Palesa Ramonyalioa (30) from Sasolburg in Free State is part of the 2020 Cohort whose training had to, under lockdown restrictions, digitize. Ramonyalioa’s plans this year entailed capacitating herself as much as possible because she believes that nothing is constant in this life; things are changing; new innovations are being introduced, so she always wants to stay ahead and be ready for the opportunities she is praying for. When asked why she wanted to be part of the ACTIVATE! network she responded:

I’m usually someone who prioritizes her personal development as well as challenging herself to try new things, I decided to be part of Activate Network to grow my capacity on my journey as someone who’s passionate about people development.

Ramonyalioa especially enjoyed that the platform they were using was data free – which meant they didn’t have to worry about missing training because of resources. Secondly, the facilitators created a conducive space to interact with fellow participants and the safe space to engage, learn and have fun. In her own words: “You guys rock Lerato, Jacqueline, Denese, Sandile & Baxolisile!” 

Consequently, it is her belief that the youth play a huge role in driving meaningful development to the country without undermining their power. According to Ramonyalioa, youth should prioritize personal development because she has learned that if you discover yourself, you discover your true power and that is the power needed to develop this beautiful country; to push it forward; to make it better for the next generation.

On that note, her field of interest is in education – be it formal or informal education. She believes everything falls and rises on education, and youth must never undermine its power. With community development at the heart of what she does, driving positive change within the community through written and spoken word is her niche. As a trained personal development coach, she offers life-coaching services and leadership development. Additionally, she also does one-on-one coaching and group coaching. 

But that’s not all… Here’s a brief summary of her community initiative where she is a Project Coordinator 

Youth Talk is a division of Global Business Roundtable Future Leaders local chapter that focuses on the holistic development of a young leader. The focus of Youth Talk is building the next generation together. Today, young people in South Africa are confronted with different challenges such as unemployment, substance abuse and other forms of inequality. As the most dominant population group in the country, the youth has a capacity to drive change in South Africa. Building the next generation ensures that the youth is better equipped to take up critical roles in society and move the country forward. Moreover, we are actively seeking solutions to remedy social ills that may hinder young people’s full and meaningful participation in the economy. “

Ramonyalioa concludes by saying that her biggest achievement to date is seeing parents wanting to be part of this project and supporting them in all levels. She further appreciates the support of local churches and the local radio stations. Seeing young people being committed to their development is a good story to tell. One of the greatest scholars on the continent, Frantz Fanon once said “each generation must, out of relevant obscurity, discover its mission fulfil it or betray it.”