A year ago the network found the need to establish the writer’s hub in response to a need that the national youth network ACTIVATE! Change Drivers recognized. The Writer’s Hub was established with the intention of enabling the 5000 members of the youth network to contribute to national conversations on a range of issues impacting young people and to share genuine experiences of their communities.

After a national recruitment within the network and the general public, the hub produced 20 young people nationwide who write weekly on the affairs of the network and matters that affect young people nationally and globally, and this has crafted and shaped the national discourse amongst hundreds and thousands of youth through their programmes such as the Writers Hub to craft an inspiring narrative and to guide the national discourse.

The Writers Hub, not only has it been a source of hope but source of inspiration, an incubation of future progressive media personalities and a light bulb for the network, to change the narrative and inspire new hopes and beliefs in the hearts and minds of all South Africans, for this reason our thematic view as the Writers Hub is “our stories will be told by us.”

Furthermore, members of the writer’s hub illuminate issues they experience in their communities and at times these are the stories that never make it to mainstream media. These young people are making sure that the untold stories are shared as authentically as possible. Their efforts have garnered national media attention, and their articles have appeared in several media outlets, such as news24, City Press, The Star, NGO Connect SA, Polity news, and IOL. This is a testament to the Hub members’ pride and serves as a reminder of the value of their voices and their bravery in writing and speaking the unsaid.

Although mastering the craft has not been easy, the hub was able to organize skills development workshops, and an opportunity for its members to receive Citizen Journalism training at Wits University.

The hub’s goal is to improve members’ writing abilities by giving them the tools they need to develop their story-telling abilities and effectively share community stories. This is accomplished through capacity building, mentorship sessions and one one-on-one guidance by Zamayirha Peter to sharpen the skills of the members.

Reflecting on the hub, Communications manager Zamayirha Peter, tasked with the role of establishing the hub and mentoring its members reflects on the year-long growth; “Our members have grown from budding, aspiring writers to established thought leaders. Their writing captures well the experiences, challenges, and realities of young South Africans, documenting national and communal life through their unique and authentic voices.”

One such member is Mpho (MrSir) Matlhabegoane who shared the following, “At The Writers Hub, every voice matters. From love poems to community projects, political elimination, and poignant people’s experiences of pain and strategy, their team of youthful, enthusiastic, and dynamic writers covers it all. All stories that were never extensively heard are covered by the writer’s hub, so voices that are difficult to shout or express are heard in several ways.”

Secondly, 2022 Activator Nontsikelelo Khunju shared her heartfelt growth and experience of being part of the hub,

“The Writers Hub has been one that has been of impact for the readers and writers alike. I strongly believe that no one continuously goes back to consume content that they feel is of no value or bearing to them, therefore, the data shared regarding the number of reads the Hub’s work has celebrated since its inception is proof that the work is worthwhile, relevant, educates and empowers. Personally I have grown as both a writer and an active citizen within my community. My writing has found a space of exposure and my voice is no longer displaced.”

Thirdly, the experience of Londiwe Mnguni has been of constant learning, considering herself an aspiring thought leader and adopting a student mentality.

Some hub members learnt the art of finding their own voice, for instance Thatoyaone Moepetsane, 2018 Activator had to say the following, “The Activate! Change Drivers Writers Hub empowered me to enhance my writing skills, financial stability, and networking opportunities with fellow emerging writers, culminating in publications on online media platforms.”

And, Jennifer Mdluli, member of the writer’s hub, sees the platform as an opportunity for personal expression, authentic storytelling and a journey of continuous growth.

Summing up, Lebogang Victor Ditsebe, 2018 Activator a member of the Writers Hub alludes to his experience being a season of crystalizing his skills.

Thus making every writer’s path different, influenced by their own subjective experiences, objectives, and the always changing publishing industry.

Rammolotsi Sothoane, Program Manager of Generation G said, “The writer’s hub made it possible for us to place young people at the helm of documenting the realities we find in communities. writing allows us to reach their communities directly and empowers them to recognize their voice. as a programme, we always encourage young people to use different outlets towards the collective call of realizing a gender just and violence-free society with and for young people. “

This uniquely nailbiters the Writers Hub with a war cry, “OUR STORIES WILL BE TOLD BY US!”, enabling all members of the network and Writers Hub with belief the 2025 will be a of fresh, cutting-edge stories as they seek to pay it forward in their communities, by sharing the skills gained through the hub’s experience, “leaving no one behind.”

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Written By: Londiwe Mnguni, Jennifer Mdluli, Nonhlanhla Dube and Lebogang Victor Ditsebe.

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About ACTIVATE! Change Drivers

ACTIVATE! Change Drivers is a multi-sectoral youth development programme with a national network that in the past 10 years, has delivered a leadership development programme to over 4325 young people from across the country, with tools to enable platforms for youth leaders to connect, share ideas, and be empowered to become active change drivers in their communities.

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For media inquiries:

Follow Activate Change Drivers on social media: @ActivateZA

Zamayirha Peter, Communications Manager, Activate Change Drivers | Call: +27 76 322 3598 | Email: communications@activateleadership.co.za