recovery practices at NSFAS are completely overhauled and rendered above reproach.

RECOMMENDATION 2 Funding for free university education for the poor should be derived at least in part from a proportion of the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) funds set aside by both the

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RECOMMENDATION 3 Such SETA funds which are already being used for bursaries, short course skills programmes and internships for poor students, along with portions of corporate social responsibility funds, should be centralised and properly coordinated under a single, NSFAS umbrella.

RECOMMENDATION 4 New sources of funding, not discounting the national budget, large financial institutions and international donors, must be found so as to render free university education for the poor both affordable and effective.

RECOMMENDATION 5 Those initially and primarily eligible for free university education, on the basis of NSFAS income-contingent loans, should be learners holding National Senior Certificates who are admitted into a university and come from households earning less than the lowest SARS tax bracket, meaning that they will be required to make no household contribution.

RECOMMENDATION 6 In addition, learners holding learners holding National Senior Certificates who are admitted into a university and come from households earning between R54 200 and R271 000 (in 2010 prices) should be eligible for free university education in a similar manner,

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but should be required to make some household contribution.

of contact time between staff and students.

RECOMMENDATION 7 As and when additional funding can be sourced or provided, additional categories of needy children may be progressively included.

RECOMMENDATION 11 Funding should be premised on the principle both that fees must be realistic, and that the cost of university study must be proportionate to a student’s ability to pay. Students must contribute where they can (even if minimally), and where possible should be afforded the option to do so either financially, on the basis of future income, and/or through community or public service (which should target areas of scarce skills).

RECOMMENDATION 8 Eligibility should be determined on the basis of duly refined and properly administered NSFAS means tests.

RECOMMENDATION 9 The policy dialogue model as utilised in this report should be considered as the starting point for developing a fully-fledged costing model both for free university education for the poor and, ultimately, for a comprehensive student financial aid and academic support system which takes into account adequate housing, proper nutrition, cultural inclusion, and enhanced awareness through career and vocational guidance at school level.

RECOMMENDATION 10 In order to ensure that increased financial access on the part of the poor is converted into academic success at university, additional funds shall have to be made available to cover costs related to providing: improved and better funded academic support, tutorial support and residential or living-learning support mechanisms; affordable technological solutions (such as in-class audio and visual feeds, on-line learning or distance education); and o sufficient additional numbers of academic and administrative staff to ensure adequate class sizes at universities and improved quality

RECOMMENDATION 12 Current levels of government funding of public higher education institutions must be maintained or even increased, so as to preserve the basis on which institutions will be required to redouble their efforts to translate financial access into academic success.

Amandla.mobi has started a new campaign where they are asking Dr Blade Nzimande, the minister of Higher Education and Training to implement the recommendations.

Download the full report at: https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront. net/amandla/pages/74/attachments/ original/1446105100/ Join the #freeeducationcampaign at: http://www.amandla.mobi/free varsity

ACTIVATE! CREATIVE: Art and Poem

SOLITUdE USES ART TO EMPOwER COMMUNITIES My name is Solitude and I consider myself a Cultural Activist, because my love for art is closely linked to my purpose in life. I live most of what I write. I strongly believe in community and community development. They say it takes a village to raise a child, if that is the case then the village has failed. For we now talk about taking children off the street and donation drives to orphanages. I believe all this wouldn’t be a problem if the village wasn’t compromised to accommodate foreign ways of living.

POEM WRITTEN BY

OLERATO SEROJANE For they forget where they come from, it is dark where they go For when you are quiet, they judge you and say there is nothing you know Forgive them father for they do not really know That what they sow today is what they will reap tomorrow Our situation is complicated, we are jobless but graduated.

Our only faith is demonstrated through subconscious emancipation.

Now “vukuzenzele” is the order of the day when promises are not implemented Where jobless, crime and poverty have fluctuated.

This crooked system is leading us to a messy situation For when you are black and unqualified you are supported by affirmative action But as long as you brand your investments by the triple six and cash in And when you relate to the system bearers, only then are you are child of his nation.

Now truth be told, the whole truth is not told, Unfold my eyes so I can see revelations unfold.

H

Hence I and a friend of mine started a platform called Poetics: Music not for the sake of it.

Poetics Music has a vital mission to provide a space for the youth to discover and express their voice through poetry and music in a safe, vibrant, dynamic and inspiring environment. The aim is to make them aware of their capacity so that they can envision and work towards a more promising future as

well as contribute to the support, mobilisation and collective agency of the community.

Poetics Music envisions a programme that connects diverse people to each other, providing an opportunity to share thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences. That way we promote culture of support, a collective identity and provide a space that allows for healing.

Where the bad news are good news, tabloids are socio-political bibles Where our nation makers are lawbreakers putting up acts acting like disciples “Give us today our daily bread”, is a daily request of the forgotten.

They are only remembered when time is close for election, With the free food, electricity, water and sanitation, For these youths a free sex education, Where casual sex is on as long as you “condomise, don’t compromise, scrutinise when you romanticise.”

Today’s girls talk is not about marriage or Aids, but rather about the pocket size Media gives us our daily bread with more blatant foolish lies Reality strikes in-between the eyes, it occupies between the thighs and all this is entertainment While the evil is being publicised.

One’s life is a Capitalists advantage to the doctors and masters causing our spiritual destructions, warfare and political disasters.

These gigantic, man-eating, blood sucking, natural disasters are being formulated by the select geographical and political elite.

They are walking out of the kitchens, into the boardrooms because they cannot stand the heat, For they believe it gets you blacker.

I mean check our Brothers and Sisters who living closer to the equator They come and call this the “dark continent” But to us, it remains as Africa.

Where they have made us believe that “Each man for himself and ‘God’ for all of us”, Crimes are committed against humanity but it is the very system that makes a fuss, But they are the most corrupt in pledges saying “In God we trust”.

Which God are they trusting, praising or praying?

Is it the very same one that they are systematically backstabbing (against his people) Forgive me if this sounds robust, radical or even blasphemic But I was once almost brainwashed and now I am unlearning all that was generated in ways systematic.

The Activator DECEMBER 2015

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AGENdA 2063 THE AFRICA wE wANT

(AFRICAN UNION’S VISION FOR AFRICA)

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AN APPROACH ON HOw TO MOVE THE CONTINENT FORwARd. Read more about Agenda 2063 at agenda2064.au.int

ASPIRATION 1

ASPIRATION 7

A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Africa as a strong and influential global player and partner.

ASPIRATION 2

ASPIRATION 6

An integrated continent that is politically united based on the ideals of PanAfricanism.

An Africa where development is peopledriven, unleashing the potential of its women and youth.

ASPIRATION 3

ASPIRATION 4

ASPIRATION 5

An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect of human rights, justice and rule of law.

A peaceful and secure Africa.

An Africa with a strong cultural identity, values and ethics.

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bE PITCH

REAdY! 1. PRePARe Practice, practice, practice! It’s a pitch, not a talk. You shouldn’t be up there talking your way through it. It should be well thought and powerful, with a strong introduction and a powerful conclusion.

Stay within your time limit (normally 3 – 5 minutes).

2. POWeRPOInt etIquette Use your slides wisely. Avoid paragraphs of writing and use images, graphs and photographs to help support your pitch.

A pictures says a thousand words, remember?

3. tIMInG Try to get your pitch appointment in the morning, when your panel/funder is feeling fresh and is not yet distracted by the tasks of his/her day.

4. DReSS tO IMPReSS You are selling your brand, so dress well and appropriately to what you’re selling.

5. Be COOL This will be easier if you know you’ve practiced several times and when you’re feeling confident about your research.

