Afrika Tikkun Youth Month Breakfast Sparks Powerful Dialogue on Youth Empowerment and Skills Development

Afrika Tikkun, proud recipient of the 2025 CSI Legacy Award for Best NGO, successfully hosted its highly anticipated Youth Month Breakfast on Thursday, 12 June 2025, at the Uthando Centre in Braampark, Johannesburg. The event united government officials, business leaders, and development sector stakeholders for critical discussions about youth empowerment, skills development, and the future of South Africa’s young people.

The breakfast, themed around youth development and the evolving landscape of essential skills, served as a collaborative platform for reflection and action. A thought-provoking panel discussion brought together experts and change-makers who explored the challenges and opportunities facing young people in today’s economy.

A highlight of the morning was the moving testimonies from Afrika Tikkun alumni, who shared personal stories of transformation made possible through the organisation’s Cradle-to-Career 360° model. These stories underscored the power of holistic youth development and the long-term benefits of investing in young lives.

“This event was more than a conversation; it was a call to action. The key themes are collaboration, skills development, and shifting from employability to actual employment. It’s about aligning efforts to create sustainable opportunities for more young people.”

said Nellie Zembe, Afrika Tikkun’s Head of Monitoring and Evaluation

Zembe highlighted the urgency of addressing youth unemployment, currently at 62.4%, and the need for unified interventions across sectors. She also detailed how Afrika Tikkun’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme—which has reached over 2,000 children—builds a strong foundation for future employability.

“99% of our kids enter Grade 1 ahead of standard. Our after-school programmes—chess, coding, sport—build confidence and academic strength. Last year, 90% of our learners passed matric, and over 50% are now in university. We focus not just on employability but on actual employment.”

Other speakers reinforced this message. Mokgadi Waleng, Client Relationship Manager at Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, noted a positive shift in how corporates engage youth:

“Young people are no longer seen as just beneficiaries but as active contributors. Programmes that transition youth from education to employment are crucial, and we need broader SME and civil society involvement.”

Bongani Ngomane, Acting Head of Department at Gauteng Social Development, shared the department’s focus on aligning social development efforts with business and industrialisation, helping youth see themselves as part of a reindustrialised economy.

For over three decades, Afrika Tikkun has led efforts to break the cycle of poverty by equipping disadvantaged youth with the skills, confidence, and support needed to thrive. As Youth Month continues, the organisation calls on all sectors to join in creating a future where every young person can succeed.

👉 To learn more about Afrika Tikkun’s award-winning Cradle-to-Career 360° model or explore partnership opportunities, visit: Afrika Tikkun.