Latest news with #YouthMonth
The Herald
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald
The Herald Youth Day Supplement
Students and young creatives from across Nelson Mandela Bay rose to the challenge in this year's edition of The Herald's Youth Month Art and Creative Writing Competition . Under the theme 'By the Youth, For the Youth,' scholars and university students used poetry, prose, and art to share their stories, express their views, and highlight issues that matter to them. Winning entries have been published in The Herald's Youth Month supplement , which you can view in the PDF below. Thank you to everyone who entered—and congratulations to our talented winners!
The Citizen
7 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
2025 competition to reward SA's top social entrepreneurs
Social entrepreneurs in Gauteng have an exciting opportunity to gain recognition and support for the positive impact they are making in their communities. The Iwisa No.1 Community Champions Competition is back for its third year, celebrating township, rural, and peri-urban small businesses that are tackling some of South Africa's biggest challenges. The 2025 edition of the competition launched online on June 15 during Youth Month, which is fitting, as many inspiring entrants in previous years have been young people leading change in their communities. ALSO READ: Locals invited to enter potjiekos competition fundraiser on March 29 Sibongile Mooko, premier executive, said that addressing issues such as youth unemployment, education inequality, or environmental sustainability, these community heroes are being given a chance to be recognised and rewarded. 'The belief that each of us can do good and bring about change inspired the competition, and that this becomes more powerful when we do it together,' said Mooko. The competition is open to social enterprises operating for more than two years in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Western Cape, and Gauteng. Eligible businesses must address a clear social or environmental need and be financially active. Ten finalists will be selected from each region to attend expert-led pitch workshops before competing in regional finals. Winners could receive funding prizes of R30 000 (first place), R20 000 (second place), and R10 000 (third place) per region. ALSO READ: Applications open for the 2025 Samsung Solve for tomorrow STEM competition Beyond cash prizes, finalists will also benefit from a business bootcamp and three months of dedicated mentorship to help them grow and scale their impact. This year's competition aligns with national development goals and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It targets SMMEs working in sectors including • Food security and nutrition • Education and skills development • Health and well-being • Clean and affordable energy • Circular economy and recycling • Digital and tech innovation. 'Our theme this year is about building stronger communities by enabling those who serve them. We want to spotlight entrepreneurs working in these critical areas and help them grow,' said Mooko. ALSO READ: Local swimmers need support for competition in Italy Applications close on July 31. They must be submitted online via the Iwisa No.1 website When on the page, click the arrow on the right to find the Community Champions competition details. In a world often filled with challenges, this competition brings a wave of hope as it celebrates the unsung champions of our communities – the entrepreneurs, problem-solvers, and doers. If you or someone you know is making a difference, now is the time to be seen, supported, and celebrated. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Career day empowers youth and supports local NPOs
SA communities are filled with young talent eager to be nurtured. However, without the correct support, this potential often goes untapped. Investing in communities, especially disadvantaged ones, creates a ripple effect of positivity that can transcend borders and generations. Michelin hosted a NextGen Leadership Career Day on July 4 at their office to empower youth and community members with valuable insights into the tyre industry, showcasing potential careers at Michelin and creating opportunities to connect with industry professionals. The attendees gained knowledge and guidance to help shape their future careers. ALSO READ: Funda centre celebrates 13 years with career expo for Soweto youth This initiative was held close to Youth Month and as a lead-up to Mandela Day on July 18, when we unite to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela through acts of giving back to their communities. Reflecting its core value of offering everyone a better way forward, Michelin has reinforced its commitment to uplifting communities through its Care-In-Action initiative, which lets Michelin employees nominate local NPOs that align with the company's values, ensuring impactful support in their communities. The initiative selected two NPOs, the Mashup Community Development and the People Matter Foundation, to receive financial support and mentorship. Michelin director Elmarie Roberts said, 'In the spirit of ubuntu, we are passionate about partnering with community organisations to provide opportunities for future generations. This is a heartfelt commitment for us. Michelin cares about giving people a better way forward.' The Mashup Community Development in Westbury tackles social issues like unemployment, substance abuse and gangsterism. With Michelin's support, it has introduced a sewing programme benefiting local women living with disabilities and empowering them with practical skills. ALSO READ: Protea Glen learners explore career expos Chosen for its belief that everyone deserves care and dignity, the People Matter Foundation provides emergency support like water access and food relief. The Care-In-Action initiative is more than a corporate responsibility. It's about supporting communities and organisations making tangible changes in society. Michelin's belief in care, compassion and action continues to drive lasting impact, one community at a time. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