The panel will drill you with questions, trying to find the gaps in your project.

Leave no room for gaps.

6. Be PReCISe Don’t dilly-daddle around. Make sure your pitch and your responses to the panel are precise and straight-forward.

Avoid repeating yourself or being too vague.

Written by Activator Carrie, Switch Coordinator Email: carrie@activateleadership.co.za

THINGS TO REMEMbER bEFORE STARTING YOUR

bUSINESS PLAN 1.RESEARCH This needs to be done before anything else. Research your problem thoroughly. Research entails investigating your problem online, through books and through media.

Plenty of reading! It is also important to do some field work – get out there, into your community and speak to those who are being effected by the problem and other stakeholders. Remember that research never ends when you’re running a project. You always need to be aware of any new information, any changes and policy updates in order to keep your project updated and relevant. Not all of us enjoy research but it’s got to be done if one is to take their project and it’s impact, seriously.

2.INNOVATION Who else is doing similar work to you (especially in your area)? Is there an opportunity to partner or are you able to offer something wonderfully different than everyone else? Avoid repeating what others have done. This will help you secure outside support.

3.SUSTAINABILITY It is vital that your project is able to sustain itself without relying on continuous funding. We need to convince funders or investors that once their money has been utilised in a project, the project is able to keep running when that money is gone. A majority of startups that receive funding, fail within a year or two because they did not create a way to generate income after the funding received was spent. Let’s avoid making that mistake. Can you sell a product or a service on the side to help support your initiative?

4.NUMBERS The financial research is crucial. Know your numbers and budget. Seek financial advice if need be.

The Activator DECEMBER 2015

THE SwITCH

TURNING dREAMS INTO REALITY

s Activators, we are naturally inclined to observe our surroundings and we are constantly aware of our environments, social behaviour, trends and the stiches that come together to create our communities – each community being unique to the next. Due to our active imaginations and social awareness, we are constantly seeing the problems within our society but more importantly, we see a mass of opportunity and this is what makes us ‘change drivers’.

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Many of us have used the opportunities to create projects or businesses in our communities. There is also a large portion of us who have stumbled across an opportunity but are still unsure of what steps to take to use the opportunity to create something positive.

An opportunity can exist as a business idea or as a social impact project, however, as Activators our projects aim to influence those around us positively and we strive to contribute to the bigger picture.

Whether it be a for-profit or social enterprise, for it to be a success, one needs a clear, precise and well researched business plan. A business plan acts as the skeleton or the blue print of one’s actual project and this document is the first step one takes to selling our idea to funders, partners, financial loans and/or investors. When it comes to gaining outside support, especially financial support, a really good business plan is essential.

Switch is currently under construction and will be looking different for 2016 and beyond, with a strong focus on continuous project support, access to relevant resources, contacts and competitions (with awesome prizes). Steady mentorship will provide Switch projects to work through challenges and to bring strength when one feels like giving up. Outside experts will become available to those who work hard and keep at it.

Applications for Switch 2016 will be open online soon. Keep your eyes peeled!

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FROM DRUG ADDICT TO KASIPRENUER y name is X o l a n e Ngobozane and I am the founder of Viruz Empire Group (VEG), a strategic marketing company that specialises in media, artist and events management. Through my company, I am driving a change across South Africa by showing young artists the ropes of the music industry and contributing to the economic development in the process.

got opened to entrepreneurship and so my entrepreneurial journey began.

I and a group of friends formed a small organisation called Lime Light Art Foundation. We were teaching, guiding and motivating young kids to choose arts as a career.

Unfortunately, all of my partners had full time jobs and could not fully commit to our company so I started my own company. That is how VEG was born.

M

I am a proud Kasipreneur with initiatives that aim to create employment opportunities for the youth in the townships. Though I am still working towards my ultimate goal of making it big in the business world, I am proud of how far I have come from my early days of alcohol and substance abuse.

The eldest of ten siblings, I was born in Wattville, Benoni where I completed my primary and secondary education. While in high school, I developed an interest in dancing and got an opportunity to share a stage with the legendary Isicathamiya band, Ladysmith Black Mambazo in 1998. I started my own dance crew, Viruz Dance Group, in 2000 and met Kwaito star Mpilo Dilika, whom I choreographed and danced for.

I continued dancing throughout and after high school. During this period, I was introduced to drugs.

Without proper guidance, I started experimenting as a way of trying to fit in. I suddenly lost control and slipped deep into addiction. This was the worst period of my life.

The success I had in dance went to my head and I abandoned my principles.

I became arrogant and wasted most of my money on drugs and blew the rest on other meaningless things.

Addiction took control of my life and drove me to self-destruction. Before I knew it, I had lost everything.

It got to a point where I spent a month sleeping at a train station in 12

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Staying true to my social development passion, I have established an initiative called ‘Wash-a-sneaker’.

We wash sneakers in our community for people who don’t have time. So far I have hired two people and my aim is to hire more than 10 people by the end of 2016 and to also branch out to other township across South Africa. I have also hosted Ekurhuleni McDonalds Spring Fest, which for the past two years, has managed to hire 20 young people.

My efforts as a Kasipreneur are not going unrecognised.

My achievements include:

I started using drugs to fit in Johannesburg and waking up every morning to beg for money so I could buy drugs. The situation got too unbearable for me and I eventually went back home.

In 2008, I enrolled with Emzini Dramatic Arts in Soweto under the mentorship of stage veterans, Papa G and Duma Mnembe. This is where I was discovered by actresses, Thembi Nyandeni and Todd Twala for their international musical, Africa Umoja.

While with Africa Umoja, I went back to using drugs and this time I started drinking heavily as well. One day, due to a drug overdose, I collapsed resulting to hospitalisation. That was a turning point.

In hospital, I had time for a selfintrospection and to think long and hard about the future. I also used

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that time to reconnect with God. By the time I was discharged I had discovered my purpose in life and knew exactly what I wanted.

Back at home I was struggling financially and staying sober was not easy. However, I was determined to turn my life around and soon I started working at a public phone container to make money. I later came across the Adelaide Tambo Development Centre, a training and skills development facilities for the youth in Wattville. I started volunteering at the Centre as a social media manager and PA to the chairperson.

While volunteering, the Centre offered me an opportunity to complete an end user computing course as well as a leadership and skills development programme. This is when my eyes

•B est Youth Achiever at SAFU AWARDS 2013 • Young Entrepreneur on the Move at Ekurhuleni Mayoral Awards 2014 • Finalist at Standard Bank Rising Star Awards for Best Media and Advertising Company Owner • Youth Owned Business on the Move at Ekurhuleni Mayoral Awards 2015 It might be a little while before I reach my ultimate goals but the bricks I lay today are the foundation that can never be shaken. As they say, “don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.”

Written by Xolane “Voro Da Viruz” Ngobozana bookings.vee@gmail.com

Activate groups

COMPETITION Submit your

ideas and WIN! We are looking for the best Social Innovations, creative ideas you have formulated to tackle any challenge.

This can be just an idea or it can be an initiative you have already created.

To enter, please read competition details online at www.activateleadership.co.za/ socialinnovation All submissions would need to be in by end January 2016 with prize winners announced by end February 2016 – A panel of Activators will assist in selecting the prize winners.

