YOUTH LEADERSHIP & ACTIVISM PROGRAMME: BUILDING A GENERATION THAT IGNITES CHANGE
We are proud to share our impact during the 2025/2026 reporting period.
Across Gauteng, young people continue to demonstrate that they are not merely beneficiaries of change, but active participants in shaping the future of their communities. Through civic education, entrepreneurship, academic support, leadership development, anti-corruption initiatives, and youth-led activism, the programme is empowering a new generation of active citizens committed to building a fair, democratic, and non-racial South Africa.
Today, the programme comprises more than 4,280 youth club members across 60 youth clubs operating in communities throughout Gauteng. These clubs provide safe spaces for learning, dialogue, community service, and civic engagement, while equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate complex social, economic, and political challenges.
During the year under review, the programme reached 854 young people across 50 communities through civic education workshops focused on democracy, accountability, constitutional values, and active citizenship. Through a partnership with ABSA, 500 young people from 58 youth club areas participated in the Entrepreneurship Summit, exposing them to opportunities for innovation, economic participation, and entrepreneurial development.
The Foundation also continued to strengthen educational support through the Billy and Elsie Nair Project, which expanded from two schools to three schools in 2026. The programme reached more than 300 learners through academic support in Mathematics, Physical Science, English, and Mathematics Literacy while helping young people draw connections between liberation history and contemporary social justice challenges.
Recognising the importance of digital literacy in an increasingly connected world, the Foundation extended digital skills and computer training opportunities to more than 50 young people through the Ahmed Kathrada Lenmed partnership. In addition, one young person from each of the Foundation’s 60 youth clubs participated in digital ethics and social media training aimed at promoting responsible online engagement and combating misinformation.
The programme’s commitment to ethical leadership and accountability was further strengthened through anti-corruption initiatives delivered in partnership with Corruption Watch and GIZ. Thirty workshops were held in 30 communities, empowering young people to identify corruption, understand accountability mechanisms, and become advocates for integrity within their communities.
Youth leadership was also strengthened through the Foundation’s annual Youth Summits and Youth Camp. Throughout the year, three Youth Summits and one Youth Camp brought together more than 150 young people at each gathering to learn, strategise, build networks, and deepen their understanding of democratic participation, leadership, and social change.
Another significant milestone was the mobilisation of 192 youth election observers during the 2024 National Elections, demonstrating the programme’s commitment to strengthening democratic participation and accountability.
The Foundation also launched the #YouthLivesMatter campaign, which focuses on active citizenry, youth economic empowerment, education, and climate justice. The campaign seeks to amplify youth voices while encouraging meaningful action on issues that directly affect young people and their communities.
Looking ahead, the Foundation is rolling out its Youth Activism Training Manual as part of the bigger strategy to strengthen youth leadership structures and expand the programme’s reach. The goal is to grow from 60 youth clubs to 100 youth clubs by 2029, ensuring that even more young people have access to opportunities for leadership development, civic engagement, and community action.
The achievements highlighted here would not have been possible without the support of our partners, donors, volunteers, youth leaders, educators, and communities. Their continued investment enables the Foundation to nurture young leaders who are committed to confronting injustice, promoting accountability, and building stronger communities.
Together, we are building a generation that ignites change.
