In an attempt to recognise young South Africans who are taking charge as pro-active citizens, pioneer excellence and service to humanity, Koketso Marishane was presented with a prestigious honorary award from the Junior Chambers International – South Africa for the work he does for the country.

“We’ve implemented the JCI TOYP program to formally recognise young people who excel in their chosen fields and create positive change. By recognizing these young people, JCI raises the status of socially responsible leaders in this world. We’re also actively participatig in promoting the Africa Union’s Agenda 2063 which is a global strategy to optimize the use of Africa’s resources for the benefits of all Africans”, said JCI Sandton President, Ms. Sandra Makoni.

“JCI focuses on developing skills, knowledge and understanding among young South Africans. The purpose of the organisation is to empower youth to be able to make informed decisions and take action to address the critical challenges of their time. JCI South Africa is a member of Junior Chamber International (JCI), an international membership-based non-profit organization of 200,000 young people age 18 to 40 in 5,000 communities and more than 100 countries around the world. JCI is affiliated to the United Nations and seeks to establish networks of young people committed to making a positive impact on their communities and creating sustainable change”, said Bridgett Majola, JCI SA National President.

“I’m humbled by the recognition from JCI Sandton – South Africa for my inclusion on their 10 Top Outstanding Young Persons in the country, also appreciative of the recognition as this shows that the work we do for our country both nationally and internationally is noticed. I’m also grateful for this recognition which affords us to compete for the 20 Top Outstanding Young Persons in the World later this year in Europe. I’m  most particulary thankful to them for noticing my deep love for South Africa, the desire to serve my community and the country, and a determination to be a part of solving the challenges (problems) that affect society and that hamper socio-economic growth in the country. And Because I do a lot of extensive travelling in and outside the country in my work, I therefore continue to see my role in this country as one that carries the responsibility to my peers and to the entire younger generation of South Africa to give impetus to the importance of a generational mix, and now more than ever, the importance of placing young people in positions of responsibility moving forward”, concluded Marishane.

The Junior Chambers International 10 Top Outstanding Young Persons of the World program was this year hosted at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory in Johannesburg and is supported by Brand South Africa.