Once you’ve downloaded the app. Connect with fellow Activators by joining groups or creating your own groups: Main Group (all Activators): Activate.org: PGKXX Year Groups: 2012 Activators: 2013 Activators: 2014 Activators: 2015 Activators:

3577N XDPGL JVKPL ZTTJ3

Focus Areas: Agriculture: J3T5N Business Development: 36GSA Child Rights: WJK4C Community Development: ZHZNF

The Activator DECEMBER 2015

Creative Arts: 6EF7X Crime Prevention: PQVQ4 Economic Development: W4K57 Education and Training: UHHPQ Environment:AU2L5 Gender: FNMEN Human Rights: WXS4M Lobbying and Advocacy: 8PHNJ Media and IT: F879E Rural Development: BBQ5H Social Work: JKWUC Sports: VXD9Q Youth Development: T7JK2

Provincial Capitals: Bhisho (EC): NCQNB Bloemfontein (FS): NKYU3 Cape Town (WC): ZBYQB Johannesburg (GP): 9BJU4 Kimberley (NC): GCPFU Mafikeng (NW): 6SAC4 Nelspruit (MP): U5EKG Pietermaritzburg (KZN): RXEZ5 Polokwane (LP): 23792

Provinces: Eastern Cape: LF6DD Free State: Q74WX Gauteng: BW6HV KwaZulu-Natal: JWDG5 Limpopo: FX37A Mpumalanga: ZF2ZZ North West: MB2VJ Northern Cape: MB2VJ Western Cape: GT56X

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NATIONAL

1664 ACTIVATORS Stations

SCHW

TAU

KURUMAN

UPINGTON

POSTMASBURG

DANIELSKUIL

WINDSORTO

KIMBERLEY DOUGLAS

SPRINGBOK STRYDENBURG

DE AAR

DORINGBAAI

VANRHYNSDORP

SALDANHA TULBAGH ATLANTIS PAARL CAPE TOWN FISHHOEK HOUTBAY

WORCESTER FRANSCHOEK STELLENBOSCH

KLEINMOND

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GRABOUW

STANFORD

HERMANUS

OUDTSHOORN

GEORGE MOSSEL BAY

KNYSNA PLETTENBERG BAY

CO

MALAMULELE MAKHADO LOUIS TRICHARDT GIYANI SASELAMANI LETABA LENYENYE GA-MAILULA

LEPHALALE

VAAL WATER MODIMOLLE

TANZEEN POLOKWANE MOETLADIMO MANKWENG HAENERTSBURG GA-SEKHUKHUNE VILLAGE MOKOPANE LEBOWAKGOMO HOEDSPRUIT JANE FURSE BURGERSFORT KWAGGAFONTEIN

BUSHBUCKRIDGE MKHUHLU SECUNDA HAZY VIEW HAMMANSKRAAL CULCATTA MARAPYANE LYDENBURG MAMELODI EAST WHITE RIVER KOMATIPOORT RANDBURG SUN CITY KWAMHLANGA MIDRAND EMALAHLENI PELLA MALELANE ALEXANDRA ZEERUST BRONKHORSTSPRUIT NELSPRUIT RUSTENBURG KRUGERSDORP PRETORIA ALBERTON DAVEYTON WITBANK MOGALE CITY TEMBISA CENTURION BARBERTON AUCKLAND PARK KEMPTON PARK MAFIKENG KOSTER MIDDLEBURG EKURHULENI BENONI BRAAMFONTEIN HENDRINA BOKSBURG JHB DELMAS BRAKPAN SPRINGS SOWETO MERAFONG BETHAL ORANGE FARM MEYERTON VEREENIGING ERMELO POTCHEFSTROOM VOSLOORUS EMBALENHLE DELAREYVILLE MATLOSANA KATLEHONG VANDERBIJLPARK VALKPOORT KLERKSDORP STANDERTON PIET RETIEF ORKNEY AMERSOORT PARYS KWANGWANASE AMSTERDAM WEIZER-RENEKE VREDEFORT PERDEKOP WOLMARANSSTAD WAKKERSTROOM FRANKFORT VOLKSRUST HEILBRON

UNG

KROONSTAD REITZ ODENDAALSRUS VENTERSBURG VIRGINIA BETHLEHEM SENEKAL PHUTHADITJHABA

WELKOM

ON DEALESVILLE

Y

VRYHEID

NEWCASTLE

NONGOMA

NKANDLA MTUBATUBA

HARRISMITH QWA-QWA LADYSMITH

EMPANGENI

BERGVILLE THABA NCHU

GREYTOWN

IMPENDLE DEWETSDORP

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NTUZUMA INANDA DURBAN PINETOWN AMANZIMTOTI

INCHANGA MBUMBULU UMLAZI

VRYHEID HIGHFLATS KOKSTAD

OLESBERG

KWADUKUZA

VERULAM CLERMONT

PIETERMARITZBURG BULWER

TROMPSBURG

RICHARDS BAY

ESCOURT

BLOEMFONTEIN BOTSHABELO

MATATIELE BARKLY-EAST

MOUNT FRERE UGIE

ELLIOT TSOLO MTHATHA

WHITTLESEA

HLUHLUWE

HARDING IZINGOLWENI BIZANA

UMZINTO HIBERDENE BIZANA PORT SHEPSTONE MARGATE

QUMBU LUSIKISIKI PORT ST. JOHNS

QUEENSTOWN IDUTYWA NQAMAKWE

CRADOCK

SOMERSET EAST

COOKHOUSE ZWELITSHA KINGS WILLIAM TOWN PEDDIE GRAHAMSTOWN

BISHO

MQANDULI DISTRICT

BUFFALO CITY EAST LONDON

UITENHAGE PORT ELIZABETH

The Activator DECEMBER 2015

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MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD AT THE NEXT MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS IN 2016 A

As citizens of a democratic country, we fortunately have a right to choose who should govern us. This right is backed by Chapter Two of our Constitution as part of the Bill of Rights. Yet again, in 2016, we will get an opportunity to exercise this right at the Municipal Elections.

The 2016 South African Municipal Elections will be held between 18 May and 16 August for all districts and local municipalities in every province. Closer to the time, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), which independently administers the elections, will release a calendar with exact dates and voting stations for each province.

only have to end at just casting your vote. The South African Constitution protects the right of any eligible citizen of the country to form a political party and contest the country’s elections. If you have genuine community concerns that you feel are not properly addressed by the ruling party you can even stand as an independent candidate at the elections.

Elections are a foundation of a democracy because they are a fair and effective process to establish a majority view. Municipal Elections are different from the National and Provincial Elections where you vote for a political party to get seats in the national or provincial legislature. Municipal Elections take place once every five years and you vote for a political party and a ward councilor to get seats at a municipal level.

In turn, the elected councils will elect the mayors of the municipalities.

Getting into the IEC’s list of elections for candidates is a relatively easy process. The legislative framework, IEC processes and procedures to register a political party or to become an independent candidate at local level makes this process possible.

In addition to your right to participate in free and fair elections, as a voter, you have other rights to ensure a smooth and fair voting process. All voters have the right to vote for the party or candidate of their choice in a safe environment. No one may force or offer rewards for a voter to vote a specific way or stop them from voting.

Voters have the right to secrecy and no-one will know how you vote unless you tell them yourself.

Ballot papers have no names or ID numbers on them and cannot be linked to a specific voter. Voters who cannot see clearly can bring someone they trust to vote for them. Illiterate voters have the right to get assistance from the presiding officer, watched by two party agents.

It is important to note that in order to vote, you have to be registered on the voter’s roll. For more information on how you can register to vote, please see page 7.

Your participation in the elections process does not

Since the first democratic municipal elections in 2000, every municipal election that followed saw an increase in number of registered contestants.

