Name: Dikatso Malapile

Province: Gauteng

Dikatso describes herself as a young, energetic networker and change driver full of passion for what she does. She says she is not easily broken and is persistent when it comes to things that matter the most.

Why did you decide to be part of the ACTIVATE! Network?

I decided to be part of the network because I saw how Activate empowers and equips young people to drive change in their communities by following the proper channels. I knew that it would give me the right foundation for the projects I’m working on.

What did you enjoy the most about training?

I enjoyed the discussions because at that point in time having different points of views broadened my mind even more and I also enjoyed module 2 when we were doing project planning.

How has training helped you or changed your perspective?

Training helped me realise that my voice matters!! It also showed me that I have always had what it takes to bring about the change I desire in my community, the only thing that was needed was to be pointed in the right direction of how to get things done.

What do you think the role of the youth is in developing the country?

It is evident that when it comes to the youth, we have to push harder in order for people to take us seriously. I picked up that we don’t necessary have to use violence to get heard, if we all connect to each other we can all use the different resources we have to develop our country.

What is your field of interest?

At the moment I am interested in empowering the youth, but mostly substance abusers as I believe that most of them are lost and they need someone to bring about what they think they are not capable of doing anymore. 

I started a fundraising campaign called “The vision,” with indiegogo. It would be great if Activate along with other Activators helped spread the word to help us raise funds for the rehab center. If anyone can help even if its not in the form of money please contact me: malapiledikatso@gmail.com 

How are you driving change in your community?

At the moment I am trying to raise funds so that I can have a rehabilitation center built in my community, and I am also working with other Activators on different projects.

Now that you have completed training, how do you plan to keep active in the network?   

The only way to keep active is to keep connected, every time an Activator has an event it is important to attend because even in such events one gets to meet new people who might help with what I’m working on so to remain active one needs to stay connected and up to date. 

What are your plans for next year?

Hopefully I will have the land by then so by next year I’ll be working on getting the center up and going.

How will you be involving the network in your plans?

We’ll be having fund raising events so that’s when we’ll be involving the network because we’ll need different materials for example posters by Activate! It will be really helpful for us.