Elite programme mentors seven young EC leaders
SEVEN youths from the Eastern Cape who are doing great things in their communities have been chosen for the Young African Leaders Initiative (Yali) regional leadership programme.
Yali, which was set up by former US President Barack Obama in 2010, seeks to invest in the next generation of African leaders.
The initiative to empower young people between the ages of 25 and 35 through academic coursework, leadership training and networking.
It is already under way at the University of South Africa’s (Unisa) School of Business Leadership in Pretoria.
The seven – Wanda Noguba from Matatiele, Luzuko Mkuzo from Alfred Nzo, Nolitha January from Port Elizabeth, Lazola Makupula from Butterworth, Ncomeka Manentsa from Alice, Sivuyile Mtshemla from Mdantsane and Amanda Charles from Komani – are among 134 youths from the South African Development Community (SADC) region selected for the programme.
After their online applications were successful they went through interviews to be shortlisted.
The youths are attending a fourweek course, which started on September 25 at the university.
It is designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills to become even better leaders.
Each of the selected youths are known for the exceptional work they already do within their communities.
Mtshemla runs a non-profit organisation in Mdantsane called Cater For All, which deals mainly with sensitising and educating people on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex issues.
“In the weeks that I have been here I have already enhanced my knowledge so much, and I have made some amazing contacts that will lead to collaborations with my SADC brothers and sisters.
“In the remaining days we are working on a real-life project for a local NGO that will see our skills being put to the test,” Mtshemla said.
Amanda Charles from Komani, who is passionate about education, works as an intern teacher at an independent high school in the area.
She is also the founder of Ikamva LeAfrika Education Foundation, an organisation working with previously disadvantaged pupils in the Eastern Cape, helping them improve their knowledge of the English language, and running various programmes, one of which assists with being examined in English.
Manentsa, though from Alice, works at the Stutterheim Hospital as a community medical service officer and is pursuing a course in public management and governance with the Yali Southern African region programme.
“I hope this programme will empower me with skills in how to be an authentic and responsible leader.
“I want to help find innovative solutions to the challenges in our health care sectors, especially in the Eastern Cape,” Manentsa said.
The seven say they hope to return to their communities stronger and better leaders, and to do even greater things in their communities. —