The 2011 elections recorded the highest number of political parties contesting the elections with an increased from 97 in 2006 to 121 in 2011, the number of independent candidates also increased by almost 13%, from 667 in 2006 to 748 in 2011.

According to Researcher and Policy Analyst, Malachia Mathoho, the role of smaller parties and independent candidates is essential in a democracy to defuse the absolute powers exercised by ruling parties in local councils. Smaller parties and independent candidates should not exist just to oppose. They should creatively protect and preserve the democratic freedoms by being actively involved in the operations of the council. They should ensure that people’s values are respected and their demands are delivered. They must also hold the government to account, stay in touch with their communities and show the relevance of politics to local needs.

In order to stand as an independent candidate for Municipal Elections, you will have to fit the following criteria as set by The Constitution:

What are you doing to make sure that young people around you make the MOST OF THESE elections?

The Activator DECEMBER 2015

andidates must live in the municipal area and C must be a citizen who is entitled to vote in the area. (It is not necessary for a ward candidate to live in the ward where they stand but they have to live in the municipality.) andidates may not have been declared unC rehabilitated insolvents (declared bankrupt by a court) or of unsound mind (also by a court order.) andidates may not be people working for the C council or employees of another government department who have been excluded by national legislation from standing. ny elected public representatives serving in A another council or other level of government may not stand (MPs, MPLs and councillors in other municipalities). nyone sentenced to more than 12 months in A prison after the end of 1996 may not stand.

I ndependent candidates can be nominated by 50 registered voters living in the ward deposit should be paid by parties and A independent ward candidates and will be lost if they fail to gain a certain percentage of votes here are no provisions for candidates to be T disqualified because of owing money to the municipality (arrears).

With a powerful right like voting for a government of our choice and an opportunity to participate in the running of our communities, the sky is a limit to making our country a better place.

Activator Kanyisa Booi is running a campaign to champion the importance of standing for election in the 2016 local government elections.

Get in touch with her to be part of the campaign on kanyisa@activateleadership.co.za

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SA FACES THE NASTIEST DROUGHT

IN OVER THREE DECADES s a result of the El Nino, a climate pattern that denies moisture to the sub-Saharan region, South Africa is currently experiencing the worst kind of drought since 1992. With an annual average rainfall of 464mm, compared to the 860mm average globally, South Africa is the 30th driest country in the world. Furthermore, the country’s water consumption averages to 234 litres per person per day, which is 26% more than the rest of the world (the global average is 173 litres per person per day). Such statistics are a confirmation that South Africa is officially experiencing a disaster.

A

According to Minister of Water Affairs, Nomvula Makonyane, the drought, which began in earnest in February, has put a strain on water supply across the country, affecting approximately 2.7 million households (18 % of the population).

Five of the nine South African provinces have been declared drought disaster zones. KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Free State, Mpumalanga and North West are the worst affected areas with an estimated collective 6 500 standalone rural communities currently experiencing water shortages.

One of South Africa’s most important tourist destinations and a home to most of the country’s sugar industry, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), is the hardest hit province by the drought with dams at an average 58% capacity. Three of its 18 large water supply schemes are at risk, and 42 of the 117 smaller schemes are affected by drought. As a strategy to avoid the situation from worsening, water supply to parts of KZN has been cut down by 50%, with communities not receiving water for six to eight hours per day.

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In Limpopo, chicken and livestock farmers have reported that hundreds of their animals have fallen victim to the drought in a turn that have financially ruined them and left households hungry. In Nwanedi, an irrigation area in the province, about 1 000 farmers were forced to reduce production by 50% because there is not enough water.

Early in November the government made a decision to intervene and set aside R3 million to provide emergency livestock feed. Even though the farmers welcomed this decision, they complained that it was already too late.

About 3 655 farmers from the subsistence and small holder sectors in Free State, South Africa’s biggest corn-growing province, are experiencing similar problems as a result of water shortages and lack of grazing. The province has resorted to drawing water from its second source, the Caledon River but there are fears that too may run dry.

The Department of Agriculture in Free State committed to R30 million to ease the consequences of the drought. Oupa Khoabane, MEC: Free State Agriculture said the funds are for buying animal food, medication and water.

To further alleviate the situation, the government has introduced water shedding. The system has been implemented in KwaZulu Natal since June this year. A certain amount of water is allocated to each household and businesses in the affected areas on a daily basis. Water restrictors, which restrict water flow by 30%, have been installed into taps in the eThekwini Municipality to ensure even distribution.

In addition to the drought, the restriction of water in the province is also due to non-payment of water services and continued high water usage patterns from households and businesses. The Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni metropolitan municipalities have also started implementing water restrictions.

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Despite those means and to the realisation of every South African’s fear, the drought has already started causing major damages to the crops production and economy. The most serious impact, other than the declining water supplies, is the severe effect on staple crops and, ultimately, commercial crops. This is expected to put pressure on food prices, with hikes likely in everything from maize and grain to meat, poultry and dairy products.

The United Nations’ food and nutrition working group released a report stating that the drought has caused a decline in maize production that had already led to an increase of 6.4% in food prices. The report found that South Africa’s maize production forecast estimates the 2015 harvest to be the worst in eight years. Therefore, an additional increase of between 15% and 20% in maize meal price is expected. Rising prices had already taken effect in some foods as early as April and May this year.

The government is spending about R350 million on measures to reduce the effects of the drought, such as drilling boreholes, upgrading infrastructure, capturing more rainwater and building desalination plants (facilities that make sea water potable). It will spend a further R95 million on water tanks and other steps to alleviate the drought.

According to a recent government report, R300 billion needs to be spent over the short term to avoid a full scale water crisis.

As it seems, it will be a while before the water crisis is a thing of the past.

The 2030 Water Resources Group, of which the Water Affairs department is a member, has calculated that by 2030, the demand for water will exceed supply by 17%. To avoid the worse from happening, it is up to the citizens to meet the government’s efforts halfway by saving as much water as possible.

WHAT ACTIVATORS ARE DOING TO ADDRESS THE WATER CRISIS: Activator and Environmentalist, Pearl Sekwati, runs a water saving educational project, ‘Mzansi Genius’. Through the project Sekwati educates children between the ages of six and 18 and gives a hands on experience focusing on waste water treatment plants, science museums, etc. Mzansi Genius aims to instill water saving principles and values to toddlers and teenagers.

013 Activator and water 2 research expert, Dr. Nosiphiwe Ngqwala, is working on a public water awareness drive whose aim is to mobilise people to take care of the environment. Dr. Ngqwala believes that by the time people to do something about the water crisis, it will be too late. ocal social entrepreneur and L founder of Water, Hygiene, Convenience (WHC), Paseka Lesolang invented an innovative water control device, Leak Less Valve.

Installations of this device can save approximately 12.6 million litres of water per year.

These savings will equate to R30 million. Lesolang invented the Leak Less Valve because 70% water is currently lost through toilets leaks.

I am also a supportive and collaborative social activist, so I do a lot of work in support and in partnership with other motivated youth.

FIVE minUTES with

What change are you keen to drive?

Getting to zero HIV infections, zero stigma and discrimination, zero AIDS related deaths. One that will result in a gender just and transformed society, where women and girls can make the choices about their own bodies, have full access and full choice to issues relating to their wellbeing and challenge historical beliefs that have shaped our perceptions of how we define ourselves.

Nomtika Mjwana

How are you driving change?

I am a Peer Educator/Facilitator (HIV/AIDS, Family Planning and SRH), I am a member of the Sexual Reproductive Justice Coalition, and the End Abortion Stigma Initiative (EASI). I am also a blogger and vlogger, as well as an ambassador for ZAZI- which is a national women empowerment campaign.

