Asavela Peko

Born and raised in Joe Slovo, KwaLanga, Cape Town, Asavela Peko, 33, grew up in an environment that shaped him to be resilient. Amid the challenges of township life, he aspired to become a human rights advocate — a dream not yet realised but one that has fuelled his purpose in community development. As executive director of the Asavela Peko Foundation, he oversees the organisation’s strategic planning, operations, resource management, staff development and public engagement. His role involves building systems for sustainability, managing fundraising initiatives, and ensuring alignment with the advisory board’s vision. Asavela is also a project administrator for the City of Cape Town, mentors NPO leaders and facilitates community-based skills development workshops. He has completed training programmes in project management, leadership and civic engagement. Notable achievements include training 60 young people to sew, creating 63 employment opportunities through after-school programmes, and serving more than 100 000 meals through the Feed a Belly Soup Kitchen. In 2024, he won R10 000 through the National Youth Development Agency pitch competition. Inspired by his mother’s strength and mentors in academia and civil society, Asavela continues to rise above adversity.

• National Diploma in Journalism, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) (*discontinued during the second year)
• Various short courses: N4 Business Management, Northlink College
• Accredited Training: Project Management Fundamentals – Conflict Management – Facilitation Skills – Presentation Skills – Office Administration – Civic Leadership – Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) – Risk Assessment in the Workplace – First Aid Training Level 1 – Basic Firefighting Level  – Project Administration – Conduct Meetings and Minute Taking
• Non-accredited Training: Grant Proposal Writing – Apply Budget Functions – Master Train-the-Trainer – Public Leadership and Innovation – Monitoring and Evaluation – Resource Mobilisation – Fundamentals of Marketing and Branding

Overcoming childhood adversity to become a driver of change remains a defining achievement. Raising two children, Ivakele and Indalo, is a source of deep pride. Recognised by the Cape Peninsula University of Technology for contributions to community development. Opened doors for professionals through education and training, and completed a range of accredited and non-accredited development programmes. The notable projects are:

• Lilitha Innovative Ecosystem – trained 60 NEETs (not in employment, education or training) in sewing: 30 completed an accredited domestic sewing skills programme with a TVET college; 30 completed basic sewing training with CPUT
• PMW After School Programme – created 63 employment opportunities since 2022 through the Social Employment Fund and Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
• Work Integrated Learning Programme, supported one graduate through the initiative
• Indalo Food Garden – trained 17 individuals in organic farming
• Feed a Belly Soup Kitchen – provided over 100,000 meals since 2020, in partnership with civil society organisations, Shoprite SA, The Lunchbox Fund, the Western Cape Department of Social Development, and public and private stakeholders
• National Youth Service Incubator – winner of R10,000 in the NYDA pitch competition, sponsored by the Hollywood Foundation

• Growing up, inspiration came from my mother, Nosipho Peko — a disabled single parent of three — after the family was abandoned by a father who walked away from the responsibilities of the marriage he initiated. Her strength, sacrifice and deep sense of humanity continue to shape my values and sense of purpose
• Abdul Aleem and Raziah Parker – former Cape Peninsula University of Technology lecturers with over 20 years’ experience, known for their selfless leadership and commitment to social justice
• Sureshinee Govender – public relations professional at the Parliament of South Africa
• Frank Julie – veteran leader in the non-profit sector, whose decades of work continue to provide direction and insight
• Khumbulani Zokwe – older brother, lost in 2020, who modelled perseverance and responsibility. Often took on a fatherly role, showing love, motivating hard work and consistently inspiring the pursuit of a better life