24 October 2016

YOUNG LEADERS EXPLORE EC & GAUTENG IN SEARCH OF A PATH TO AN IDEAL FUTURE

ACTIVATE! Change Drivers, a network of young South Africans, is testament to the possibilities of realising a better South Africa by 2030, as contemplated in the National Development Plan. From 26 to 28 October 2016, the Network embarks on a bus journey at key historic sites in Eastern Cape and Gauteng. During this journey, 36 members of the Network, known as “Activators” who hail from all parts of the country will attempt to reconnect with the past so they can understand the present, in order to elevate their work towards a vision for a country of their longing.

“This journey isn’t just about being at these sites, but it’s also about sharing hope and inspiration that a vibrant network of young leaders exists and so many great things are coming out of it already,” says Chris Meintjes, CEO of ACTIVATE! Change Drivers.

The journey will form part of a new three-part reality television reality, #Activating2030: A! Journey, produced by Urban Brew Studios. It will cover topics such as roots and identity; black consciousness and leadership. Here’s what the journeuy will look like:

Day 1:

• GP:  The journey will start at the Cradle of Humankind with Dr Nonhlanhla Vilakazi, a doctor of paleoanthropology and a sangoma, who will re-connect the Activators to their origins in a unique spiritual and historical way.  This day will end with a fireside chat at Constitution Hill.
• EC: Activators will visit the East London Museum, where they will discuss the evolution and extinction before walking in the footsteps of ancient humans at the Nahoon Point Nature Reserve. At the end of the day, they will relax around a fire with a member of the Sandile Royal Clan exploring how traditional leaders can support and work with young leaders running transformation projects in their villages.

Day 2: 

• GP: Activators will visit John Vorster Square and the Apartheid Museum. Artist, Pat Mautloa will talk about his artwork “Simakade”, which is a testament to the courage and resilience of people that were previously detained there.
• EC: Activators will visit the Steve Biko Centre and Biko memorial sites and engage with the legacy of Steve Biko and Ahmed Timol. 27 October is the anniversary of Timol’s death in detention at John Vorster.

Day 3:

• GP: The Hector Pieterson Memorial in Soweto will be visited. Seth Mazibuko will share his experience during the ’76 student uprisings. They will then progress to Freedom Square in Kliptown.
• EC: Activators will visit the University of Fort Hare and will tour historical sites on the campus such as Beda Hall, Robert Sobukwe Walkway and Freedom Square.  This activity will highlight the role of the university in the development of illustrious leaders and political consciousness. Current students will talk about issues that face them now and provoke a conversation on alternative ways of developing youth outside of universities.

“This platform will allow me to interact and engage in a dialogue of a different nature and on different issues that we hardly talk about. The journey also provides a platform where Activators can showcase how they are trying to change communities,” says Lisa Silwana, an Activator who will be participating in the Eastern Cape journey.

A social media campaign, including a live blog (www.activateleadership.co.za/journey) of the journey as it unfolds, will track these activities over the duration of the tour, taking the debate to a national level and co-creating a vision for 2030.

ends. 

NOTES TO EDITORS:

• ACTIVATE! Change Drivers is a network of 2000 young change makers across South Africa who are finding innovative ways to transform their communities and the country as a whole. The Network connects these young people and equips them with necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in their respective efforts.
• Journalists are welcome to interview these young leaders on location
• Follow conversation on Twitter via @ActivateZA on #Activating2030

Issued by ACTIVATE! Change Drivers. For more information please visit www.activateleadership.co.za

For media related queries, please contact:

Nelisa Ngqulana

Communications Manager: ACTIVATE! Change Drivers

Email: nelisa@localhost (cc: communications@localhost)

Cell: 073 817 8017