As a social communicator, I am working with activators towards starting an African story-telling media house (afro-stories.co.za), as well as a training programme for gender awareness and SRH for women and girls. Also through supporting other activators who wish to use my skills for purposes of development. I am there like a bear!

How has ACTIVATE! supported you so far in driving this change?

ACTIVATE! Has introduced me to a network of amazing young people.

The various lenses at which these people see the world and the steps they take towards changing it has helped me broaden my way of thinking and become much more idea-to-action oriented. From the training resources to the strategic relationships and the friendships, ACTIVATE! Has introduced me to my continent holistically.

WESTERN CAPE

What is your passion?

I am an unabashed feminist that is passionate about Sexual Reproductive Health, Gender Justice and HIV/AIDS. As a qualified and efficient communicator, I exercise this ‘passion’ through educating, facilitating and making use of media platforms to creatively share the message and create awareness.

What do you think is the priority in setting the agenda for our country in the next 5 years?

Broadening the currently limiting education system and introducing the “barefoot” (informal) aspect to it where young and old people can just learn their world according to how they respond to it. Through a broad and just education system (it does not even have to be a ‘system’), the constituents of social injustices in all aspects will start to erode.

Final Comment?

Visit my blog (nomtikamjwana.blogspot.com), stay healthy, discover and exercise your passion and hit me up if you’d like to organize a workshop/talk on Sexual Reproductive Health!

YOUTH

IN

TRANSFORMATION The Activator DECEMBER 2015

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Activate!

PROJECT MODEL

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THE Activate!

PROPOSAL TEMPLATE

The Activator DECEMBER 2015

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Activate ICONS Judith Mukuna Top traits: commitment to social justice; willingness to learn; negotiation skills and foresight Judith is an aspiring politcal political analyst, blogger, feminist and debater. She was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has been living in South Africa for more than 10 years. Even though she suffers from debilitating social anxiety and depression which makes even the smallest tasks impossible. She has always chosen to challenge herself and speak out whenever she sees injustice. She is one of the founders of the South African Debating Women Forum and an active social activitst. She strongly believes in intersectionality; learning from mistakes and all forms of equality.

Keeping track of important lessons in life is essential for growth. You will only remember what went wrong; what could have been avoided and what could be better when you take the time to analyse your mistakes.

Power question: What advantage do I have in my current position and how can I use this advantage to help others solve a problem?

Kanya “Bra Cash” Ximbi Top traits: organiser, motivator, energetic, passionate and all-embracing proficiency Kanya’s a youth worker who ran a programme named “Power Extreme” which empowers, inspires and motivates people. His vision was to transform people’s hearts and minds through behaviour and performance excellence in all areas of life.

I’m a dedicated, energetic, committed and passionate youth and community worker.

The work I’ve done has helped me to become proficient and provided me with extensive experience in development.

Power question: If I don’t act, who will?

Minah Basani Mkhavele Top traits: self determined, persuasive, intelligent, responsible, very confident, educator, learner, hardworker and passionate

Collective and will-driven thoughts can uplift up the passion of change. For as along as I am alive, I will keep on contesting for change in the world.

Power question: How can the youth drive change if they don’t come together to take charge?

Paul “Fosh Pilato” Mabote Top traits: accountable, analytical, persistent and creative Paul Mabote is a recording hip hop artist, music producer, actor and MC from Kagiso, West of Johannesburg. He is currently working on his first album, due for release in 2016.

I aim to leave an endible mark in life

Power question: How can you use what you already have to get what you don’t have?

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Need funding?

FAITH, GENDER SOCIAL ASSISTANCE, WELFARE, SPORTS & RECREATION Web: www.themotsepefoundation.org/ applyforgrant.html

Get in touch with these organisations for more info

Corporate Social Investment Manager

NETCARE LTD

UNILEVER FOUNDATION

Focus Areas BUILT ENVIRONMENT, DISABILITY, HEALTH ENDING VIOLENCE, CHILD ABUSE

Focus Areas CHILDREN,OVC, ECONOMICS, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, EDUCATION, ENVIRONMENT, NUTRITION, HEALTH, HIV/AIDS, SOCIAL ASSISTANCE/ WELFARE

Contact Person Sharlene Swart CSI Project & Funding Manager Tel: 011 301 0107

CORPORATE Social investment directory: ABSA

GENERAL MOTORS FOUNDATION – S.A.

Focus Areas JOB CREATION, BUSINESS SUPPORT, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Focus Areas BUILT ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION

Contact Person Gavin Mageni Head: Citizenship

Contact Person Roger Matlock General Manager

Email: gavinm@absa.co.za Tel: 011 350 9280 Web: www.absa.co.za

Email: roger.matlock@gmsa.com Web: www.gmsouthafricafoundation.com

Focus Areas ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION, SKILLS CAPACITY BUILDING Contact Person Elmarie Brooks Foundation Office Manager Email: ebrooks@oldmutual.co.za Web: www.oldmutual.co.za

Focus Areas HIV/AIDS, ACTIVISM, COMMUNITY ACTION, ADVOCACY & LOBBYING CORE COSTS, INFORMATION & AWARENESS

Focus Areas JOB CREATION, Small BUSINESS Contact Person Busisiwe Sithole CSI and Transformation Manager Email: busiswe.sithole@za.bp.com Web: www.bp.com

Email: himakshi@hivyoungleadersfund.org Web: www.hivyoungleadersfund.org

CIMPOR NPC

Contact Person Setlogane Manchidi Head of Social Investment

Email: radebet@cimpor.com Web: www.npc.com

Tel: 011 286 7189 Email: smanchidi@investec.co.za Web: www.investec.co.za

DG MURRAY JOHNIC COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY (JOHNCOM)

Focus Areas CHILDREN DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISABILITY, EDUCATION, EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT, LIBRARIES & RESOURCE CENTREs, MATHS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, TRAINING& CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

Tel: 011 280 3000 Web: www.johncom.com

Contact Person APPLY ONLINE

KFC ADD HOPE

Web: ww.dgmt.co.za/apply-forfunding/#apply-for-funding

EDCON

Contact Person Nthabiseng Tsita

Focus Areas EDUCATION

Email: nthabiseng.tsita@yum.com Web: www.addhope.co.za/how-to-apply/

Contact Person Innocentia Buthelezi

LAND BANK

Tel: 011 495 7152 Email: ibuthelezi@edcon.co.za Web: www.edcon.co.za

FNB

Focus Areas AGRICULTURE EMERGING FARMERS, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, DISASTER/EMERGENCY RELIEF, EDUCATION, HEALTH, HIV/AIDS, HOME-BASED CARE Contact Person Queen Mutheiwana Head of Social Investment

Focus Areas TERTIARY BURSARY, COMMUNITY CARE, PROGRAMME, SECONDARY MATHS & SCIENCE PROGRAMME, HOPSICE, HIV/ AIDS PROGRAMME, EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Email: qmutheiwana@landbank.co.za Web: www.landbank.co.za

Contact Person Pearl Naidoo FNB Fund Project Co-ordinator

MOTSEPE FOUNDATION

Email: pearl.naidoo@fnb.co.za

Focus Areas ARTS, DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION,

The Activator DECEMBER 2015

Focus Areas ARTS &CULTURE ECONOMICS, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, HEALTH, SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP, EDUCATION, SPORTS & RECREATION, TRAINING &CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT, ORPHANS & VULNERABLE CHILDREN (OVC) DEVELOPMENT Contact Person Gail Moat

