The only constant is change

by NMCF Youth Leadership Secretariat

Youth Leadership Secretariat and Efeng Bacha Meet & Greet

Background
The Youth Leadership Secretariat (YLS) is a group of passionate youths who aim to leverage Madiba’ values to develop active citizens amongst children and youth, who will drive change in their communities and country. We are embarking on designing innovative interventions and platforms under the NMCF Youth Leadership Programme to educate, develop and support young leaders as they go about transforming their communities and countries. We are thought leaders who wish to lead the way in transforming the narrative imposed on children and youth in South Africa under the slogan, ‘By the youth, For the future’.
Throughout the course of our tenure we wish to assist the Fund with its goal of ‘Changing the way society treats its Children and Youth’ by lobbying and advocating for and with the youth under three main objectives: Promote. Empower. Influence. 
Currently we are undergoing an immersive research and stakeholder engagement process, gathering insights on issues faced by the children and youth of South Africa so as to ensure the suitability and effectiveness of the revitalized Youth Leadership Programme.
 
2020 Highlights
We kicked off the year on a high note and hosted our first ever meet and greet between the YLS and the Efeng Bacha members in early February. 
Efeng Bacha is one of
 the youth structures under the Youth Leadership Programme tasked with identifying and addressing social issues mostly affecting children and youth. 
 The main purpose of the event was to formally introduce the YLS team and the Efeng Bacha advisory board. The event was not only fun; but gave us great insights on the issue’s other members of Efeng Bacha are passionate about. 
This event was instrumental in building relationships between the YLS and the members of Efeng Bacha. Since the event, there has been strengthened interactions and communications between the YLS and members of Efeng Bacha. 
 
YLP 2020 Milestones
Khaya Ramoshayi of Efeng Bacha being interviewed on the day of the SONA at eNCA studios about the perspective of the youth on the SONA. 
 
When asked to comment, Khaya had the following to say:
 
The interview went well despite how little time was allocated as many interviews were scheduled on that particular day. I did however feel like the interview should’ve happened preferable after and with more than one person (interviewee). Highlights in the interview included being asked:

1. What do we expect the President to say during the speech.
2. What urgent matter should be addressed the manifesto.
3. What has been implemented which is addressed in the manifesto.

 
Consequently I’d like to assume awareness on the Children’s Manifesto and the Fund on its own was raised efficiently.
 

• Michelle Nkamankeng of Efeng Bacha receiving and being congratulated by President Ramaphosa for her Ubuntu Youth Diplomacy Award at the Ubuntu Awards for promoting brand SA.
• Zameer Dada of Efeng Bacha launching his book, The Lion of Soweto, about overcoming obstacles and rising as part of the youth of our country.

 
The following is from an excerpt written about the launch:
Media personality and author of “Africa is Open for Business”, Victor Kgomoeswana, was the conversation facilitator for the evening. He questioned Zameer about his motivation for writing the book and tried understanding him better. 
Zameer explained his motivation behind writing the book, “I wanted to create an inspirational story using a character that is relatable to the majority of South Africans. I wanted to show that through hard work, discipline, support and some luck, one can rise and succeed. I hope that it is interesting enough to encourage kids to read”.
Ladies of the YLS and the YLP’s Efeng Bacha attending this year’s SLAY Fest, a full day event of innovation, networking and women empowering and learning from one another, with the special treat of gaining knowledge from various industry powerhouses such as Bonang Matheba. 
 
The ladies from Efeng Bach had the following to say after the event:

• I had a great experience at the event, talking to many women and learning some facts about them was really fun. I’ve learnt to have a clear sense of purpose, to have an authentic voice when it comes to portraying myself or think as a person. I need to reach out to the people I want to learn from (influencers). I shouldn’t let religion issues, lack of informal networks and unconscious bias hold me back from what I want to do. I need to be clear of what I want and stop making excuses as I have to be true to my own potential. (Sihle Masango)
• Slay festival experience was amazing, I have learned how important networking is important. The experience made me to go back and work even more on my business and projects. It was an inspirational environment of meeting people and learning what they do professionally and socially. The event opened me up to feminine power and how possible it is to become more of yourself. Thank you so much for the opportunity. (Kamogelo Khosi)

The YLS continues to work hand in hand with members of the Youth Leadership Programme to create active citizenship and future leaders for South Africa. 

Khaya Ramoshayi SONA interview at eNCA studios:

YLS and Efeng Bacha members attending the women empowerment Slayfest Event