Date: 18 October 2025
Location: Indaba Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre, Fourways
The 16th Annual National Youth Citizens Action Programme (YCAP) Championships, held from 17–19 October 2025, once again brought together South Africa’s most inspiring young changemakers. With 72 students and 18 dedicated teachers from all nine provinces, this year’s finalists embodied YCAP’s 2025 focus: Putting Hope Into Action.
Through their innovation, courage, and collaboration, learners showcased how small actions can spark sustainable change in schools and communities nationwide.
Inspiring Projects and Champions
In the Junior category, Tlhasedi Primary School from the North West claimed first place with their project addressing school uniform inequality. Confronting the stigma and exclusion faced by learners unable to afford full uniforms, the team built a community-driven solution that promoted dignity and inclusivity. They mobilised parents, teachers, and local businesses to donate uniforms, established a sustainable drop-off and distribution system, and mentored younger learners to continue the initiative.
Their project restored a sense of belonging and confidence among learners, proving that empowerment starts with empathy and action.
Second and third place were awarded to:
Second Place: Diazville Primary School (Western Cape) for their outreach project.
Third place: Lydenburg Primary School (Mpumalanga) for their mental health project.
In the Senior category, Florapark Comprehensive High School from Limpopo emerged as national champions with their innovative environmental project, “The Ground is on Diet – Let’s Feed the Dustbins.” The team tackled poor waste management and climate concerns by launching school-wide recycling campaigns, community clean-ups, and tree-planting drives.
Their impact extended beyond environmental restoration; recycling funds were used to purchase sanitary pads for girls experiencing period poverty, linking environmental action with gender equality and education. By uniting climate consciousness and social responsibility, the team showcased how youth can transform their environment while empowering their peers.
Second and third place were awarded to:
Second Place: Rainbow Preparatory Academy (Eastern Cape) for their anti-school-age pregnancy project.
Third place: Sarel Cilliers High School (KwaZulu-Natal) for their mental health project.
Award Highlights:
Best Budget Award
Junior: 1st Tlhasedi Primary School (North West)
Senior: 1st Sidlamafa Secondary School (Mpumalanga)
Best Presentation Award
Junior: 1st Oranje-Oewer Intermediate School (Northern Cape)
Senior: 1st Mmanotshe Moduane Secondary School (North West)
Best Cultural Item Award
Junior: 1st Injabulo Primary School (KwaZulu-Natal)
Senior: 1st Le-Reng Secondary School (Free State)
Celebrating Impact and Partnership
The showcase event on 18 October 2025 was filled with inspiration, talent, and heartfelt gratitude.
Opening remarks were delivered by Empowervate Founder and CEO, Amanda Blankfield-Koseff, followed by Programme Director and Senior MC, Lungi Ngcobo, and Junior MC, Lufezo Tafane.
The audience was introduced to CareerXplora, presented by Tyrol Venturini on behalf of Investec and Pokello Education, and inspired by a keynote address from Mr Likho Bottoman, Director of Social Cohesion and Equity in Education at the Department of Basic Education.
This event celebrated not only outstanding projects but also the partnerships that make YCAP’s national impact possible.
Gratitude in Action
Major Sponsors:
To Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies’ Inspire Programme, Investec and Investec Philanthropies, and AGT Foods Africa; thank you for believing in the power of youth-led change. Your support fuels the dreams, growth, and action of South Africa’s young changemakers.
Partners in Impact:
A heartfelt thank you to our implementation and research partners, the Department of Basic Education and UNISA, and to our generous donors in kind: DSV, LexisNexis, National Flag, Boston City Campus, The Voice Clinic, and Mboma Financial Services.
We also extend deep appreciation to the District and Provincial officials across South Africa, whose tireless efforts ensure that the YCAP programme continues to reach and uplift learners in every corner of the country.
Putting Hope Into Action
This year’s championship reflected YCAP’s enduring commitment to sustainability, social cohesion, and active citizenship. From restoring self-esteem through uniform drives to empowering climate action through recycling, learners demonstrated that real change begins when hope is put into motion.
By applying YCAP’s 10-step project management and values toolkit, participants not only developed practical problem-solving and communication skills but also strengthened their leadership, empathy, and sense of purpose. Each project aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing poverty, education, gender equality, and climate action, proving that the youth of South Africa are powerful catalysts for a more just and sustainable future.
Empowervate’s CEO, Amanda Blankfield-Koseff was also recently awarded the “African Trailblazer” Award at the annual ESG Africa Beyond Awards at the Sandton Convention Centre on 15 October.
Looking Ahead
As Empowervate celebrates another year of impact, we are excited to announce that YCAP 2026 will be launching soon, and that Empowervate and YCAP have been featured in the new Department of Basic Education Life Orientation textbooks for grades 10-12.
“This year’s finalists reminded us that hope is not passive; it’s an action. When young people are empowered to identify problems and create solutions, they redefine what’s possible for our country,” said Amanda Blankfield-Koseff, Founder and CEO of Empowervate Trust.
For more information
Visit www.empowervate.org or follow us on social media @Empowervate to see how YCAP continues to turn ideas into impact.
Contact:
Amanda Blankfield-Koseff
CEO, Empowervate Trust
amanda@empowervate.org | 079 080 8474
About Empowervate
Empowervate is dedicated to youth development through its flagship initiative, the Youth Citizens Action Programme (YCAP), a platform that empowers young people to identify, address, and sustain solutions to challenges in their schools and communities. Through collaboration, mentorship, and innovation, YCAP nurtures active citizens who are building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable South Africa.