Good afternoon, Chairperson of YLED NPO, Ms. Faith Moeletsane, YLED NPO leadership, YLED Programme team led by Ms. Thando Zwane, esteemed guests, YLED partners, parents, alumni, and most importantly, the YLED Class of 2024. Today, we come together to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: two decades of YLED, built on a foundation of excellence, empowerment, and transformation. Today, we honor our exceptional graduates and the vision that birthed YLED, a vision founded on necessity, passion, and an unwavering belief in the resilience and brilliance of black excellence.

In these two decades, I have had the privilege of witnessing YLED’s growth into a powerful force for transformation and social change. Standing here, I am not only your keynote speaker or the founder of YLED—I am someone who has walked this journey with many of you. Together, we have faced challenges, celebrated triumphs, and held fast to the dreams that continue to inspire us all.

Today, we honor everyone who believed in this vision, those who stood by us through uncertain times, and those who helped turn this dream into a reality—Frikkie de Villiers, Anneline Nel, Bobo Mpobane, Happy Ralinala, Claire Odgers, Disebo Ramonyadioa, Morris Mthombeni, Solly Mzinyane, Lerato Mahlasela, among others. But above all, we celebrate the young leaders who have become the heart and soul of this movement.

A Personal Journey: From Dream to Legacy

My journey began far from the corporate world, in the small town of Daggakraal, Amersfoort, where dreams were limited, and opportunities felt out of reach. Poverty was my reality, but it shaped my character. It instilled resilience, communication skills, and an unbreakable resolve that one day led to YLED.

As a young child, I worked hard—selling fruit at pension pay points from age 5 to 10 and shining shoes until I turned 18. These early experiences laid the foundation for a greater purpose. By the time I turned 28, I stood at a crossroads. I had managed to overcome the harshest of poverty, completed university, and entered the professional world. But the barriers facing black youth remained stark. Although apartheid had ended, systemic obstacles and poverty of self-belief persisted.

I recognised that academic achievement alone was not enough. Our youth needed confidence, leadership, and an entrepreneurial mindset to build their futures. This realisation became the seed from which YLED would grow—a platform to empower young people to become architects of their destinies.

After high school, I struggled to find a job, but I was determined. I volunteered at Dobsonville Arts Association, teaching drama to children. This gave me access to a computer to build my CV, computer skills, and a phone line to contact employers. Within six months, I secured three corporate opportunities. This experience underscored the power of perseverance and the importance of creating pathways for others to succeed.

Redefining Youth Development

In the early 2000s, the narrative around black youth upliftment largely focused on academics—specifically improving math, science, accounting, and English performance. While crucial, we saw that the issue went beyond grades. It was a crisis of confidence and empowerment. Our youth were graduating with certificates and diplomas but without the leadership, self-belief, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to thrive.

YLED was designed to go beyond academics. From the start, our mission was to empower young people to think beyond societal limitations, equipping them with the skills to create opportunities and lead. Our program was born to help young people see themselves not just as job-seekers but as future leaders, innovators, and builders.

Like one of our young leaders, Zenande, shared in her powerful words during this year’s Mini Enterprise, we need to “ignite our fire, the fire of others, and watch the future flourish.” Zenande, our purpose has indeed been to ignite the spark in each young person and prepare them for a future where they lead change.

Starting in Dobsonville, with a group of volunteers, we offered additional academic support and critical life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and goal-setting. Together, we empowered 30 high school students from Forte, PJ Simelane, and George Khosa High Schools. To our initial volunteers—Percy Mathebula, Pulane Modiha, Mandisa Mavuya, and those like Frikkie de Villiers, who integrated this initiative within Accenture in 2005—thank you for setting the foundation of what has become an unstoppable movement.

Today, South Africa faces a youth unemployment crisis of over 40%. This is a challenging reality, but at YLED, we see opportunity. The South African government has set a vision for 2036, aiming to embed entrepreneurship into our education system. It’s essential for every student to graduate with not only academic qualifications but also entrepreneurial skills. YLED has been part of this vision from the beginning.

The YLED Journey: Ahead of Our Time

Our vision has always been ahead of its time. We believed in training young black people not only as employees but as leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs. And today, I’m proud to say we have nurtured a generation of young people who are not just sitting at the table but building their own tables.

This morning, we heard inspiring stories of YLED alumni making a difference. Mapula Monyela, Class of 2010, is paving the way for women in STEM; Ntsasa Class of 2009, is driving social change through entrepreneurship; and Siyabulela Plaatjie, Class of 2018, served as acting president of the University of Cape Town’s Student Representative Council. These young leaders represent what YLED has always stood for—youth empowered to lead and innovate.

Our Impact: Stories of Success

Over the past two decades, YLED has touched more than 20,000 young lives. 95% of our graduates have pursued higher education, with many going on to earn postgraduate qualifications. Additionally, 98% are now creators of opportunities, entrepreneurs (11%), or leaders across various sectors (95%). And I am particularly proud to say that we have consistently championed women, with 68% of our participants being women who are taking on leadership roles in and beyond YLED.

Today, all three Mini Enterprises are led by young women: Alessandra Kioko (16) of Premium Essentials, Lesley Payne (17) of Nala Noir, and Zenande Jordan (17) of Ludic Hues. Congratulations to Alessandra and her team for setting a new YLED Youth Enterprise Challenge record, generating R140,000 this year—an inspiring achievement.

