Initiative to raise future leaders

WITH the growing vision to raise leaders from disadvantaged communities, Maximum Out-Put Foundation (MOP) has partnered with the Chris Hani Arts & Culture High School in Khayelitsha to host student leadership summits across the Western Cape.

MOP is a non-profit organisation that focuses on youth development through career guidance, leadership summits and motivational speaking.

To close off Youth Month and commemorate July, the month of great leaders such as Nelson Mandela, MOP hosted its first Student Leadership Summit in Khayelitsha.

The founder and chairperson at MOP, Dr Sthembiso Mhlanga, thanked sponsors Reddam House, The Italian Club, Design Press, Mantelli’s and BSS Cleaning.

“The event was a success with a turnout of 35 Grade 9 and 12 learners from Chris Hani Arts and Culture High School.”

Keynote speakers included active agents of change such as Athenkosi Nzala, UCT BSc civil engineering candidate and founder of AfrikaCan; Athi Matinise, UCT career service adviser; and Ntokozo Ngubane, a UCT Honours student in dietetics and chairperson of Obz Square Outreach Committee.

Young professionals – Xhoba Mbiyo, Thanduxolo Tshiba, Unathi Magela and Muzi Mkhwanazi – provided career guidance from their career paths that ranged from law, chartered accountancy, IT and teaching. “In line with our vision of raising leaders who will redress their socio-economic challenges, this year we want to tackle topics such as identity, leadership and sound career choices,” Mhlanga said.

“We are looking for companies to partner with for our next initiative. In KZN we have a leadership programme called Beyond your

Matric Certificates where we host motivational talks, career advising and leadership seminars. We are also planning a Mandela Day outreach in partnership with Ilembe District Municipality.”

IN KZN WE HAVE A PROGRAMME CALLED BEYOND YOUR MATRIC CERTIFICATES