On October 26, 2024, Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurship Development (YLED) proudly celebrated the graduation of its 2024 cohort, marking a significant milestone as the organisation celebrates its 20th anniversary. Under the theme “Marking Moments: Stronger Together, Mighty Forever,” the event not only honoured the hard work of the 55 learners but also reflected on YLED’s impactful journey of transforming over 20,000 young lives since its inception in 2004.

This year’s graduation celebrated the completion of an intensive eight-month program, where 55 Grade 11 learners from 21 schools displayed remarkable leadership, resilience, and entrepreneurial skills through workshops, hands-on projects, and community engagement. Significantly, 67% of this year’s cohort were female, underscoring YLED’s mission to promote female empowerment in leadership.

Faith Moeletsane, Chairperson of YLED, addressed the graduates with words of wisdom and encouragement:

This milestone represents not just the culmination of your hard work but the beginning of your journey as young leaders. At YLED, we believe in your power to transform not only your future but also the world around you. Remember, ‘Stronger Together, Mighty Forever’—your potential is limitless when you work with purpose and unity.

Mini-Enterprise Success

During the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC), participants developed and managed three successful mini-enterprises, collectively generating over R266,718 in revenue. The top-performing enterprise, Premium Essentials, led by Alessandra Mbesa Kioko, achieved a remarkable profit of R77,245. Reflecting on her success, Alessandra shared,

This experience taught me that with dedication, teamwork, and vision, anything is possible. We were empowered to build a business from scratch, and it was inspiring to see our efforts come to life. YLED has given us more than just entrepreneurial skills—it’s given us confidence in ourselves.

Programme Highlights

• Participants: 55 learners (67% female)
• Schools Represented: 21 schools (14 urban, 7 township)
• Mini-Enterprises Revenue and Profit:
  • Premium Essentials: R146,085
  • Nala Noir: R76,760
  • Ludic Hues: R43,873
• Awards for Excellence
  • Best YLEDer: Alessandra Mbesa Kioko, Abbots College Northcliff
  • Leadership Award: Lesley Payne, Athlone Girls High School
  • Entrepreneurial Spirit Award: Clifford Sikhosana, Kaalfontein Secondary School
  • Resilience Award: Kentse Mebe, Jeppe Girls High School

Faith Moeletsane commended the young female leaders for their achievements:

To see young women leading all three mini-enterprises this year is both inspiring and a testament to the power of female leadership. At YLED, we are committed to breaking barriers and creating a generation of women who are empowered to lead boldly and fearlessly.

Supporting National Development Goals

YLED aligns with South Africa’s National Development Plan, which emphasises youth entrepreneurship as a means to combat high unemployment rates and build economic resilience. By equipping young people with essential business skills and leadership abilities, YLED is actively contributing to a brighter, more sustainable future for South Africa.

A Call for Support
As YLED continues to scale its impact, we call on corporate sponsors, philanthropic individuals, and community partners to support our mission. Your contributions can help YLED extend its reach, particularly to under served township and rural areas, ensuring that more young people across South Africa have access to life-changing opportunities.

Acknowledgments
YLED extends its deepest gratitude to the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) for providing an inspiring space and resources for the program, to BP Printing for high-quality learning materials and branding support, and to our other partners who make this work possible. Special thanks also to our volunteers, facilitators, mentors, and coaches, whose selfless dedication has been instrumental in the success of the 2024 cohort.

Upcoming Events
Looking forward, YLED will continue its work of fostering youth entrepreneurship and leadership through the Entrepreneurship Dialogue on November 23, 2024, and the YLED Give Back Session on November 30, 2024. These events are designed to build on the momentum of this graduation and inspire even more young leaders to create lasting, positive change.