Youth Day reflections from the Change Agents Showcase Summit
Date: 12 June 2026
Location: Investec Auditorium, 100 Grayston Drive, Sandton
At the Change Agents Showcase Summit, hosted by Empowervate, the audience was introduced to a remarkable group of young leaders whose stories challenge many of the assumptions often made about South Africa’s youth.
There was a Grade 7 learner who once struggled to speak up in class and now confidently presents to stakeholders. A former learner from a small North West community who failed Grade 10 but today mentors young people, leads community initiatives, and serves as a Provincial Manager within the Youth Citizens Action Programme (YCAP). A young woman who found purpose through YCAP and is now studying law while helping lead a national youth development organisation. An author and literacy advocate who credits YCAP with giving her the confidence and competencies to pursue opportunities she once thought were beyond her reach. A lecturer who was once considered a troublesome learner by some of his teachers, but today helps shape the next generation of students while serving as YCAP’s National Manager.
Their stories formed the heart of the Change Agents Showcase Summit, where more than 50 stakeholders, educators, researchers, corporate partners, and government representatives gathered to celebrate the long-term impact of youth leadership, active citizenship, and community action.
Representatives from Investec, the Department of Basic Education, UNISA, Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies, DSV, educators, learners, alumni, and community leaders came together to explore a simple but important question:
What becomes possible when young people are trusted to lead?
For Empowervate Founder and CEO Amanda Blankfield-Koseff, the event was a powerful reminder of why YCAP was created nearly two decades ago.
“As we gather during Youth Month, we are reminded that young people have always played an important role in shaping South Africa’s story. Yet despite that, many young people today still feel unheard, disconnected, and uncertain about where they fit into the future of our country. Seventeen years ago, that was the challenge that inspired the creation of YCAP.”
Today, YCAP operates nationally, equipping learners with leadership, critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and active citizenship skills through a structured process that empowers them to identify challenges in their communities and develop sustainable solutions.
But the summit was not focused on programmes or statistics. It focused on people.
Among the speakers were young South Africans whose lives had been transformed through the opportunities, mentorship, and confidence gained through their YCAP journey.
Mbuyiselo Vilakazi, now a television producer, author, ambassador, and former YCAP Support Team member, reflected on the role the programme played in expanding his vision of what was possible.
“YCAP gave me hope to dream beyond the confines of a small rural village in KwaZulu-Natal. It gave me hope of the possibilities open to me for my future.”
For Shadi Emmelda Matjila, now a law student and HR and Administration Manager at Empowervate, the impact was deeply personal.
“YCAP gave me purpose when all else in my life seemed hopeless.”
For Phetogo Tladi, currently a YCAP Provincial Manager, mentor, and student, the transformation was equally profound.
“Through YCAP, I went from the ostracised kid who failed, to a community leader and mentor, tutoring struggling kids and giving back.”
Among the stories shared was that of Thabang Monyeki, now a lecturer and National Manager within YCAP. His journey from learner participant to educator and national youth leader illustrates the programme’s long-term impact and commitment to developing young people beyond their school years. Once viewed as a learner who struggled to fit the mould expected of him, he now helps shape the futures of students while mentoring young leaders across South Africa.
And for Change Agent for Sustainability Award winner Basetsana Confidence Sheane, now an author, literacy advocate, and future educator, the programme provided something many young people desperately need.
“YCAP gave me agency to enter into any situation with confidence and the competencies to succeed.”
The summit also highlighted the role educators play in unlocking potential. Teachers such as Urika Pillay and Siphokazi Gambushe shared how they have witnessed learners grow from shy, uncertain participants into confident leaders capable of engaging stakeholders, leading projects, and creating meaningful change within their communities. One learner-led environmental initiative ultimately progressed from a local community project to representation at the G20 Ministerial Summit in Brazil, demonstrating how local action can have global significance.
These stories are particularly significant in a country where youth unemployment, inequality, school dropout rates, and limited opportunities continue to affect millions of young people.
Yet throughout the summit, a recurring message emerged: Young people are not the problem to be solved. They are part of the solution.
From community literacy initiatives and environmental projects to food security programmes and leadership development, YCAP participants have demonstrated that when young people are empowered to take ownership of challenges, they create meaningful and sustainable impact.
Research presented by UNISA further reinforced the programme’s long-term impact, while discussions with educators and partners highlighted the importance of creating pathways that allow young people to continue developing as leaders beyond their school years.
The summit also served as a reminder that youth development is not simply about preparing young people for the future. It is about recognising the value they bring today.
Whether as active citizens, problem-solvers, innovators, entrepreneurs, mentors, or community leaders, young people play an important role in shaping South Africa’s future.
As the country commemorates Youth Day, the stories shared at the Change Agents Showcase Summit offer a powerful challenge to organisations, institutions, and individuals alike:
What would South Africa look like if more young people were given the opportunity to lead?
Blankfield-Koseff believes the answer is already visible.
“To those joining us for the first time today, I hope you leave inspired not only by what has been achieved but by what is still possible. Because the stories you will hear today are not the exception. They are evidence of what can happen when we invest in young people and walk alongside them on their journey.”
Fifty years after the youth of 1976 demanded a better future, young South Africans continue to show that they are not waiting for change.
They are becoming it.
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.
For media enquiries, interviews, photographs, or additional information:
Amanda Blankfield-Koseff
Founder & CEO
Empowervate
amanda@empowervate.org
079 080 8474
Elrinda Pretorius
Chief Operating Officer
Empowervate
operations@empowervate.org
0832649542
www.empowervate.org