By: Lebohang Zimba

South Africa’s youth have demonstrated themselves as resilient innovators facing significant social and economic challenges. Yet, the enduring impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to exacerbate existing barriers that threaten their ability to thrive fully and meaningfully. Responding to this, ACTIVATE! Change Drivers has pivotally empowered young leaders by offering vital resources to sustain and scale their transformative efforts.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Since its inception in 2012, ACTIVATE! Change Drivers has been a beacon for youth empowerment in South Africa, to date it has impacted millions of South Africans through its training of its network where more than 5000 young people have graduated from to become youth leaders known as Activators. The organization fosters collaboration, skill-building, and meaningful societal contributions through its initiatives.

In 2020, ACTIVATE! Responded to the pandemic by introducing a COVID-19 Relief Fund that supported 25 initiatives. Recognizing the need for sustained support, the organization evolved this effort into the A! Network Fund in 2022, the fund served as a platform to provide financial and non-financial resources to existing initiates of activators, broadening its scope to bolster resilience and innovation within the Activator network.

The 2024 A! Network Fund: A Commitment to Empowerment

This year’s A! Network Fund was launched on Mandela Day and successfully reached 35 youth-led initiatives. The fund has provided resources to seven initiatives from provinces such as Limpopo, North West, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Free State. Priority was given to projects that demonstrate innovation, collaboration, and sustainability, with a special focus on rural and semi-rural communities. Aligning with the ethos of providing “a hand up, not a handout,” the fund underscores the belief that Activators are self-reliant change agents who can catalyse progress with the right support.

The 2024 fund allocated a total of R70, 000, offering R10, 000 each to:
-Four business initiatives and three non-profits: Supporting start-ups, cooperatives, and social enterprises, including those tied to the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP).
 – Rural and semi-rural focus: Targeting projects in underserved areas to address unique challenges and unlock potential.

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Stories of Impact and Transformation

The A! Network Fund has already empowered four remarkable initiatives, reflecting the diversity and impact of youth-led ventures across South Africa:

1. Rhenoldah Mogaladi – NEATEN 112 (Limpopo)
   Rhenoldah’s cleaning company provides tailored services, creating jobs and empowering her community. With the fund, she has expanded operations and improved service quality. She expresses gratitude to ACTIVATE! For inspiring her growth and confidence.

Contact: +27 79 268 8669 | mogaladirhenoldah@gmail.com

2. Thabang Khaye – DELIVERED (Pty) Ltd (North West)
Thabang’s delivery service connects communities through reliable logistics. The fund enabled operational enhancements, helping him revolutionise the sector while creating employment.

Contact: +27 73 858 5667 | deliveredptyltd@gmail.com

 3. Phetheho Lesibane – Villiersdorp Youth Development Programme (Western Cape)
This non-profit addresses youth empowerment through life skills training, education, and community engagement. The fund has expanded its reach, fostering personal and professional growth among the youth.

Contact: +27 83 206 0220 | phetheholesibane@gmail.com

 4. Ayandza Nkosi – Thol’olwaza Youth Centre (Mpumalanga)
 Ayandza’s youth centre empowers local youth to thrive in a tech-driven world. With laptops and Wi-Fi, the centre now provides enhanced educational and career services.

Contact: +27 82 437 4547 | tholulwaziyouthcentre@yahoo.com

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A Vision for South Africa’s Future

2024 A! Network Fund represents more than financial support-it is a movement to harness the potential of South Africa’s youth as catalysts for transformation. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, ACTIVATE! Change Drivers is not only empowering individuals but also contributing to the vision of an inclusive and resilient society.

Join the Movement

The fund’s impact will ripple far beyond its beneficiaries, inspiring hope and progress nationwide. To support these initiatives and/or join the ACTIVATE! Network, visit www.activateleadership.co.za, contact Lebohang Zimba the Network Support programme at 087 820 4874 or email info@activateleadership.co.za to contribute directly.

Together, let’s build a brighter future driven by the energy, creativity, and determination of South Africa’s youth.