Contact Person Weza Moss Corporate Manager and Government Affairs Tel :041 994 4399 Email: moss@vwsa.co.za Web: www.vwct.co.za

Focus Areas ANIMALS, EDUCATION, CLIMATE CHANGE, POLLUTION, CONSERVATION, RECYCLE/RE-USE, SUSTAINABILITY ENVIRONMENT BIODIVERSITY

Contact Person Henry Mushonga Group Community Manager

YARA SOUTH AFRICA Focus Areas AGRICULTURE EMERGING FARMERS DEVELOPMENT, RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Contact Person Eugene Miller General Manager Tel: 011 317 2000 Email: eugene.miller@yara.com Web: www.yara.com

Contact Person ADAM Due Global CSR Manager

TRUWORTHS LIMITED

Focus Areas ECONOMICS SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP, SUSTAINABILITY, HIGHER EDUCATION, LIFESKILLS, HEALTH, HIV/AIDS, MATHS, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, PRIMARY & SECONDARY SCHOOLING

Tel: 013 653 5491 Email: hmushonga@xstratacoal.co.za Web: www.xstrata.com

Focus Areas PROVIDES CONTAINERS WHICH CAN BE CONVERTED INTO CLASS ROOM, CLINICS OR LIBRARIES

Email: adam.due@safmarine.com Web: www.safmarine.com

VOLKSWAGEN

Focus Areas COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

SAFMARINE

XSTRATA COAL

Contact Person Bridget Ham Public Relations Manager Tel: 011-971-0800 Email: bridget.ham@revlon.com Web: www.revlon.co.za

Tel: 031 570 3328 Email: louise.duys@unilever.co.za Web: www.unilever.co.za

Tel: 021 657 6600 Email: csmith@wwf.org.za Web: www.wwf.org.za

Focus Areas HEALTH, CANCER, PALLIATIVE CARE, SOCIAL ASSISTANCE WELFARE

Contact Person Louise Duys Corporate Sustainability Manager

Contact Person Cynthia Smith

EVLON SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD

Focus Areas EDUCATION, ARTS & CULTURE, SPORTS

Focus Areas FOOD

Contact Person Natasha Beukes Human Resources Director Tel: 021 460 9400 Email: natashab@rextrueform.com Web: www.rextrueform.co.za

WWF NEDBANK GREEN TRUST

Focus Areas ECONOMICS TRADE, EDUCATION, LITERACY & NUMERACY, PRIMARY SCHOOLING ECD(INC PRE-PRIMARY)

Focus Areas EDUCATION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Contact Person Hlengiwe Radebe Transformation Ocer

Tel: 011 565 4300 Email: thembi.ndlovu@premierfoods.com Web: www.premierfoods.com

QUEENSPARK

INVESTEC

Focus Areas EDUCATION, ENTREPRISE, DEVELOPMENT & ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT

PREMIER FOODS LIMITED

Contact Person Thembi Ndlovu Promotion Coordinator

Contact Person Himakshi Piplani HYLF Program Ocer

Focus Areas ANIMAL RIGHTS, EDUCATION, FOOD, ENVIRONMENT CONSERVATION, SOCIAL ASSISTANCE, WELFARE

HIV YOUNG LEADERS FUND BP

OLD MUTUAL FOUNDATION

Tel: 021 460 7911 Email: gmoat@truworths.co.za Web: www.truworths.co.za

ZURICH INSURANCE COMPANY

Focus Areas CHILDREN, OVC, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION LITERACY & NUMERACY, PRIMARY & SECONDARY SCHOOLING, HIV/AIDS, YOUTH ENDING VIOLENCE SEXUAL VIOLENCE, VICTIMS OF CRIME|HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT, PALLIATIVE CARE, POVERTY RELIEF/ ALLEVIATION, SOCIAL ASSISTANCE, WELFARE, SOCIO-POLITICAL ISSUES Contact Person Zanele Malaza Marketing Manager Tel: 011 370 9111 Email: zanele.malaza@zurich.co.za

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FROM NGCELE TO MOSCOW:

ISASIPHINKOSI BREAKS THE CYCLE OF POVERTY ituated in the foothills of the Drakensberg, E a s t e r n Cape and deep into the rural areas of the small town, Maclear, Ngcele is my home. This is where I grew up with my six siblings in our grandmother’s house while our parents were out fending for us in different cities.

S

My name is Isasiphinkosi Mdingi and with my story, I want to prove to you that your background has little to nothing to do with your future. I want to show you that you can achieve your biggest aspirations regardless of any hardships you’ve had to endure along the way.

Currently, my parents are both unemployed. This is a misfortune but to my 7 years old self, this would have been ideal. During the development stages of my life my parents were not available due to employment commitments. Though my grandmother was always there to look after me and my siblings, my parents’ absence was significant and I longed for my mother’s affection. Without anyone knowing, including myself, my parents’ absence was the start of my childhood troubles.

When I was nine years old my parents came back home to settle with us.

This was exactly what I had been yearning for; a warm home with both of my parents available to attend to our every need. We moved out of our grandmother’s house to my parents’ house. This is would be the beginning of a daily nightmare. I expected a happy environment but instead my sisters

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and I would wake up to the screams of my mother every night and helplessly watch as my father brutally beat her up.

I woke up every day to carry on my daily routines as if nothing wrong was happening and pretended that my family was happy. Inside, I was filled with fear and anger. Fear for my mother’s life and anger towards my father for abusing her and putting the rest of us through that ordeal. The abuse became some sort of a norm to my family but it was consuming me.

Years later the beatings stopped and as my dad became older, he became a better person. He had a passion for politics, to which he introduced me at the age of 13. That sparked my interest in leadership, which later resulted to my appointment as the chairperson of Congress of South African Students.

Upon completing Grade 9 I had to move to Fort Beaufort to start high school.

Life at boarding school was not easy.

I remember at one point a girl got raped in my hostel. I never did anything about it, no one did anything. Months later people forgot about it and life just continued but it haunted me. In Grade 11, I got selected to be in the Top 40 of the Boxer Youth Leadership Programme and things started to look up.

pregnancy. The father of my child had vanished but I was not going to let that bring me down. During my first year I met four friends and together we started a mentoring project, Achievers Forum. We went to different schools, mostly in the deep rural parts of the Eastern Cape, to do presentations on different career choices. We did this with an aim of helping learners choose the right courses of study when they get to varsity.

My partners have left university so this year I am doing the project on my own and I have renamed it to Gifted Minds (GM). During visits I put specific focus on careers that are not common such as molecular toxicology and astronomy.

My biggest aim is for South Africa to be able to produce specialists in those fields.

2015 has been an amazing year! I decided to join the biggest family of young active citizens, Activate! and landed two great opportunities. I was at the first African Young Women Thrive Conference and I was selected to attend

I knew my dad would disown me and that I wouldn’t be able to get a bursary.

My dream of going to University of Cape Town (UCT) seemed bleak. I thought the only way out of that misery was suicide. I spent time planning my death and many ideas came to mind but in the end I could not bring myself to go through with it.

In the midst of all of this, one Sunday morning around 04:30 I received a call from my sister telling me that she had been raped. That moment it felt like my whole world was crumbling in front of me. Despite all the pain, I wrote my final exam and did very well. That gave me hope and right at the moment I decided to take charge of my life and not let circumstances define me.

Twitter.com/ActivateZA

That was a life changing experience and I still can’t believe that a young girl from Ngcele has crossed the ocean in pursuit of her dream. A month ago my fellow Activators recognised me as one of the most resourceful Activators.

