Celebrating Youth Month: Inspiring Young South Africans Making Waves
As we celebrate Youth Month, we also commemorate the 49th anniversary of Youth Day on June 16, a significant date that honours the courageous students who marched against oppressive apartheid education policies during the Soweto uprising in 1976. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of our youth in the face of adversity.
Today, we shine a spotlight on some remarkable young South Africans who are not only making a name for themselves but also representing our nation with pride.
Their stories are a source of inspiration, showcasing the potential of our youth to drive change and innovation. Let's dive into the achievements of these outstanding individuals!
1. Fanelesibonge Mbuyazi (27)
Fanelesibonge Mbuyazi is a trailblazing software engineer at MultiChoice, where she combines her coding skills with artificial intelligence to optimize business processes. Beyond her technical prowess, she leads corporate social investment (CSI) projects for DSTV Media Sales, having successfully executed a significant initiative last year and currently managing four more. A Black Women in Science Fellow since 2022, Fanelesibonge represented South Africa at the BRICS Future Skills for Mobile App Development competition in 2023. Her innovative spirit shone through when she created a VR film and AR app for the Fakugesi African Digital & Innovation Festival. As the founder of Seen, a start-up aimed at empowering photographers and videographers, she is dedicated to streamlining client connections and ensuring financial security for creatives, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Fanelesibonge believes in the transformative power of education and opportunity, envisioning a future where all South Africans can thrive.
2. Almaaz Mudaly (19)
At just 19, Almaaz Mudaly is already making significant strides as a climate change activist. A former student at Roedean School, she serves as a high school liaison for the Youth Climate Action Plan at the South African Institute of International Affairs. Almaaz's influence extends to shaping climate policies at various levels, and she is an award-winning debater and speaker who passionately advocates for youth inclusion in climate discussions. Her international representation has led to her involvement in drafting climate statements and coordinating innovative community projects focused on food security and sustainability.
One of her proudest achievements is launching the South African youth parliament on climate change, uniting over 100 groups from diverse backgrounds to contribute to the South African Youth Climate Action Plan, which was presented to the Presidential Climate Commission and at COP 26.
3. Emogine Bohitile (27)
Emogine Bohitile is carving her path as a candidate legal practitioner at ENSafrica, Africa's largest law firm. Her responsibilities include legal drafting, research, and estate administration, while she also pursues her specialization in intellectual property law through the South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law (SAIIPL). Recognized with the Golden Key International Honour Society medal for her academic excellence, Emogine is driven by her passion for technology and its intersection with law. She is particularly fascinated by how innovations like AI are reshaping legal landscapes. "The challenge of navigating complex legal frameworks and safeguarding innovation inspires me," she shares. Emogine is currently preparing for her SAIIPL examinations, eager to make her mark in the field.
4. Goodman Lepota (31)
Goodman Lepota began his career at Google as a senior accounts manager before founding Preamble, a platform dedicated to exploring geopolitics and business insights in Africa. Through engaging long-form documentaries and short videos, Preamble has garnered over a million views on YouTube and reached 1.3 million accounts on Instagram. Growing up in a Johannesburg township and later studying in New York, Goodman is passionate about providing valuable knowledge to South Africans, both at home and abroad. He envisions Preamble as a tool for empowerment, helping the estimated one million South Africans living overseas to understand their homeland better and encouraging them to return with their skills. Goodman is focused on building revenue for Preamble and ensuring its continued growth.
Extra Special Mentions
Let's also celebrate the rising stars from Dotcom Africa, including talented individuals from the IT Department, Accounts, Admin, and Sales. Their contributions are vital to the success of our company and exemplify the spirit of innovation and dedication that defines South Africa's youth.
As we honour these remarkable young leaders, let their stories inspire us all to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in our communities. Together, we can build a brighter future for South Africa, just as the brave youth of 1976 envisioned!
Comments
My biggest achievement in school was when I came second in the entrepreneur awards by Gift of the Givers, which encouraged me to strive in business up till today. I'll never forget that moment; it was truly a stepping stone in my life
I was active in sports mainly hockey. I earned my KZN colours while at school for which I have won many awards for both school and for national games
I've always been drawn to the creative side of things. Back in high school, I actually worked as a paid cabaret artist, and years later, I designed and sewed my own wedding dress! For me its a rewarding way of expressing myself.
Growing up modeling was my thing.lol...I did competitions and fashion shows. I was selected to walk the runway in SAFashion week for top designers in Monte Casino including the millennium fashion show at the Durban harbour was the best and a rush since everything was fast pace.
One of the proudest moments of my youth was in 2015, when I became the first person in my entire family to graduate with a BCom in Business Management. That achievement was more than just personal it marked the beginning of a new chapter for my family. I truly believe it helped pave the way for my siblings and cousins, inspiring a culture of education and achievement. Since then, we've celebrated a new graduate almost every three years among both the younger and older generations. For me, it represents more than academic success; it symbolizes breaking generational cycles and creating a legacy of empowerment.
One of my proudest moments from my youth was when I stood up to speak in front of my whole school for the first time. I was nervous, but I faced my fear and delivered my message with confidence. That moment showed me that I was stronger and braver than I thought.
My proudest moment was when I was selected as part of the Netball team for the Regional Finals.
One of my proudest moments has to be when I landed a job at a global corporate - flying around the country - getting to explore our beautiful land and meeting awesome people - all while gaining invaluable experience. It was so significant because it sparked my love for travel and showed me that anything is possible if you just put your trust in God.
Coming first in an art competition at school.
A long time ago my creative work and input was recognized on National Television and Newspaper.
I was part of the Volleyball Team for the Region i also owned my own car.
Before 25, one of my biggest accomplishments was starting my career in a field I’m genuinely passionate about and managing to grow professionally while still figuring out who I am personally. I also had the chance to lead a small project/team early on, which really challenged me and helped build my confidence. It wasn’t anything flashy, but it was a turning point in terms of responsibility and growth.
Started off my early teens years working at a restaurant and pushing myself beyond my limits to attain success, I became a homeowner at 22years of age. Proudest achievement to date.