Let me share a few standout alumni whose journeys inspire us:

1. Thabo Serame (YLED 2008), founder of SleepMonk, is revolutionising the bedding industry.
2. Keagile Makgoba (YLED 2008), Head of Communications for Sub-Saharan Africa at TikTok.
3. Tanya Goromonzi (YLED 2008), an audiologist and joint venture partner at Specsavers in Australia.
4. Keamogetswe Mabeba (YLED 2012), a Chartered Accountant and Audit Manager at PwC UK.
5. Faith Moeletsane (YLED 2008), who now chairs YLED and holds an executive role in HR.
6. Palesa Lepule (YLED 2008), a lawyer advocating for youthled organisations.
7. Asiphe Phosile (YLED 2012), active in politics advocating for youth policies.
8. Tshegofatso Walker (YLED 2006), leading the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention.

These are only a few of the lives transformed by YLED, a legacy we proudly uphold. That of cultivating resilient, adaptable, and forward-thinking leaders who are equipped to contribute positively within their communities, both locally and globally.

The Power of Purpose and Shared Value

To the Class of 2024, you are joining a lineage of leaders who understand that success is most powerful when it is shared. Purpose, aligned with social good, is the very foundation of YLED. Our graduates have shown that we can create lasting impact by integrating shared value into our lives and careers. And today, this responsibility and honor pass to you.

I believe wholeheartedly that purpose is the cornerstone of any meaningful journey. In our world today, success without impact is hollow, and individual gains without shared value are fleeting. The Class of 2024 holds immense potential, and as you step out into the world, your role is not just to be participants, but to be catalysts—leaders who inspire, build, and uplift others in everything you do.

The Counsel: Living a Life of Shared Value

To the Class of 2024, I want to speak directly to you now. You are stepping into a world that is uncertain, yet filled with opportunity. You carry with you the skills and mindset to create a future that is brighter and more inclusive, not just for yourselves but for those who will come after you.

As you leave here today, remember: success gains meaning only when it is shared. Your greatest impact will come when you lift others on your journey. Here is my counsel as you embark on this next chapter:

1. Believe in Your Potential – Within you lies the power to shape the future. Your circumstances don’t define you; your vision, grit, and commitment do. True success is not measured by individual achievement but by the lives you impact along the way.
2. Create Opportunities – Don’t wait for opportunities; be proactive in creating them. Be the innovators and leaders the world needs. Step up, and you’ll inspire others to do the same.
3. Measure Success by Impact – Your success will be best measured not by what you achieve alone but by how you contribute to others. Mentor, empower, and uplift.
4. Lead with Humility – True leaders serve. Remember where you come from, and lead with a heart for community. Your humility will make you a leader others can trust and follow.
5. Stay Resilient – The road won’t always be easy, but resilience will carry you through. Lean on your community and stay true to your purpose. Hardship often fuels the most significant growth.

Integrating Social Good for Personal, Community, and National Benefit

To the parents, leaders, and professionals in this room, I’d like to emphasise this: Integrating social good into your life isn’t merely charity; it’s a strategy for lasting impact. Each one of us has the power to initiate change. Whether you’re a parent, a business leader, or simply a concerned citizen, remember that change begins with intentional actions, however small. Start with causes close to your heart, be it mentorship, supporting local initiatives, or uplifting your community.

For me, my involvement with YLED has been a personal anchor. It strengthened my career, shaped my teaching, and enriched my doctoral research. And I believe that everyone here can find similar purpose by contributing to our community’s growth.

How to Integrate Social Good: A Guide

Drawing from Porter and Kramer’s concept of Creating Shared Value, here is a guide to integrating social good into your life and work

1. Establish a Social Purpose – Identify a cause that resonates with your values, be it education, sustainability, or equity. Make this cause part of your life, and if you’re in a leadership role, inspire your team to embody this purpose as well.
2. Understand Local Needs – Invest time to understand the unique challenges of your community, be it healthcare, education, or the environment. Targeted, informed efforts can drive meaningful change.
3. Measure Your Impact – Track the contributions you make, whether big or small, and reflect on how you can amplify your efforts. This helps align actions with intentions and sustains motivation.
4. Create Supportive Structures – Build habits that reinforce your commitment to social good, like setting personal goals or engaging in community projects. Small, consistent actions create long-term change.
5. Collaborate for Greater Impact – Join hands with others, whether it’s a local nonprofit, community group, or other individuals. Collaboration allows you to pool resources, expand reach, and tackle larger challenges.

Integrating social good is more than what you do; it’s about who you become. As you align your purpose with action, inspire others, and collaborate, you will discover that your contribution, no matter how small, can ignite lasting change.

Conclusion

As we reflect on 20 years of YLED, it’s clear this is only the beginning. Every stride forward, every life touched, is a testament to the vision, resilience, and unwavering commitment of each person who has poured their energy into this movement. YLED’s legacy of empowerment and change lives on in each one of you— the Class of 2024.

You are stepping into a world in need of boldness, compassion, and the kind of relentless pursuit of purpose that defines YLED’s spirit. As you carry the baton forward, remember that true leadership is not just about rising but about lifting as you climb. Create the future you want to see—one that is purposeful, anchored in shared value, and committed to social good.

To everyone here, thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to another 20 years of empowerment, transformation, and building a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

Congratulations, Class of 2024—our future shines brighter because of you.

If you’d like to explore more about this journey, grab a copy of Rising from the Township – Inspiring Stories of South African Entrepreneurs and read the chapter titled “You Should Not Have Turned Out This Way.” My journey with YLED has been transformative, and I hope it inspires you as it has inspired me. Thank you, YLED NPO and the YLED Program team, for the honor of delivering this keynote at such a momentous occasion—your 20th anniversary and this year’s graduation celebration.

As Thandiswa Ndlovu said so powerfully: “May wealth geo-locate you all.”