2018 marks the 14th anniversary of the Youth Leadership & Entrepreneurship Programme known (YLED). YLED since its inception has been implementing Saturday school model which focused on imparting life, leadership and entrepreneurship skills amongst school youth.
YLED Programme has not only fused on life and entrepreneurship skills but it has also managed to expose the next generation of leaders to corporate spaces, mentorship and given them practical tools which have proven to be important and effective in their lives 4 to 8 years after attending our programmes.
This award-winning programme will leave no stone unturned in its quest to ensure that the grade 11s that come from all walks of life are challenged, empowered and are given back their confidence to navigate life head-on.
YLED help develop young graduates to:[/vc_column_text]
[icon_box border=”0″ title=”Communicate” image=”2190″]Equipping the learners with better and more effective communication skills[/icon_box]
[icon_box border=”0″ title=”Persist” image=”2192″]Encouraging them to persist and embrace failure as an opportunity to learn and grow[/icon_box]
[icon_box border=”0″ title=”Adapt” image=”2193″]Helping them to become flexible and adaptable when facing obstacles[/icon_box]
[icon_box border=”0″ title=”Take risks” image=”2191″]Teach the learners how to take smart, calculated risks that offer rewards[/icon_box]
[icon_box border=”0″ title=”Problem-solve” image=”2195″]Assist them in learning effective problem-solving skills[/icon_box]
[icon_box border=”0″ title=”Search” image=”2194″]Equip them to find opportunities and to look for ways to thrive [/icon_box]
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It is 100 years since the birth of the anti apartheid stalwart, Nelson Mandela, who offered an opportunity to the founder of YLED to pursue a postgraduate degree in the UK through the Nelson Mandela Scholarship.
Upon completing his studies through the Nelson Mandela Scholarship, the founder of YLED, Steven Zwane came back more committed to driving social change by improving the programme and the impact it has on society at large.
To commemorate this Global ICON’s centenary and the impact he has had on the programme, the 2018 Programme theme is based on one of Nelson Mandela’s famous quotes “Sometimes, it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.” – Nelson Mandela.
This year’s programme will be filled with new exciting activities with a special focus on youth advancement. Participants will be part of the free and mobile generation that will seek to make a great impact in the communities that they come from.
YLED’s Presidential Run-Off
A few weeks back YLED’s Youth Self-Leadership (YSL) Top 12 Learners were selected. In this process the learners are divided into Presidential Candidates and their Running Mates, were they compete for their YSL Top 3 Spot to become General Managers of the three companies yet to be established. They had two weeks to prepare their campaigns and they had to go on social media, send Whats App messages and so many other thrilling ways to get votes! The day arrived, the Presidential candidates and their running mates were ready, the environment was tense and it was all systems go! We saw them pitching their incredibly compelling campaigns and the best Presidential Candidates won.
YLED’s Youth Self Leadership Top 3 Leaders
- Mary Bhila
- Tsebo Ramonyalioa
- Yusra Tayob
YLED’s Partnership with Gauteng Government
In the journey of commemorating the #42nd Anniversary of the June 16 1976 march, YLED a youth-led movement advocating for life and entrepreneurial skills of young people, partnered with the Gauteng Government to play a critical role in ensuring that the youth of the Gauteng Province are engaged in the events that took place during youth month. Moreover, we ensured that the youth understands the importance of commemorating youth month and enabling the youth to be aware of the various opportunities out there that they can leverage from.
Great Generation
On 17 June 2018, YLED NPO delivered dialogues that focused on remembering Nelson Mandela and empowering the youth of South Africa to become a #GREATGENERATION. We engaged in three topics.
YLED’s Youth Self Leadership Top 3 Leaders
The awards recognise the achievements and success stories of organisations, enterprises and individuals that are actively demonstrating alignment to the government’s Nine-Point Plan to boost economic growth and achieve the milestones set by the National Development Plan (NDP). The overwhelming number of nominations for the various categories of the awards casts a positive glow on the future of South Africa, and showcases the commitment of both the public and private sector to the NDP. YLED had a double Burrell of nominations with Steven Zwane Chairperson of YLED and Faith Moeletsane for the Drivers of Change Category, setting YLED as one of the leading organizations who are driving the National Development Plan Agenda and taking them country forward.