13-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Minister launches R5m youth fund in Mopani
LIMPOPO – Higher Education and Training Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane delivered a powerful address at the 2025 Ministerial Youth Day celebration held at Mopani TVET College's Sir Val Duncan Campus on Friday, June 27. The event was hosted in partnership with Mopani District Municipality (MDM), the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Letaba TVET College, and other stakeholders. In her speech, Nkabane reflected on the legacy of the 1976 Soweto uprising, marking the 49th anniversary of the historic moment when young South Africans rose against an oppressive regime. She paid tribute to the youth who lost their lives during the uprising and emphasised that the mission they began must now be carried forward through education, innovation, and opportunity. 'This is no longer a day of protest, but a day of progress. We commemorate Youth Month with skills, innovation, and opportunity,' said Nkabane. The minister highlighted one of the country's pressing challenges, expressing concern about the rising number of young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), describing it as a national emergency requiring immediate action. Moreover, in a major announcement, she launched a R5 million Youth Enterprise Fund, which is a partnership between NYDA and the MDM. The fund will support young entrepreneurs in starting and growing businesses in the district to foster economic growth, job creation, and youth empowerment. This is more than an investment in the economy. It is an investment in youth agency, dignity, and innovation,' she said. Nkabane also praised the Limpopo province and MEC Ernest Rachoene for signing a memorandum of understanding with all seven TVET colleges in the province. This partnership will promote work-integrated learning, giving students hands-on training and improving their readiness for employment and entrepreneurship. In her address to the youth, the minister offered words of encouragement and reassurance: 'You are not forgotten. You are the most powerful resource this country has. Your energy, creativity, and resilience are unmatched.' She urged young people to believe in themselves and encouraged society to support them in realising their full potential. She also called for a united front against the challenges plaguing the youth, including unemployment, gender-based violence, bullying, and substance abuse in schools. The minister concluded by thanking Mopani and Letaba TVET colleges for their leadership in hosting the event and called for collective action going forward. 'Let us walk forward, not just in memory, but in mission. Together we must rise, together we must build, and together we must empower the future generation,' said Nkabane. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Youth learn to say ‘no' to alcohol through school programme
Youth learn to say 'no' to alcohol through school programme To mark the end of Youth Month, the in collaboration with Altus Sport, held an event for the #NoToU18 alcohol education programme at Thulani Primary School, Zola, on June 30. Speaking to the Urban News, CEO Mokebe Thulo said they were witnessing one of their crucial programme in action, which is run by their partner, Altus Sport, with whom they have worked for several years on their on-the-ground work. 'We are focused on underage drinking and promoting the message of saying 'no' to it. 'We understand that some drivers behind underage drinking include young people often left unsupervised, and factors such as peer pressure and the types of role models they have played a major role. ALSO READ: Green Village hosts youth soccer tournament to uplift Soweto communities 'One of the ways we combat underage drinking is by providing educational and recreational programmes that help them learn and gain the tools to say 'no' to alcohol and peer pressure,' she said. Thulo said the programme teaches young people the importance of taking care of themselves – their minds and bodies – and making the right choices. It also aims to provide a safe space that keeps them busy and off the streets by engaging them in something productive. Altus Sport project manager Samantha Pennells-Ingle said many children today suffer from peer pressure and bullying, making their environment a sad, unsafe space. Most kids are also glued to their phones, focusing on things they should not be, rather than engaging in meaningful activities. ALSO READ: Youth empowerment: 'I am a Reward' shapes future innovators 'The importance of this programme lies in teaching young people about the dangers of substance abuse. 'We also help them learn how to handle bullying and peer pressure, and to realise that there is something greater out there than turning to alcohol. There are many ways to have fun that don't involve drinking,' she said. Thulani Primary School principal Khethinkosi Ntuli told the Urban News that the programme is a good initiative because it gives learners something meaningful to do, especially during school holidays. 'The relationship we have with the and Altus Sport has brought a lot of positive change to our school and the community. 'This programme doesn't benefit only our learners but also involves several other schools that are here today, so we are grateful for this opportunity,' said Ntuli. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
