08-06-2025
Germiston teen launches initiative to empower girls
Lebohang Ramathibela, a 19-year-old Germiston resident, is passionate about empowering young people—especially girls—through her NPO, the Lebohang Foundation.
Her flagship initiative, Youth Connect, brings together international speakers to discuss social issues affecting young girls and to explore possible solutions.
Ramathibela believes that young people across the globe face similar challenges and that by sharing experiences and ideas, they can become powerful agents of change.
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Using Instagram Live sessions, the foundation tackles pressing topics such as the fear of missing out (FOMO), social media safety, and the struggle to find one's purpose.
Ramathibela's previous programme, Girls Unite, made a meaningful impact by providing young girls with essential items and teaching valuable life skills.
Her passion for philanthropy was sparked through her volunteer work at orphanages, where she witnessed firsthand how much of a difference compassion and support can make.
'Youth Connect is a youth empowerment campaign that aims to uplift the youth of South Africa,' said Ramathibela. '
'As future leaders, we must learn to stand up for ourselves and take ownership of our lives. The purpose of Youth Connect is to address the social challenges we face and to come up with innovative, youth-led solutions.'
She also outlined the upcoming Youth Month sessions:
• June 8: Fear of Missing Out with Reshoketswe Monare
• June 14: Navigating Social Media with Esther Bayeye
• June 16 (Youth Day): Finding Purpose with Thando Shabangu
'These topics are especially important during Youth Month,' said Ramathibela. 'So many young people are struggling to find their purpose or safely navigate social media. We want to show them how to use these platforms to build their personal brand and live intentionally.'
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Outside of her activism, Ramathibela has made waves in the fashion and pageant world. She's walked prestigious runways, including the Hello Polokwane Fashion Show, and served as a host. She's also a semi-finalist in a national pageant, hoping to represent South Africa on the international stage in Portugal.
'Last year, I was supposed to travel to Colombia for an international pageant, but my visa was denied,' she recalled. 'Fashion has always been my passion, so hosting a fashion event was a dream come true. Even though I missed that opportunity, I'm now a semi-finalist in another competition. My dream is still alive, and I'm working hard to make it happen.'
Ramathibela encourages other young people to remain determined and resilient, even when things don't go according to plan.
'Last year, I achieved a lot, but as we celebrate Youth Month, I want young people to remember that their dreams are still within reach. Destiny delayed is not destiny denied. Success requires perseverance.'
Next year, she plans to enroll at the University of Johannesburg, where she will study communications, with the goal of becoming a radio presenter or host.
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Her vibrant background includes active involvement in gymnastics, hockey, netball, and cheerleading during her school years.
Youth Connect has also invited influential youth voices, including Mr Teen Supranational International 2024 (South Africa's representative in Peru); Miss Teen Independent International 2025 (who represented SA in the Philippines); Miss Teen Universe 1st Runner-Up 2024 (finalist in the South African national pageant).
These speakers will share their experiences and offer motivation to other youth during the upcoming sessions, which can be accessed via Instagram at @l_e_b_o_g_a_n_g_.
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