Komani-born businessman, activist Fuma does it again
The Trailblazers Campaign 2022 by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) of SA seeks to acknowledge and pay special tribute to young South Africans under the age of 35 who are excelling in their line of work against all the odds.
This is a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs who, even during these uncertain times, are actively making a difference in their communities.
Trailblazers are pioneers, innovators, job creators, change agents, lifelong learners, risk takers and pathfinders who show what is possible for other young people.
This year, 20 young people were selected out of a number of nominations received and made it onto the Trailblazers list by the NYDA.
Among them is Komani entrepreneur and activist Masonwabe Fuma. He says he made the list based on the work he does through Sakhulutsha eAfrika, a centre for youth development, local enterprise, advice and research.
Learn more here: www.sakhulutshaeafrika.co.za
Some of the projects he is running are focused on education and entrepreneurship.
“These projects allow young people to view the world more broadly and the opportunities it presents.
“It further enables young people to be creative, open-minded, resilient and to persevere,” Fuma explains.
He says he also enjoys the leadership talks he gives at high schools and tertiary institutions titled: Moulding a 21st Century Young Person: Creating Future Fit-for-Purpose Young People.
“This is a game-changing talk for young people as it touches on the imperative topics that they struggle with in their teenage years, through to varsity and later on transition towards the labour market.”
Fuma also assists the youth to break through mental barriers as the talk carries a message on how one should never succumb to failure and self-doubt.
He says everything he does is aimed at creating a sustainable organisation and one that creates longlasting solutions and a positive impact in their communities.
He is also in talks with businesses to partner with them in their work and requesting that they consider them via their CSI budgets.
“I am humbled by this milestone and recognition.
“It is a result of many years’ commitment and hard work developing, empowering communities and underprivileged young people.
“Winning awards is generally a testament of one’s greatness and that they’re thought leaders and experts in their industries.”
Fuma says, more importantly, the nomination says he is capable and able to compete at a national and continental level, and that Komani youth are a cut above the rest.
He says one can come from a small town such as Komani and be ranked highly nationally – as per his inclusion in the 2022 NYDA Trailblazer of the Year; the 2021 Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young and Eminent South Africans and the 2021 Sunday World Top 100 Unsung Heroes lists as well as continentally – the 2022 Africa Top Forty under 40 Honorary Award for Community Development.
“With a bit of support, encouragement and inspiration here and there, young people of the Chris Hani District can conquer the world,” Fuma enthuses.