In October, I was awarded Best Speaker in a debate competition at the JCI National Convention.

The debate was about one of the issues that I am most passionate about, women and child abuse and gender equality.

you playing small does not serve the world

Growing up, I was clueless as to what I wanted to do after high school. All I knew was that I wanted to go to university. However, a week before my matric final exam, at the age of 17, I fell pregnant. The timing was terrible and I felt like such a failure.

I enrolled at the University of Fort Hare.

Like many cases of teenage pregnancy, I was all by myself throughout the

Preparing Global Leaders’ Summit that was held in Moscow, Russia in July.

Isasiphinosi Mdingi

My high school teacher would always say, “Do not wait to be, work to be.”

I took these words and made them my motto, which I implement in my life every day. No matter how impossible it seems, work hard to achieve your dreams. You playing small does not serve the world.

Isasiphinkosi Mdingi endinakokulungile@gmail.com

Let’s Work Together Communication, Team building & sales

Writer, Researcher & Analysist

Photography Graphic Design & Web design

Public speaker Writer, Problem solver, socialist

Facilitator & Motivational speaker

Zama Nobovu

Karabo Monatisi

Bongikosi Masondo

Asanda Linyala

Bongumusa Dlala

Contact Details Email: zama.nobevu@gmail.com Cell: 082 972 9860 Region: Ekurhuleni

Contact Details Email: Pads4all@gmail.com Cell:087 803 9039

Contact Details Cell: 078 375 6657 Region: Bloemfontein

Contact Details Email: linyalaasisipho@gmail.com Cell: 0715187805 Region: Durban

Contact Details Email: udlala@gmail.com Cell: 083 576 8008 Region: Port Shepstone

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Customer service Co-ordinator & leader

Communication Managerial Capabilities Business Orientated Motivational speaker & Writer

Mpho Baisitse

Thabang Shai

Asavela Peko

Tshepo Sechele

Palesa Morei

Contact Details Email: mpho.baisitse@gmail.com Cell: 061 447 0235

Contact Details Email: Thabang998@gmail.com Cell: 082 922 2036 Region: Polokwane

Contact Details Email: pekoasavela@gmail.com Cell: 0737767045 Region: Cape Town

Contact Details Email: tvsechele@gmail.com Cell: 073 064 8785

Contact Details Email: morei@yahoo.com Cell: 082 443 5353/076 585 5777 Region: Bloemfontein

Auditing for NGOs & Financial Advice

Sub editing, Layout, Communication

always strive to inspire confidence in a dreamer!

FIVE minUTES with

Gift Phetogo Kgosierileng

G

ift Phetogo Kgosierileng is a 2014 Western Cape Activator who drives change by using a creative approach to uplifting the African Identity. He was recently selected as one of the top 40 Cape Town Fashion Design graduates and made it to the top 10. ACTIVATE! Took a few minutes to chat to him about this achievement.

What is your passion?

I am passionate about life firstly!! I really pay a lot of attention to dreamers and I love motivating young people to live and challenge themselves to exude the best of their abilities!! I am a social activist

The Activator DECEMBER 2015

that wishes to use creativity as a force to drive change. I am a fashion designer and I think translating my creativity through clothes is what fulfils me the most!

How are you driving change?

I always fail to be able to really give a direct answer to that question because I feel that every connection I have with people encourages change. I use social media and share my journey with people as a dreamer to inspire others. I have conversation with many people all the time and ensure to inject self-belief and encourage self-care to people.

My passion for fashion has allowed me to align my vision as a creative with the need to see young Africans become conceited about their African Identity through clothes. I use my label KGOSIRAY to challenge “modern slavery tendencies and mentalities”. The change I believe I advocate might not be able to be measured but it’s most fulfilling when you get a call from a friend and they tell you that they actually applied for their post-grad and they thank you for that. I

Tell us about your work as a designer.

When and how did it started?

I have always loved fashion. I remember being known in my township as “die moffie met die stukkende jeans” (gay person with the customized torn jeans).

I celebrated that. Probably because creating always came so naturally to me. 3 years ago I removed myself from security and my comfort zone and came to Cape Town to pursue my Diploma in Clothing production. I remember coming to Cape Town with nothing but a few Rands and a dream. Well I also came with a great cup of self believe and a sharp sense of resilience. It has been tough but because of my determination people started recognizing my work. Always the student being told that his work has no direction or was always misunderstood.

I really just remained true to my identity as a designer. My first collection “no modern slave” was inspired by my own journey of self-discovery as an African man. I love working with prints and bold African colours. I showcased 3 times this year as a final year student and it has been received well. Recently nominated as one of the Top 40 fashion graduates by the Cape Town fashion council. I think my work is a fashion philosophy and it’s very much aligned with a societal responsibility. That is to remind Africans that it’s perfectly fine to regard yourself as amazingly African and not let the western tell you differently.

Tell us about the Cape Town top 40 graduates’ achievement.

I think that was really unexpected as I doubt myself a lot at times, which I don’t think is a bad thing as I always challenge myself to do better. When I found out I am one of CT Top 40 grads I think it really just meant that once you give it your all and remain true to who you are, greatness just follows because something authentic, rustic, undiluted always spark curiosity and it’s easy to appreciate. I am really just humbled by that and I really am just proud of myself.

I think one of the highlights was meeting David Tlale and one of Africa’s top creative producers. It has been nothing

but a great pool of creative education from fashion photography, design, marketing, blogging and so much more.

The opportunity did however also spark job opportunities which I am not very keen on pursuing as I really just wish to do my own thing but reality reflects that through connection one gets to higher and greater places . So am looking forward to the brand growing more and also growing as a creative as I always regard myself as a “baby “in the arena.

What, in your opinion, sets your work apart?

I can rave about originality or whatever, truth is nothing created is authentically original. But I will not deny the uniqueness it carries. I think what makes a Kgosiray garment unique is that I don’t produce in mass, never repeat a style and I’m selling a story. The story of Africans being conceited about their culture.

It’s always moving when a guest at a fashion show would tell me that being at any of my shows is always inspiring as the story translated through my pieces and visual conceptualization (the music, make up etc.) is easy to comprehend and it makes them proud to be an African.

That’s amazing.

How can activators support you?

I believe activators can really just support young creatives, artists and entrepreneurs.

It’s really hard for a creative to firstly penetrate into the market, be respected, find a clientele and still retain an authentic identity or work style. I’m happy when we all just support each other by actually attending each other’s shows, buying ones products or even just sharing the word.

Final comment.

There was a point when I realised I had nothing left but my dream and yes… when you have nothing to lose, why not just take a chance? I took a chance by following my dream and I’m really just enjoying what King Jesus puts on my path. I’m foreign to giving up and make it priority to tell everyone to never give up. I’m excited about the future and I’m really just a young man that lives in a country with so much opportunities and I’m using every single one I can.