To that end, on the 14th anniversary of the YLED Programme and 100th year of Nelson Mandela, we’re letting the greatness of this year’s cohort blossom #YLEDGreatGen.
The socio-economic impact created by the existence of the YLED Programme with support from various change agents resonates with the theme ’14 years of letting greatness blossom’.
These are some of the success stories of the YLED programme:
For the last 20 years, young people from all walks of South Africa have experienced the benefit of having a perfect guide at their disposal - YLED! Career guidance, self-awareness skills, and a self-starting attitude have fortified so many of us from our adolescence to adulthood. These lessons we carry even to marriage and further.
– Solomon Savhuli –
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime!” Siyabonga to #YLED for empowering our youth with necessary tools that will impact generations to come and for equipping young people of SA with better knowledge and skills that will help them to create their own path in the world economic space.
– Rita “MaZwane” Zwane –
This guide has acted mother-like: giving birth to driven, dedicated, national champions and trailblazers now spread all over the world. All of these carry the gospel of youth empowerment, and champion the entrepreneurship spirit wherever they plant their roots. While the proverbial 'forest' can be scary to navigate alone, the organisation said to its beneficiaries, “do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will hold on to you and help you.
– Solomon Savhuli –
Over the last 20 years, YLED has been nurturing minds and developing the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders. It is important for organisations to partner and invest in youth entrepreneurship development interventions because they empower young people to solve problems, create jobs, increase their chances of employment and encourage economic participation.
– Tebang Ntsasa –
Through my engagement with YLED, I have witnessed first-hand the transformative power of empowering young individuals to become leaders and entrepreneurs in South Africa. YLED's commitment to fostering the growth and development of young people has opened my eyes to the immense potential and innovative ideas that the youth possess. This experience has highlighted the importance of providing guidance, support, and opportunities for young individuals to thrive and make a positive impact on their communities and the world.
– Claire Odgers –
Thato Kgatlhanye, the founder of Repurpose Schoolbags, showcased her remarkable company that produces school bags made from recycled plastic bags. Her story captivated the cohort, inspiring them with her innovative solution to both environmental and educational challenges. Witnessing Thato's passion, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit left a profound impact on the attendees, instilling a sense of admiration and motivation to make a positive difference in their own pursuits.
– Claire Odgers –
"On the occasion of YLED's 20th anniversary, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the organisation. This milestone is a testament to the remarkable work YLED has done over the years in shaping young leaders and fostering entrepreneurship. Your impact on countless lives is immeasurable, and your contribution to creating a more prosperous and inclusive society in South Africa is truly commendable. Here's to 20 years of inspiring and shaping the leaders of tomorrow!"
– Claire Odgers –
Initially motivated by personal branding, I soon found myself captivated by the youth's thirst for knowledge and the selfless dedication of the facilitators. Witnessing the transformation of our cohort from good to great during graduation ceremonies was truly humbling. YLED, with its unique approach, has empowered generations spanning two decades, equipping them to compete globally and leaving a lasting impact on communities worldwide.
– Bobo Mpobane –
Today, our alumni, spanning over 20 years, stand out in the international community, leaving their mark and supporting the next generation of YLED participants. Their commitment is not just out of loyalty but also belief in a proven model that has enabled them to achieve heights they may not have reached alone. I am forever thankful to be part of this journey and optimistic about the continued impact of YLED on future leaders worldwide.
– Bobo Mpobane –
Through my involvement as a YLED volunteer, I've realised my childhood aspiration of becoming a social worker and gained insights into resilience, self-leadership, and serving others. YLED has empowered me to live my purpose, and I'm proud to contribute to its impactful work in our county and communities. Here's to celebrating 20 years of success and continuing to make meaningful contributions to leadership and entrepreneurship.
– Busisiwe Mkhize –
To-date more than 15 000 learners from over 100 high schools in Gauteng, Limpopo, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal have benefitted from YLED’s efforts. 14 years of transforming and impacting the future of young lives.