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wHAT I dO AFURAkANS CORNER

NERd AFRICA

VIRUS EMPIRE ENTERTAINMENT

Thandeka Radebe

Tumelo Motaung

Xolane Ngobozana

G.L.A. bUSINESS CONSULTANTS

AFRIkA TIkkUN Life skills Developer

NZALISEkO PRIVATE COMPANY

German Jacobs

Thandile Giyama

Nzaliseko Cutu

CITY OF CAPE TOwN Human Capital Support

RESEARCHER ANd CONSULTANT

Wandisile Mbhabhama

Lance Lyle Louskieter

Boitshepo Gaborone

R.AT.0

dEPARTMENT OF EdUCATION

(Rise Above The Odds)

(Library Practitioner)

wILL POwER

Nzaliseko Cutu

Action Setaka

Xolisa Right

E. radebetn@gmail.com

E. gjacobs@glaconsult.co.za

E. wandsilem5@gmail.com

E. nzali.cutu@gmail.com

M. 061 004 8294

M. 084 899 8595

M. 071 207 3844

M. 082 926 1083

GIVEAwAY

E. nerdafrica@gmail.com

M. 072 668 59 45

E. thandileg@afrikatikkun.com

M. 060 461 0766

E. nzali.cutu@gmail.com

M. 073 009 2953

M. 078 060 5934

dEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL dEVELOPMENT Assistant community development practitioner

E. lance.jouskieter@yahoo.com M. 083 739 0528

E. setaka.l@gmail.com

E. bookings.vee@gmail.com

M. 073 130 1465

E. boitshepogaborone@gmail.com M. 018 786 6019

E. wrightxolisa@gmail.com

M. 082 579 5667

GET CUSTOMISEd bUSINESS CARdS (branded with ACTIVATE! and your company/NGO).

the first 50 Activators who send their details will receive 200 business cards designed by fellow Activator: Mpho Baisitse.

Send your name and surname; company/NGO name and contact details to communications@activateleadership.co.za

26

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Twitter.com/ActivateZA

ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE

CHALLENGE: LET’S wRITE

OUR OwN NdP

the national Development Plan(nDP) outlines the country’s vision and outlines areas of focus (goals).

According to the plan, South Africa can realise these goals by drawing on the energies of its people, growing an inclusive economy, building capabilities, enhanching the capacity of the state and promoting leadership and partnership throughout society.

HeRe’S tHe CHALLenGe tO tHe netWORK: How could we take ownership of addressing the gaps that exist in our own communities? Could we write our own youth NDP that would help other young South Africans to engineer and drive initiatives towards a common goal, together?

Some of the gaps we know exist: Quality education Inequality Safety and security Quality health care Safe and reliable public transport Social protection Employment? Job Creation Clean enviroment Adequate nutrition Recreation and leisure Housing, water, electricity and sanitation How creative could we get with this challenge?

CHECk OUT OUR

NEw LOOk

EVENT CALENdAR:

wEbSITE

Add your event on the events calendar

CONNECTION HIVES:

Connect with Activators who live in the same area as you

PR TOOLkIT:

easy access to resources like a media list, event checklist tips on how to write a “killer” press release

The Activator DECEMBER 2015

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LET’S TALK...

HEAD OFFICE 087 820 4873 Chris Meintjes CEO Landy Wright Programme Director Carmen Morris Finance & Governance Renee Hector-Kannemeyer Training Programme Manager - 1st year INJAIRU KULUNDU Training & Quality Manager Lauren Daniels Training Programme Co-ordinator Althea Farmer Operations Manager PAUL VICARS Systems Manager Carmen Low-Shang Logistics Co-ordinator Alex O’Donoghue Network Support Manager ADAM ANDANI M & E Officer Mhlanganisi MAdlongOLwana Training Co-ordinator: SWITCH Carrie Leaver Co-ordinator Support: SWITCH TARRYN ABRAHAMS Events Co-ordinator Nelisa Ngqulana Communications Manager Nomtika Mjwana Communications Assistant Lulama Mali Social Media Officer ANDISWA MADINDA Administrative Co-ordinator Erika JouberT Community Development Course Co-ord Peter Davis Intern: from US

chris@activateleadership.co.za landy@activateleadership.co.za carmen@activateleadership.co.za renee@activateleadership.co.za

FIVE minUTES with

TSHEPO SECHELE

injairu@activateleadership.co.za lauren@activateleadership.co.za althea@activateleadership.co.za paul@activateleadership.co.za carmen@activateleadership.co.za alex@activateleadership.co.za adam@activateleadership.co.za mhlanganisi@activateleadership.co.za carrie@activateleadership.co.za tarryn@activateleadership.co.za nelisa@activateleadership.co.za nomtika@activateleadership.co.za lulama@activateleadership.co.za info@activateleadership.co.za erika@activateleadership.co.za peter@activateleadership.co.za

WESTERN CAPE NODAL OFFICE 087 820 4872 Ashley Roman Nodal Leader, Western Cape Lezerine Mashaba Nodal Co-ordinator, Western Cape Silindile Mncube Trainer Khayalethu (Casca) Johnson Trainer

ashley@activateleadership.co.za lezerine@activateleadership.co.za silindile@activateleadership.co.za

My name is Tshepo Sechele and I am26 years

casca@activateleadership.co.za

old. I was born and raised in the Vaal, Gauteng.

I currently reside in a small township,Bophelong close to

INLAND NODAL OFFICE 087 820 4874 Malusi Mazibuko Nodal Leader, Inland Caroline Mmabatho Seremane Trainer Sibongile Segobola Trainer Tebogo Suping Nodal Co-ordinator, Inland Ise-lu Moller Team Leader Melissa Nefdt Trainer

malusi@activateleadership.co.za mmabatho@activateleadership.co.za

SA’s largest steel manufacturing plant,Arcellor Mittal. I had a challenging upbringing because I grew up without my parents. My mom was working in Limpopo and my father was nowhere to be found.

GAUTENG Vaal

sibongile@activateleadership.co.za tebogo@activateleadership.co.za

I was raised by my grandmother and my closest friend was my cousin. I completed

ise-lu@activateleadership.co.za

my matric in 2007 and went on to study at the Vaal University of Technology in 2008

mel@activateleadership.co.za

whereI majored in Internal Auditing. While studying, I became actively involved with youth organisations from . I joined the local youth league and youth desk in Bophelong. I served as ordinary member and later served as an executive member.

KZN NODAL OFFICE 087 820 4875 Mduduzi Manci Nodal Leader, KZN Darian Smith Team Leader Koko Zaka Trainer Denese Reddy Trainer Nqaba Mpofu Trainer Kanyisa Booi Campaigns Co-ordinator Nontobeko Mbatha (Nazo) Nodal Co-ordinator, KZN

mdu@activateleadership.co.za

My mission was simple: to serve young people and my community. However, student life was one of the most challenging journeys of my life as it pushed me

darian@activateleadership.co.za

out of my comfort zone. You have to work hard to get what you want in life. And

koko@activateleadership.co.za

that saying became my daily bread as I had to focus on completing my qualification.

denese@activateleadership.co.za

On the other hand, finance was the second most devasting challenge I have had to

nqaba@activateleadership.co.za

face. But despite all these challenges, I emerged as a winner and became the first

kanyisa@activateleadership.co.za

one to graduate in my family. I am currently an equal partner in an arts and events

nontobeko@activateleadership.co.za

company called Big Gama.

Our work is to professionalise the work of artists in our area. We do events

CALL CENTRE 021 180 4440 Unathi Jacobs Call Centre Support Lelethu Godongwana Call Centre Support Jade Abrahams Call Centre Support Connar Louw Call Centre Support

with a cause and encourage artists to use to talent to put food on the table. I

callcenter@activateleadership.co.za

also run a campaign called ‘Make my day, Help a child.’ This campaign aims to

callcenter@activateleadership.co.za

encourage people to look after, love, give and protect children. Over and above that,

callcenter@activateleadership.co.za

I am the founder of a non-profit organisation called Hope Restoration Community

callcenter@activateleadership.co.za

Organisation. The purpose of this organisation is to empower people to become

www.activateleadership.co.za

active citizens in the society.

For auditing services for your NGO or financial advice for your small business contact Tshepo Sechele attvsechele@gmail.com

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